Fans with Bulldogs tickets could not have asked for a more complete game from their team opening weekend, as Mississippi State easily handled Jackson State 56-9 at home in Starkville. While the Tigers are not the same caliber as the SEC teams that the Bulldogs will soon be facing, it had to be an encouraging sign to head coach Dan Mullen and his staff that the team came out looking this strong right out of the gate. With a pivotal matchup with SEC West rival Auburn waiting in Week 2, it was especially important that the Bulldogs came out on top of their game, so they do not show any signs of rust when the Tigers come to town.

State was balanced on offense, with a nearly 50/50 run and pass split between their 395 yards of total offense. New full-time starter Tyler Russell was successful throwing the football, and the talented signal caller completed 15-of-24 passes for 185 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It was a mistake-free, efficient performance from the quarterback Mullen expects to lead his team for the rest of the season. LaDarius Perkins and Derrick Milton formed an effective duo on the ground, as the two combined for over 120 yards and three touchdowns on the ground on just 17 carries.The Bulldogs were sharp defensively as well, limiting Jackson State to just nine points and 265 yards of total offense. State also capitalized on a pair of mistakes by Tigers QB Dedric McDonald, as both Darius Slay and Matthew Wells returned interceptions for touchdowns to help put the game out of reach. In a league full of explosive offenses, it is very helpful to have defenders who are playmakers, and it appears that the Bulldogs do not have to rely solely on CB Johnthan Banks to make impact plays on defense. While it is not clear exactly how State will measure up with the rest of the conference, a win that complete should give the Bulldogs a lot of confidence as the next month of the season unfolds.

3. LaDarius Perkins:

Perkins has huge shoes to fill, as his predecessor Vick Ballard was perhaps the most successful Bulldog last season statistically as he is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL.  Ballard had a 6.2 yards per rush average last season while going over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns while also grabbing 20 passes for one touchdown.  Perkins saw decent time last season but will now be shifted into a much more prominent role as the featured back.  Perkins had over 80 carries for a little over 400 yards rushing and a pair of scores in 2011 and if he wants to, like his counterpart, play in the NFL look for him to bust those numbers wide open this year.

2. Corey Broomfield:

At 5 foot 9, 154 pounds Corey Broomfield is one of the smallest players in the SEC; which is a division that houses some of the biggest college football players in the entire nation.  However, with 4.5 speed Broomfield is quickly becoming one of the SEC’s most daunted defenders.  Last season he had 59 tackles, including 5 for loss and one sack but furthermore he has been one of the gems on a Mississippi State team that has otherwise been not that impressive the past few seasons.  In fact, he even intercepted Arkansas QB (and now New England Patriots back-up) Ryan Mallet twice in the same, displaying that he does not shy away from anyone.  This fearless attitude will likely find Bloomfield in the NFL Draft next season, as he is no doubt the premiere defender on this Mississippi State Bulldogs defense.

1. Gabe Jackson:

It is not the easiest thing to do to name an offensive guard the most important and exciting player to watch, however when you have skills like Gabe Jackson it is equally hard to ignore.  Sure, the number one spot could have gone to the traditional easy choice at QB, however seeing as though the Bulldogs are still searching for their main starter we will go with the teams outright best player.  He has started 26 games in his career for Mississippi State and anchored an offensive line that featured, statistically, one of the nations best runners in Vick Ballard who as previously stated averaged over 6 yards per carry in perhaps the toughest division in the entire FBS.  Jackson will most likely be on whichever side of the line new running back LaDarius Perkins wants to run through seeing as Jackson is notorious for blasting open big running lanes due to his outstanding speed pulling and his explosive strength.  There is no doubt that Gabe Jackson will be a guy we all see playing on Sundays in the near future.

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When you are playing in the toughest division, in the toughest conference, in the entire nation; life can be tough.  This has been the common scenario lately for the Mississippi State Bulldogs as their annual competition includes the likes of Alabama, LSU, Arkansas and Auburn.  The SEC West is undoubtedly the toughest, most talented division in the country featuring 4 of the last 5 BCS national champions (Alabama [2009, 2011], LSU [2007] and Auburn [2010]).  However, Mississippi State remains determined to assert themselves to the level of dominance already attained by division counterparts; and last season was a good start towards that progression.

Led by a two quarterback offense in the 2011 season, Mississippi State finished with a 7-6 record with all of their losses coming in the SEC.  Sophomore Tyler Russell had a very good year throwing for 1,034 yards, completing over 50% of his passes with 8 touchdowns and an impressive 135.1 quarterback rating.  His counterpart is Senior Chris Relf who was a converted tight end and in his first year at the helm performed well.  Relf threw for 1,212 yards and 10 touchdowns; showcasing his overall athleticism and versatility.  It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs get ready for the 2012 season and if they stick with the dual quarterback set or decide to go with one lone starter.

The Mississippi State defense defines gritty, SEC D.  Finishing a phenomenal 16^th overall in the nation in points allowed against last season, the Bulldogs will look to improve on that feat and hopefully break the top ten.

Joining the Bulldogs next season will be freshmen B.J. Hammond, Brandon Wells and De’Vante Scott.  All three appear to be offensive players with Wells being the only question mark being recruited for no specific position but instead under the label athlete.  Hammond should prove to be an outstanding wide receiver and with his great size at 6 foot 3, and could eventually become the Bulldog’s big play weapon on offense.

The schedule for Mississippi State in the 2012 season is not flattering but should prove the true prowess and potential for the future this team has to offer.  Opening up against Jackson State, the Bulldog’s then play Auburn on September 8^th who just edged them in the division standings last season.  The most difficult stretch, perhaps in the entire nation, comes over a 3-week period in which Mississippi State has to go on the road to play defending national champion Alabama then play new SEC opponent and outstanding program Texas A&M just to go to the bayou and play LSU on the road the very next week. 

This should be a fun filled and action packed SEC season, and for the best selection of seats at the best prices purchase from Big Will Tickets and we will see you at the game!