Mississippi State football looks to to turn heads in 2023 after finishing out with nine wins under head coach Mike Leach, who will be replaced by Zach Arnett after his tragic and unexpected passing in December of 2022.
With a veterans-heavy lead team, the Bulldogs could do many things with a talented roster like this one. This is one of the strongest rosters this team has had over recent years, and there's a big possibility to shake up the SEC West.
1. Become a top-10 team.
Each year under quarterback, Will Rogers, MSU has found a way to enter or end the season in the AP Poll top 25. The Bulldogs are out of the top 25 while finishing last year ranked 20. A defense full of veteran talent led by Nathaniel Watson and Jett Johnson, and a quarterback looking to prove himself in Rogers could make this team a top-10 team in the country.
2. Will Rogers will become a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Will Rogers could make the argument for the best quarterback in the SEC. Under the late head coach Mike Leach, Rogers looked to become more comfortable in his playstyle. He has constantly been an accurate passer and keeps his turnover down. While MSU looks to be running the ball more, it is interesting to see how his talent will show in this semi-new offense.
3. Lideatrick "Tulu" Griffin will tie the all-time kickoff return record or break it.
Lideatrick “Tulu” Griffin is amazing to watch when given the chase to return the ball. Named to the All-American Second Team in returning, all you think about is fun. He led the nation in kickoff return average and at 180 pounds, his speed and shiftiness can make him untouchable. Look for him to return it for touchdowns multiple times this season. The record is five, and he has the talent to make it happen.
4. Nathaniel Watson leads not only the SEC, but perhaps the nation in tackles.
Alongside teammate Jett Johnson, Nathaniel Watson led the SEC in tackles last season. Watson finished 25th among other linebackers in the country and looks to get higher on the list. Watson is a veteran player for the Bulldogs who are looking to show why they are talented. He is a hard hitter who looks to push to a possible 1st round draft pick.
5. Nathaniel Watson works his way into the early-round conversation.
This is the last season for the veteran linebacker Nathaniel Watson. In his years at Mississippi State, he has constantly had outstanding numbers and performances. He constantly ranks high in the statistics in the SEC and the country. This previous season, he was only one tackle behind teammate Jett Johnson in their pairing of leading the SEC in tackles. His athletic ability with his IQ has first-round pick potential if he wishes to continue his career in and get him to the show.
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