Mississippi State football is enjoying a much-needed bye week right in the middle of their season. After six games, the Bulldogs sit at 4-2 (0-2 SEC). They've clearly improved significantly from last season, but how would we grade them at the halfway point of the year?
Grading the Mississippi State Bulldogs offense
State has seen somewhat of a mixed bag offensively. They're still averaging a solid 33.7 points per game, though their total yardage is less impressive at 395.5. At their best, they've been an explosive unit putting points on the board against good Arizona State and Tennessee teams. At their worst, they've gone stagnant for entire halves and had an ugly showing against Texas A&M (albeit while banged up along the line). Fluff Bothwell and the Bulldog run game have impressed. QB Blake Shapen hasn't been his best, but the pass protection in front of him has gotten poor against better pass rushes. We shouldn't let one really bad game at A&M determine the overall grade here, as for the season as a whole, the offense has mostly been fine. But expectations were also higher than "fine", and there have been some concerning moments. Still, we won't grade too harshly just yet.
Grade: B
Grading the Mississippi State Bulldogs defense
The pleasant surprise of the season in Starkville has been the Bulldog defense. State is allowing just 19.8 points and 334.5 yards per game, both of which are good. Sure, the scoring and yardage allowed has gone up considerably in SEC play, but anyone watching those games knows the defense played as well as you could have realistically asked them to. They're certainly not a dominant unit. Teams have largely been able to run on them, they've allowed big passing plays, and they don't generate much pass rush. But they've forced turnovers, have been good in the redzone, and simply find ways to get stops when they're needed. Grading relative to preseason expectations, it's impossible to not come away positive here.
Grade: A
Grading the Mississippi State Bulldogs special teams
Not much stands out when it comes to MSU's special teams. Kyle Ferrie has made 7/8 FG attempts and is perfect on extra points. Anthony Evans III had a few nice punt returns earlier in the season, but otherwise the Bulldogs have been quiet in the return game overall. They've limited returns by opponents on both kickoffs and punts. The punting game itself has been a mixed bag, but that seems to have been figured out with Ethan Pulliam now primarily handling things. Overall, State's been fine with special teams, but they're nothing "special."
Grade: B
Overall grade for Mississippi State football
Overall though six games, Mississippi State has been solid. They've played good defense, and the offense has, mostly, done enough for them to be competitive and win some games. That's oddly opposite of what we expected before the year, but the results still bear out a 4-2 team that's shown that, at their best, they can play with just about anyone. Purely off of record, even with the 0-2 SEC start, that would be enough to give this team an "A" given where they were a year ago. That said, the fact they've not been able to truly play a complete game yet does knock them some. The rough stretches need to be avoided moving forward. But overall, we should be pleased.
Grade: B