Jeff Lebby expects to have a dominant rushing attack within his wide-open offense, and it was an emphasis this spring to make sure his Bulldogs can punish teams on the ground this fall. Based on the talent he's got in his running back room, there's plenty of reason to believe Mississippi State football will be able to.
Booth and Bothwell form one of the SEC's best running back duos
After struggling to get the run game going early in 2024, State's ball-carriers broke through later in the season. Leading the way was Davon Booth. An explosive transfer from Utah State, Booth led the team with 759 yards and five rushing scores. He was also fantastic out of the backfield with four receiving TDs.
It was thought his eligibility had ended, but thanks to a waiver for former JUCO athletes, Booth earned another year, meaning State gets its top RB for 2025. And he'll be paired along an absolute stud. South Alabama tranfer Fluff Bothwell was State's best get out of the portal. He ran for 832 yards and 13 TDs on 7.5 yards per carry as a true freshman for the Jaguars. Bothwell has a bigger frame and is more of a power back. Between he and Booth, State has a true "thunder and lightning" duo at RB.
Mississippi State has a loaded backfield behind their top rushers
Mississippi State's strength at RB isn't limited to just its top two options. Johnnie Daniels ran for 540 yards and four TDs last season as State's second-leading rusher. Xavier Gayten flashed big play ability as a true freshman and looked outstanding in the spring. And that's not to mention the incredibly talented Seth Davis who is back from injury after missing the entirety of the 2024 season. Assuming Davis has recovered properly and can get back up to speed, there are five capable backs on the roster who you'd feel comfortable starting.
Running back is the best position on the Mississippi State roster by a wide margin
Mississippi State has upgraded nearly every position group on the roster over the course of the offseason, and they are in good spot at a few spots now. But no position on the roster comes close to what State has at RB. Davon Booth and Fluff Bothwell should genuinely be an upper-tier backfield duo, and the options behind them are capable of big things as well. Jeff Lebby should be able to take a running back by committee approach in 2025 and lean on this room offensively.