5 dream scenarios for Mississippi State football in 2023

Jan 2, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Austin Williams (85) and teammates honor coach Mike Leach today during the first quarter in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Austin Williams (85) and teammates honor coach Mike Leach today during the first quarter in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Lideatrick "Tulu" Griffin
Jan 2, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin (5) stiff arms Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Tyler Strain (20) during the second half in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Mississippi State’s wide receivers not missing a beat in the new offense would certainly be appreciated

The offensive identity is going to change in some significant ways. That makes sense. Zach Arnett made the choice to move away from Mike Leach’s Air Raid and has brought in Kevin Barbay to move the Bulldogs into a new direction on that side of the ball.

As such, the passing game is also likely going to change in some notable ways.

But it’d sure be wonderful if Mississippi State’s wide receivers were able to execute well, refrain from dropping passes, and could consistently be a threat to make things easier on Rogers, on the running game, and on MSU’s new batch of tight ends.

In an ideal world, guys like Lideatrick “Tulu” Griffin, Jaden Walley, Justin Robinson, and Zavion Thomas (along with others on the roster) were able to step up and help make the departures of Rara Thomas, Dillon Johnson, Caleb Ducking, and Austin Williams less significant or impactful.

It seems plausible that, with as dynamic and explosive as Griffin and Thomas are, that Barbay will find a multitude of ways to get them both touches. Whether that’s sweeps or receptions or some other bizarre sorts of fun, they should get the ball.

And that should (hopefully) put the Bulldogs in positions to succeed next season.