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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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Oct 17, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Brandon Holloway (10) carries the ball during the first half against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Brandon Holloway (10) carries the ball during the first half against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Starters

There aren’t any superstars on this Mississippi State team. Rather than relying on Dak Prescott to carry the offense or Will Redmond and Taveze Calhoun to shut down the opponent’s passing game, it’s going to take a team effort just to win enough games to earn a bowl berth. The team effort won’t be without key contributors however.

Offensively, the key is running back Brandon Holloway. With a new quarterback, establishing the run game will be a priority for the Bulldogs early in the season. After struggling last season, Holloway needs to bounce back in 2016. He showed potential as a sophomore, gaining 6.5 yards per carry, but faltered last year, averaging just 4.5.

Holloway’s contributions won’t be limited to running the ball. He’s a solid receiver out of the backfield who provides a safety valve for whoever the QB winds up being. He caught 33 passes last year for 396 yards and five touchdowns. In five games last season, he gained more yards through the air than on the ground. If Mississippi State is going to have any success on offense, Holloway must be a reliable all-purpose back.

On defense, the key is senior inside linebacker Richie Brown. Among returning defenders, Brown led the team with 109 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2015. It’s rare to have an ILB lead returning players in sacks, but it proves just how inexperienced this group is.

It will be up to Brown to run the defense and help ease the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4. With a brand new defensive coaching staff, Brown will need to be a leader and coach on the field. Mississippi State doesn’t have the fire power on offense to be involved in shootouts this season, so it will be up to Brown and the defense to keep the Bulldogs in the game.

Next: Final Prediction

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