http://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-15-teams-rise-2017
Mississippi State
After losing arguably the best player in school history in former quarterback Dak Prescott, it was no surprise Mississippi State took a step back in the win column in 2016. After posting 19 victories from 2014-15, the Bulldogs slipped to 6-7 but still managed to earn a bowl trip, which extended the program’s postseason streak to seven in a row. Coach Dan Mullen’s team is in much better shape for 2017, as quarterback Nick Fitzgerald is a rising star, running back Aeris Williams (720) is back after a strong close to the season, and receiver Donald Gray (17.3 ypc) is a big-play threat on the outside. Replacing standout receiver Fred Ross and offensive linemen Jamaal Clayborn and tackle Justin Senior are the biggest concerns on offense. Improving the defense is an offseason priority for Mullen, but the addition of veteran play-caller Todd Grantham should help this unit take a step forward. Grantham will be busy this offseason as he looks to find replacements for ends A.J. Jefferson and Johnathan Calvin, linebacker Richie Brown and safety Kivon Coman. The schedule features home games against Ole Miss, Kentucky and LSU in conference play.
Mississippi State
