I still remember the chill that ran through Davis Wade Stadium last November when the final whistle blew on Mississippi State's 2023 season. That 17-7 loss to Ole Miss wasn't just another rivalry game—it felt like the culmination of everything that had gone wrong during a 5-7 campaign that left us outside the postseason for the first time in four years. As someone who's covered this program for over a decade, I've seen our Bulldogs bounce back before, but this offseason feels different somehow, more pivotal. The parallels to what's happening with the Solar Spikers volleyball team aren't lost on me either—both programs facing that critical juncture where one player's emergence could change everything. For the Solar Spikers, it's Genesis turning around their dismal 1-4 start. For Mississippi State football, it's about finding that same catalyst.
Looking at our offensive struggles last season, the numbers tell a sobering story. We averaged just 21.3 points per game in SEC play, ranking us 12th in the conference. Our rushing attack managed only 112 yards per contest, and our third-down conversion rate hovered around a dismal 34%. These aren't just statistics—they're symptoms of an offense that lost its identity. I've been rewatching those games, and what struck me most was how predictable we became in critical situations. Defenses knew exactly what was coming on third-and-medium, and they consistently had answers for our most reliable formations. The offensive line, which returned three starters from 2022, never quite found the cohesion we expected, giving up 28 sacks over the course of the season. That's nearly two and a half times more than Alabama allowed, for context.
What gives me hope, though, is what's happening this spring. I've attended several practices, and the energy is noticeably different. Coach Arnett has made significant changes to his offensive staff, bringing in Kevin Barbay as offensive coordinator from Appalachian State. Barbay's offense at App State averaged 34.9 points per game last season, and early indications suggest he's installing a more versatile scheme that better utilizes our personnel. I'm particularly excited about what this could mean for quarterback Will Rogers, who threw for 3,713 yards but seemed constrained by last year's system. Rogers has looked sharper in spring drills, completing roughly 68% of his passes in the scrimmages I've watched. His decision-making appears quicker, and he's developing better chemistry with his receiving corps, especially with Lideatrick Griffin, who I believe is poised for a breakout season.
The defensive side presents its own challenges and opportunities. We lost six starters from a unit that was actually quite solid last year, ranking fourth in the SEC in total defense. Replacing Emmanuel Forbes at cornerback won't be easy—the guy had 14 interceptions over his career here, including three returned for touchdowns. But what I'm seeing from the younger players gives me reason for optimism. Nathaniel Watson decided to return for his super senior season, which is huge for our linebacker corps. He led the team with 113 tackles last year, and his leadership will be invaluable for developing the next generation of defensive playmakers. Jett Johnson, another returning starter, told me last week that the defense is embracing the underdog mentality that's developed after last season's disappointment.
Recruiting has been another bright spot, despite the losing record. Our 2023 class ranked 25th nationally according to 247Sports, and several of these freshmen could contribute immediately. I'm especially high on receiver Creed Whittemore, who enrolled early and has been turning heads in spring practice. His route-running is already at an SEC level, and he brings a dynamic element to our offense that we've been missing. The coaching staff has also been active in the transfer portal, adding key pieces like Jordan Davis at defensive tackle from Southern Miss. Davis started 11 games last season and recorded 5.5 sacks—exactly the kind of immediate impact we need.
When I look at our schedule for the upcoming season, I see both challenges and opportunities. The non-conference slate is manageable, with games against Southeastern Louisiana, Arizona, and Western Michigan before we host LSU in what could be a season-defining matchup in late September. The road game at Auburn in October worries me—we haven't won there since 2014—but I like our chances in the Egg Bowl at home in November. Realistically, I think this team can get to seven or eight wins if the offense finds its footing early and the young defensive backs develop quickly. That would represent significant progress and get us back to bowl eligibility, which is crucial for maintaining recruiting momentum.
The comparison to the Solar Spikers and Genesis isn't perfect, but it's instructive. Both situations demonstrate how quickly fortunes can change in college sports with the right adjustments and emerging talent. For Mississippi State football, the rebound potential is absolutely there. The foundation is stronger than our record suggested last season, and the changes made during the offseason appear to be addressing our most significant weaknesses. I've followed this program through leaner times than this, and what I'm seeing now reminds me of the building blocks that led to our most successful seasons. The path won't be easy—the SEC West never is—but I'm more confident than the final record from last season might suggest. This team has the pieces to surprise people, and I believe they will.