Mississippi State Bulldogs 2025 Season Preview

Rock Bottom’s in the Rearview — Now What?

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🧠 Key to the Season:

Find a Damn Pass Rush

Last year? Brutal.
Mississippi State had just 10 total sacks across 12 games. That’s not just bad — it’s nonexistent.

Half the time, the defense didn’t generate a single sack. Opposing QBs had picnic blankets in the pocket.

If they can’t start pressuring the quarterback, nothing else matters. Pressure = life. No pressure = another 2-10 punchline.

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💪 Key Player:

Dwight Lewis III, CB (Senior)

NAIA transfer out of Marian University. Big body, 7 career INTs, 58 tackles.

Sounds crazy to say, but he might be the most important defensive back on the roster. Mississippi State’s secondary was shredded last year — Dwight doesn’t need to be a star, but he damn sure better be dependable.

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🔁 Top Transfer In:

Fluff Bothwell, RB (Sophomore)

Yeah, that’s his real name. And he’s legit.

Ran for 13 TDs and averaged 7.5 yards per carry at South Alabama. At 5’10”, 219, he brings low-to-the-ground power and some sneaky hands. Could be a bright spot in an offense still finding itself.

Bonus: Florida State transfer Luke Kromenhoek might take over at QB. If he pops, he’s the long-term play.

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📤 Biggest Transfer Loss:

Brice Pollock, CB (Junior)

9 pass breakups. 48 tackles. One of the few guys who made plays on the back end last year. Gone to Texas Tech. That one stings.

Also lost Kevin Coleman and Mario Craver … not ideal, but the DB room took the biggest hit.

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📆 Key Game:

Arizona State – September 6

This isn’t a rivalry. It’s a gut check.

Last year, Arizona State shoved Mississippi State around 30–23 in Week 2 and the wheels never recovered.

This year, it’s in Starkville. It’s personal. And it’s the first of four straight games against Playoff-caliber rosters. If the Bulldogs lose this one, things might spiral again.

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🔟 Top 10 Bulldogs to Know:

1. Isaac Smith, S – Playmaker. Leader.
2. Blake Shapen, QB – Experienced, but inconsistent.
3. Davon Booth, RB – Underrated weapon.
4. Branden Jennings, EDGE – Has to bring pressure.
5. Fluff Bothwell, RB – Breakout candidate.
6. Seydou Traore, TE – Reliable red zone target.
7. Jalen Smith, LB – Glue in the middle.
8. Red Hibbler, EDGE – Flashes. Needs to finish.
9. Luke Kromenhoek, QB – Future face of the program?
10. Nic Mitchell, LB – Veteran depth.

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📊 Not-So-Fun Stats from 2024:

• First Half Points: Opponents 258 – MSU 153
• Time of Possession: MSU had the ball just 25:41 per game
• Sacks: Opponents had 30 more than MSU. Woof.

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🧨 Unc’s Outlook

This team was unwatchable at times last year.
New coach, new energy, better depth… but not a miracle cure.

Let’s be real — they’ll beat Southern Miss, Alcorn, and NIU. That’s three.

They’ll need to steal one or two from a pool of:

Arizona State, @ Arkansas, @ Florida, Tennessee, Ole Miss

Anything beyond that? Gravy.

But don’t expect a jump to 6-6 just yet. It’ll take one more cycle and some big upsets to sniff a bowl.

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🎯 The Call:

Win Total Projection: 4.5
Predicted Record: 4–8
Progress. Not Payoff. Not Yet.

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🟢 Game Buckets:

Likely Wins:

• Alcorn State
• Northern Illinois
• @ Southern Miss

Toss-Ups (50/50):

• Arizona State
• @ Arkansas
• @ Florida
• Tennessee
• Ole Miss

Likely Losses:

• Georgia
• @ Missouri
• Texas
• @ Texas A&M