Mississippi State Football: Five Thoughts On The 2018 Preseason AP Poll

STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 21: Garrett Johnson #9 of the Kentucky Wildcats catches a pass as Maurice Smitherman #31 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tackles him during the first half of a NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 21: Garrett Johnson #9 of the Kentucky Wildcats catches a pass as Maurice Smitherman #31 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tackles him during the first half of a NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers looks to maneuver by defensive back Brandon Bryant #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers looks to maneuver by defensive back Brandon Bryant #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Mississippi State football was ranked as the No. 18 team in the 2018 preseason AP Poll

The beginning of the 2018 college football season is almost upon us. The Mississippi State football team has high expectations and high standards for itself this year. And rightfully so, MSU has the talent and the coaching to win quite a few games this year.

There’s a ton of optimism around MSU. Last year, the Bulldogs won nine games, the third time they’ve done that in four years, and finished the season as the 19th ranked team in the AP Poll last year.

That’s pretty good for this program.

Now, going into the 2018 season, Mississippi State has officially earned a spot in the preseason AP Poll. That spot is actually higher than MSU’s finishing spot last year, albeit it’s only one number different.

Heading into 2018, Mississippi State is being considered by the AP Poll’s voters as the 18th best team in the country. 

What does that mean? How good is MSU? Which teams are overrated? Let’s go through the poll. I’ve got five thoughts on it right now.