There are many words that could be used to describe Mississippi State’s offense last season, but the best would be disappointing. After averaging 193 rushing yards per game in 2000, the Bulldogs could only manage 128 per game in 2001. This season MSU looks to return to the form shown throughout the 2000 season on the ground. “We have a lot of talent in our running backs this season. With Dontae (Walker) returning and Fred Reid, we have some good running backs coming back,” said Offensive Coordinator Sparky Woods. “And when you have a guy like Justin Griffith on the field, it gives you a lot of confidence.”
The Bulldogs will add some very highly rated players to the backfield this season. Freshmen Jerious Norwood and Nick Turner will make their debut in the maroon and white this season.
“We have some special packages for those two guys,” said Woods. “When you have guys with that kind of speed and ability, you want to get the ball in their hands and let things happen.”
While the Bulldog offense relied on the run in the past, this year’s team might just be the strongest through the air. This will begin with the performance of Kevin Fant. Fant started the final three games of the 2001 season and ended last season as the Bulldogs total offense leader with 151 yards per game. While Fant returns, the key to this season’s passing game for MSU will be the play of the wide receivers. This group showed flashes of brilliance at the end of last season but was inconsistent at the beginning.
The Bulldog receiving corps this season will be the most talented offensive unit on the field. MSU returns starters Justin Jenkins and Terrell Grindle. Backing up those two will be playmakers Ray Ray Bivines and Antonio Hargro. The Bulldogs also have senior Darius Tubbs and freshman Will Prosser who proved dependable during the spring.
Adding to the receivers will be speedy incoming freshmen Brandon Wright and Tee Milons, but also look for other freshmen to end up split out wide.
“I think we are ahead in the passing game this season compared to this time last year,” said Woods. “I don’t look for us to necessarily throw the ball more, but definitely better.”
The Bulldogs have a lot of bright spots coming into this season, but MSU has one big uncertainty. The offensive line returns only one full time starter from last season, and that is if all-SEC candidate Donald Lee at tight end is included.
Donald Tucker, who started the first part of last season at guard, moved to tackle during the Spring and should anchor the left side. Blake Jones, who started at the end of last season, will battle redshirt freshman Chris McNeil for the start at center. David Stewart will start at the right tackle spot, while Michael Allen and Brad Weathers will start at the guards.