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Mississippi State 2016 Season Preview: The Post Dak Prescott Era

By Shawn Spencer

Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Mississippi State Bulldogs pose for a picture with the Belk Bowl trophy after defeating the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolfpack 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Mississippi State Bulldogs pose for a picture with the Belk Bowl trophy after defeating the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolfpack 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dak Prescott era at Mississippi State has come to an end. The two-time All-American quarterback, who holds 38 school records, started 33 games for the Bulldogs over the past four seasons. Before turning the page to this year’s team, here’s a look back at Mississippi State’s 2015 season.

As expected, Dan Mullen’s squad cruised through non-conference play, defeating Southern Mississippi, Northwestern State, Troy and Louisiana Tech by an average of 30 points. The problem for the Bulldogs was the SEC schedule. Mississippi State went 4-4 in conference games, with three of those losses coming at home.

The first of those losses occurred early in September to LSU and ended any hopes Mississippi State had of reaching the playoffs. The Bulldogs trailed 21-6 after three quarters, but Dak Prescott brought his team within two before a failed two-point conversion sealed the win for the Tigers. That would be by far the closest loss Mississippi State would suffer in 2015. The other three were all by double digits.

One of the biggest reasons why Mississippi State struggled last season was the poor play of the offensive line. In his first three seasons, Prescott was sacked a total of 30 times. As a senior in 2015, he was sacked 32 times. Over a four-game stretch in November, which included losses to Alabama and Ole Miss, the offensive line allowed 21 sacks. Even with a dual-threat QB, the offensive line prevented the offense from generating any sort of momentum late in the season.

Despite a poor showing to conclude the regular season, Mississippi State did end the year on a high note. In his final collegiate game, Prescott threw for 380 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs to a 51-28 victory over North Carolina State in the Belk Bowl. Will the season-ending win carry any momentum into 2016? Here’s a look at this year’s team, beginning with the coaching staff.

Next: Coaching Staff

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