HOOVER — Led by a stellar defense, the Mississippi State Bulldogs won eight games in Joe Moorhead’s first season as head coach. The Bulldogs led the nation in total yards allowed (263.8) while also being ranked in the top 10 nationally in multiple categories including passing yards per game, rushing, yards per carry, first downs and scoring defense.
Mississippi State though enters Moorhead’s second season with a ton of question marks. The reason? Because three starters were taken in the first round of the NFL Draft, the entire front four is gone and the Bulldogs must replace a total of seven starters.
“I think the defensive line is where we have to find the most answers the quickest,” Moorhead said Wednesday at SEC Media Days. “We lost all four starters, Montez (Sweat) and Gary, both defensive ends in the draft as well as Jeffery Simmons inside, and Braxton Hoyett signed a contract as well. And we also lost our three primary interior guys to graduation as well.”
Even though the Bulldogs may have plenty of question marks, Moorhead though is optimistic about that side of the ball headed into camp.
“I’m excited for a mix of returning players and influx of young talent, and I think any time you have that number of positions open, it breeds competition and forces everyone to improve and get better,” Moorhead said. “I think that’s where we are heading into the season.”
The defense isn’t the only big question mark for Moorhead.
With the graduation of Nick Fitzgerald, the Bulldogs have to find someone new to run the offense. The front runner is Penn State graduate transfer Tommy Stevens who of course played for Moorhead when he was offensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions.
“Obviously I’ve been exposed to Tommy and coached him for two years at Penn State,” Moorhead said. “I think he or any quarterback that we coach or bring into our system, we want the quarterback to be able to beat you with his brain, his arm and his legs.”
Moorhead further stated, “And I think Tommy is a kid with a lot of physical tools. Strong arm. He can really run. He’s accustomed to the system so he’s going to understand it for the most part coming in. And, you know, I think he brings a lot of talent to the position, and I think the competition is going to be an exciting one. It’s going to make the position better, it’s going to make our offense better, and it’s going to make our team better.”
Moorhead is hoping to have many, if not all, of those questions answered by the team Mississippi State opens the season inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome against the University of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns — a team they bested 56-10. Moorhead expects Billy Napier’s team to be improved.
“I think, like us, it will be year two in the program,” Moorhead said. “I think the coach is going to have his guys, better understanding, getting guys that he’s recruited in. And certainly at the level they performed last year in game one in a unique environment — every game at it point is challenging. We’ll anticipate a great game.”