Mississippi State football: Predictions for the Bulldog defense in 2024

Mississippi State football is just a few days away from the start of the 2024 season. The Bulldogs will usher in a new era under HC Jeff Lebby. Maroon and White Nation contributors Chase Brumfield, Reed Green, and Andrew Miller answered several questions to give their takes on MSU entering the year.

First, we got their opinions of the Bulldog offense. But what about their takes on the Bulldog defense?

Previewing the Mississippi State football defense

Jeff Lebby hired Coleman Hutzler to run the Bulldog defense. Hutzler is largely an unknown given that he’s a first-time play-caller. We don’t know exactly what scheme he intends to run or what style of defense we’ll see. What are your thoughts on Hutzler as the MSU defensive coordinator? 

Chase: I'm a bit unsure about Coleman Hutzler running the defense. Being a first-time play caller for a team that needs strong defense is a tough challenge for Hutzler. The Bulldogs can't afford to repeat last year's defensive struggles, especially with opponents eager to exploit any weaknesses.

Reed: I think Hutzler can be a good coordinator, but I am cautious about my expectations from him. He is a first-time play-caller, and there will be growing pains this season. If State’s defense is similar to how they were at the end of last season, then I’d believe he would have surpassed my expectations.

Andrew: I've got real questions about Hutzler. I was underwhelmed with the hire, as he just doesn't have a track record to show he's ready for this role. That's not to say he's incapable, but I'll need to see it first.

State has traditionally played solid to good defense regardless of the overall team quality. However, the defenses that have played opposite an offense like Lebby’s have frequently struggled. Which of those trends do you see as more likely to continue this year? 

Chase: If I had to choose between the two, State playing solid to good defense is more likely this season. 

Reed: I think State will trend towards having a better defense. I expected the defense to struggle as a whole under Leach which was true to an extent with previous teams he coached. However, Leach’s defenses outperformed what I thought they would be, and I think that continues under Lebby and Hutzler.

Andrew: I'm going with the trend of a struggling defense opposite this high-powered offense. I question the talent level of this unit, and adding in the fact that they'll be asked to be on the field a lot more now doesn't seem like it equates to good results.

What are you most optimistic about in the Bulldog defense?

Chase: I am most optimistic that the Bulldog defense will be more physical this season than last season. Too many times MSU’s opponents were able to move the ball down the field, even sometimes with ease. 

Reed: I am most optimistic about the linebacker position. Stone Blanton returns to Mississippi, and I do not think he’ll replicate the production that Jett Johnson and Bookie Watson had. However, I do think he is a really good replacement, and he will surprise people around the SEC.

Andrew: I too like the LB room. There seems to be good depth there and enough quality options to give State something to build around on defense.

What are you most concerned about in the Bulldog defense?

Chase: My main concern is that the Bulldog defense might make too many mistakes. With a new system in place, it could take time for the players to learn their assignments, giving opposing offenses opportunities to exploit any weaknesses.

Reed: I am most concerned with the defensive backs. They do have some pieces there, but many are inexperienced in their roles. They are going to have to improve on last season especially since their first conference game is against Graham Mertz, Trey Wilson and the Florida Gators.

Andrew: Cornerback seems to be a red flag. State's rolling with a pair of young guys on the outside who are talented but will definitely be thrown into the fire a bit given the quality of offenses they'll face.

Who do you expect to be the MVP of the Mississippi State defense this year?

Chase: I think Coleman Hutzler will be the MVP of Mississippi State’s defense this year. As the defensive coordinator, he needs to guide his players effectively. The defense will struggle if Hutzler can't implement the right schemes this season.

Reed: I predict that Stone Blanton will be the MVP. If he is able to fill the void successfully left by Watson and Johnson, I think he will have successful season.

Andrew: Safety Isaac Smith could be in for a huge year. I think he'll be asked to clean things up on the backend frequently and could also play a factor in run defense. He's one of the most talented players on the roster and will show that this fall.

Who do you expect to have a breakout season for the Mississippi State defense this year?

Chase: I expect the defensive line for State to have a breakout year. 

Reed: I predict Isaac Smith to have a breakout season. He was highly-touted coming out of high school, and I think we get to see how good of a player he can be this season.

Andrew: This has been my guy ever since the spring game. LB Branden Jennings. The JUCO-transfer looked awesome in the spring and is challenging for a starting job. He looks to be a fantastic pass rusher, and I think he leads this team in sacks.

A top half of the league finish is probably too much to ask of the State defense. Can they avoid being a bottom-five unit in the SEC? 

Chase: State is likely to avoid being a bottom-five unit in the SEC. To achieve this, they need to keep the defense as simple as possible. With a new system in place, taking gradual steps is essential rather than aggressively challenging opponents’ offenses.

Reed: I think they can be avoid being a bottom-five unit in the league, and if they are, they will be somewhere around tenth. I think they’ll hover between 10th to 13th all season.

Andrew: I like a few individual players and could see this team fielding a solid run defense with some of the pieces they have, but I have big concerns with the pass defense. Considering the schedule they face and factoring in the impact of State's own offense, and I expect this defense to finish towards the bottom of the SEC.