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WMD’s Mississippi State Preseason Preview: Defense

By Dakota Knight

Oct 24, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs live mascot bully sits on the sideline during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 42-16. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs live mascot bully sits on the sideline during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 42-16. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian (left) and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon before the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian (left) and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon before the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

WMD’s Thoughts:

After a couple of rough seasons that saw the Dawgs’ D slip to one of the worst in the SEC, this is a critical year. While there are questions at CB, the Dawgs are absolutely loaded everywhere else and have solid depth. And a good pass rush from the front 7, particularly guys like AJ, Calvin, Green, etc. can help those guys at CB more than anything. The good news is State shouldn’t face a really proficient passing attack until mid-October against BYU or November against aTm. That gives those young guys a lot of time to develop before they’re really tested.

I really love our DL depth and S situation. I know a whole lot of people are down on Kivon Coman, but if he’s the worst safety we have, that speaks volumes. Why? Because I think Bryant, Peters & McLaurin could wind up being three of the greats to ever wear maroon and white. And frankly, Coman hasn’t been as bad as some have made him out to be.

I’m interested to see what type of personality Peter Sirmon instills in the D. Hopefully it will be an aggressive one. State needs to get back to being the biggest bully on the block and that starts with being physical and nasty on D. Stopping the run will be crucial this season, as the schedule will feature only 3-4 teams who will be very good at throwing the football.

I think the D is going to be a pleasant surprise this season. To be honest, I’m much more worried about the offense. But we’ll discuss that tomorrow.

Questions and comments are welcome. Fire in the hole!

WMD

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