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Mississippi State football: Cole Smith earns spot on 2023 Rimington Trophy Watch List

By Ethan Lee

Oct 1, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Cole Smith (57) carries quarterback Will Rogers (2) after the victory against Texas A&M Aggies at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Cole Smith (57) carries quarterback Will Rogers (2) after the victory against Texas A&M Aggies at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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As Kevin Barbay changes the offense for the 2023 Mississippi State football season, he’ll have a center worthy of being on the 2023 Rimington Trophy Watch List.

Mississippi State football is about to face a ton of changes with its offense, but there’s one talented member of the offensive line who could help make things a bit easier. And it looks like Mississippi State football fans aren’t the only ones aware of Cole Smith and all that he brings to the table.

The Rimington Trophy, which is presented to the best center in all of college football each and every year, has decided to put the starting center for the 2023 Mississippi State football team on its preseason watch list.

That’s a pretty respectable honor to get as Smith is now entering into his senior season with the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State football: Rimington Trophy puts Cole Smith on 2023 preseason watch list

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As Smith heads into his senior season in Starkville, he’s got an abundance of experience that sets the Bulldogs up in a pretty good way. Smith started all 13 games a season ago and has made 28 starts while appearing in 38 different Mississippi State football games.

Smith was key in anchoring the MSU offensive line as the Bulldogs ran the Air Raid under Mike Leach. A season ago, Last season, Smith allowed a single sack during 694 pass-blocking snaps, according to Mississippi State’s press release.

While the Bulldogs are moving away from the Air Raid, it stands to reason that Smith will be instrumental in helping guide the Bulldogs forward. Having a center of this caliber can help establish Mississippi State’s offensive line as a strength rather than a weakness.

And given how good opposing SEC defenses can be, having a strong offensive line is pretty important for the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State Bulldogs fans will have their first chance to watch Zach Arnett, Cole Smith, and the Bulldogs when MSU faces off against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on September 2 at 3 p.m.

Next. Mississippi State football: 5 toughest games in 2023. dark

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