MWN Mailbag: Homecoming Edition

Sep 19, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs live mascot Bully XXI (Jak) is seen before the game against the Northwestern State Demons at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 62-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Can you believe that half of the 2015 college football season is officially in the books? Why does it seem to take so long to get here, but it goes by so quickly once it does?

The start of the second half of the season gives Mississippi State fans the opportunity to look forward to Homecoming. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs come to Starkville looking to rain on the Bulldogs proverbial parade.

But as the week draws closer to an end, you guys are always so faithful to send questions to the site. It often makes me think of things in a way I never would have looked at them had you not asked. And there are times when I would have rather never thought of things in a certain way, but I digress.

So let’s not waste any more time. Time to crack open the MWN Mailbag and see what goodies await.

To the questions!

If what you mean by talent is unproven potential then the obvious answer is never. In previous years, the quarterback was often just a guy, and when they graduated or left the program, it was just another guy taking their spot. There is one highly accomplished proven talent on the team, and there are two more players with the potential to pick right up where Dak Prescott leaves off next season.

I worded it the way I did because I am a little concerned Mississippi State fans could become the 2016 version of Auburn fans. Some of our fan base is starting to get a little carried away with their evaluations of Fitzgerald and Staley. The way some talk, it is beginning to sound like some of us believe these guys are 100% locks to be just as good, if not better than Dak Prescott was in his time at Mississippi State.

I certainly believe both quarterbacks are capable of doing very well once they are given the opportunity to contribute on a regular basis. But I am in no means confident enough based on spot performances against Northwestern State and Troy willing to say that is automatic. Auburn fans are learning that very difficult lesson this season in regards to Jeremy Johnson.

Should you be excited about the potential the Bulldogs have at quarterback in the coming years? Absolutely. Just don’t go down the road where you’re already convinced  they’ll both be stars before they graduate.

Yeah, Mississippi State has struggled with Louisiana Tech before. And because we have, I’m probably more concerned with this game than I should be.

I don’t know enough about Louisiana Tech’s team to give you a really good answer on specific matchups that concern me. There is one area which has me greatly concerned.

Manny Diaz was the defensive coordinator for the other Bulldogs last season. There won’t be a team we play this season that is more familiar with what Diaz wants to do on defense than Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs should still win easily, but if you’re looking for the game that stays way closer than it should, this is the best candidate. And the fact Louisiana Tech will be very familiar with the defense Mississippi State throws at them, it gives me even greater cause for concern.

Taking a little break from Mississippi State based questions and looking else where. I like it.

1. Utah – The Utes have to go here because they have played as well as anyone in the country, and their win over Michigan is looking better and better with every passing week.
2. Florida – Can they stay here without Will Grier? Probably not. And they may get knocked out after their game this weekend against LSU, but this is a current top 4 based on what teams have done so far. And so far, Florida has done almost as much as anyone else in the country, so they’re number 2 for me as of right now.
3. Baylor – Baylor is demolishing everyone they play. How much of it is a reflection of a pretty soft schedule? Don’t know yet, but we will soon find out as their schedule starts to get a little bit stronger in the upcoming weeks.
4. Texas A&M – Will they be here at season’s end? If they beat Alabama this week, I say yes. If they don’t, then probably not.

Thanks for the questions!

Next: Evaluating Mississippi State at the Halfway Point