Mississippi State SEC Media Days Preview
Jul 14, 2014; Hoover, AL, USA; SEC commissioner Mike Slive talks to the media during the SEC Football Media Days at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The first real sign that college football is just around the corner, SEC Media Days are here. Tuesday is when the Mississippi State Bulldogs take center stage in Hoover, AL. Here is all you need to know.
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Television: SEC Network
Bulldogs Involved: Head Coach Dan Mullen, QB Dak Prescott, DE Ryan Brown, and DB Taveze Calhoun
For three hours today during SEC Media Days, the media will have those four Bulldogs at their disposal. Here is what you can probably expect from each person’s time with the media.
Taveze Calhoun
- Secondary Concerns – The secondary was the weak link to the team last year. How will the Bulldogs correct some of their mistakes in the secondary will be a hot topic.
- Jamal Peters – Mississippi State signed one of the top safeties in the country, and considering the Bulldogs had so many big plays against them in the secondary, expect Calhoun to be asked about how much Peters will be involved in 2015.
Ryan Brown
- Replacing Preston Smith – Preston Smith was a beast on the defensive line last season. Losing him to the NFL is a blow the coaching staff has to learn how to handle an quickly. Brown is going to be needed to step up in 2015.
- Chris Jones – Brown might be the player from the defensive line going to SEC Media Days, but Chris Jones is the biggest name on the defensive front for the Bulldogs. Brown is probably going to field a lot of questions about Jones, and the impact he will have in 2015.
Dak Prescott
- Panama City – The unfortunate incident during Spring Break was the big story in the offseason for the Bulldogs. Dak will be needled for more details about the incident we may not have heard.
- Heisman Chances – It’s well documented Dak Prescott finished higher than any other Bulldog in the Heisman voting. People will ask if he thinks he can improve upon that finish in 2015.
- Pro Prospects – One of the story lines which will evolve throughout the season will be the ability for Dak Prescott to play at the next level. I’m sure it is going to come up at some point today.
Dan Mullen
- Finebaum – Mullen had a lot to say to Paul Finebaum already, and I expect him to continue to be asked about those statements on Tuesday.
- Disprespect – The Bulldogs are almost universally predicted to finish last in the SEC West. The media will be dying to get a soundbite from Mullen about their chances to finish higher than last.
- Staying at State – Most everyone outside of Starkville had Mullen pegged to leave Mississippi State after the team experienced one of the best seasons in school history. Why he stayed will be something many want to know.
- Something about “The School Up North” – Mullen always has something to say, whether it is a veiled comment or a direct one about the most hated team by Mississippi State fans. I don’t expect this year to be any different.
Football isn’t here yet, but SEC Media Days means it’s just a little bit closer.