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Mississippi State Basketball Receives No. 8 Ranking from ESPN

By Ethan Lee

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 30: Head coach Vic Schaefer of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs speaks to his team against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half in the semifinals of the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four at Nationwide Arena on March 30, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. The Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs defeated the Louisville Cardinals 73-63. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 30: Head coach Vic Schaefer of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs speaks to his team against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half in the semifinals of the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four at Nationwide Arena on March 30, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. The Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs defeated the Louisville Cardinals 73-63. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Mississippi State Basketball Is Highly Regarded by ESPN’s Way Too Early Rankings

Vic Schaefer and his Mississippi State basketball team are losing a lot this offseason. But, the Bulldogs have built an incredible foundation for the future. Because of that foundation and what MSU is adding, ESPN is pretty high on how good the women’s basketball team can be during the 2018-2019 season.

Right now, according to Charlie Creme of ESPN, Mississippi State should be the 8th ranked team heading into next year. Notre Dame, winner of the national title, came in as the top ranked team overall.

Behind the Fighting Irish came Oregon at No. 2, Baylor, UConn, Louisville, Stanford, Maryland, and then Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs are the highest ranked SEC team on the list. As a matter of fact, there are six teams from the Southeastern Conference team ranked here by Creme. Tennessee is No. 9, Missouri is ranked No. 11, Georgia at No. 13, South Carolina comes in at No. 15, and then Texas A&M comes in at No. 22.

Mississippi State basketball will have to find a way to replace the winningest group of seniors in school history. Victoria Vivians, Morgan William, Blair Schaefer, and Roshunda Johnson leave as the most successful group to walk around Starkville, Mississippi for any sport ever. But, Teaira McCowan will be back. Plus, Mississippi State has recruited well enough that the Bulldogs have a wealth of talent.

Next: What Will Next Year Hold For Mississippi State Basketball?

Vic Schaefer has a tough challenge ahead of him. But, he can certainly clear this hurdle. There’s no reason to doubt his ability to keep MSU moving forward. Schaefer has created a team that can contend for championships. His program is being recognized for it.

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