Anonymous SEC Coach Rips Mississippi State's Defense in Honest Assessment

After a two-win season in 2024, Mississippi State is looking to improve in Jeff Lebby's second season in Starkville. There wasn't much to brag about for the Bulldogs. It was one of the worst seasons in modern history for MSU and the program still has a ways to go in the SEC. On top of that, the transfer portal hasn't been kind to them.

One anonymous conference coach shared his thoughts about Mississippi State's outlook in 2025. As you can expect, it wasn't a glowing review but there were a few bright spots.

"When [Blake] Shapen was healthy last season the offense wasn't bad at all," the SEC coach told Athlon Sports' staff for the 2025 College Football preview. "He knows how to run that system. This was a thin roster to start with, and then they were hit hard in the portal. Their biggest weakness outside of the defense is receiver, but they've portaled some guys who will start on the line right away. I think they'Il improve on offense this season.

"The defense is legitimately bad. This is the ultimate line-of-scrimmage league, and they were the worst defensive line we saw last season. I think every one of their starters will be portaled, and some of those guys are very good, but even if they take that next step in the offensive system, the defensive front and run game defense have to improve dramatically. You don't have that in this league and you're dead."

Mississippi State needs to find a way to break the bowl-less streak, which stands at three straight seasons. However, don't expect that to happen in 2025.

Lebby is putting down his roots in the SEC. His first head coaching gig will be trial and error, but there needs to be time for improvements. The Bulldogs need more talent on both sides of the ball with luck on the recruiting trail and transfer portal.