5 nightmare scenarios for Mississippi State football in 2023

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - NOVEMBER 06: Will Rogers #2 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball in the second half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Bulldogs 31-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - NOVEMBER 06: Will Rogers #2 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball in the second half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Bulldogs 31-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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While Mississippi State football just won nine games in 2022, a number of changes could complicate things for 2023. Should Bulldogs fans be concerned?

With the 2023 college football season right around the corner, it’s worth noting how Mississippi State football fans are in an interesting place of having plenty of reason for both optimism and concern.

With the tragic passing of Mike Leach forcing monumental changes in Starkville, first time head coach (and previous MSU defensive coordinator) Zach Arnett and his coaching staff are looking to build upon what Leach established during his three seasons as the head coach at State.

Arnett guided MSU through a tumultuous offseason and his defense was instrumental in helping the Bulldogs to a 9-4 season in 2022. His presence helped the Bulldogs beat a respectable Illinois Fighting Illini team in a bizarre bowl game.

However, there are a few nightmare scenarios that could derail what looks to be a promising season.

5 nightmare scenarios for Mississippi State football in 2023

While there was a lot retained from the 2022 Mississippi State football team and coaching staff, there are still notable adjustments that are taking place (a new offensive coordinator, several new position coaches, some high profile transfers taking place both in and out of Starkville).

With so much change on the team and the coaching staff (and a brand new offense being installed), it’s hard to get a feel for exactly what the Bulldogs will look like this season.

And while we’ve looked at the dream scenarios for the Bulldogs in 2023, we should take a look at some nightmare scenarios for this coming season as well.