Untamed Youth

Mississippi State (’98: 8-5, 6-2 SEC)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:34 PM

The Plot

Jackie Sherrill wants Mississippi State to build off the memory of the Bulldogs' stunning SEC West title from a season ago. Most of his '98 starters are a memory as well. The Bulldogs have 14 positions to fill in '99, including nine on offense. However, all is not lost for MSU. The Bulldogs have a favorable schedule in which the first six games are winnable.

The Director

Jackie Sherrill -- ninth season, 49-42-2; 154-87-4 overall

Ensemble cast

QB Wayne Madkin -- Took the Bulldogs to the SEC title game as a freshman. That's priceless experience.
OT Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack -- Odd nickname aside, Womack is the only other returning offensive starter. He's also the, uh, meat of the Bulldogs' line. On a related swine note, MSU has a starting safety named "Pig" as well.
CB Robert Bean -- Bean tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions, including his 70-yard touchdown return in the SEC Championship Game against Tennessee.
LB Barrin Simpson -- Has 186 tackles in the last two seasons.

And introducing

RB Dontae Walker -- The nation's most highly sought after tailback elected to stay home in Mississippi. He'll have to beat out Chris Rainey for the job, but he's talented enough to make an impact as a true freshman.

Why it will work

The young offense has time to jell before the schedule gets serious with an Oct. 23 tilt with LSU in Starkville. The Bulldogs also avoid both Tennessee and Florida, unlike their SEC West rivals.

Why it won't

Walker doesn't live up to the hype, thanks in part to the inexperienced offensive line.

Our critics' review

***

 

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