Bold Mississippi State Predictions for 2015

Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) steps out of the pocket and is chased by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Preston Smith (91) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Bold Mississippi State Prediction #2: Mississippi State’s Defense will lead the league in sacks

We’ve seen the Manny Diaz defense before. While everyone is talking about the type of defense we will see be an unknown for the 2015 season, it simply isn’t true.

Manny Diaz’s philosophy of bend-don’t-break will be in full force. Diaz will send a pass rush from just about every angle you can possibly imagine and create opportunities for his linemen and linebackers to make plays on the opposing quarterbacks.

The Diaz defense had 24 sacks in 2010. The players on that team weren’t as talented as the ones on this team. I know losing Preston Smith and McKinney is a big blow to the defense. It won’t be easy to replace those guys. But the guys on the team still have loads of untapped potential, and Diaz will unleash it this season.

This prediction leads me to my next prediction.

Next: Chris Jones Breaks Loose