Mississippi State Bulldogs 2008 College Football Predictions

Can the Mississippi State Bulldogs build on an eight-win season and a bowl bid in 2008 or will they come crashing back down to earth. With Mississippi State extending Coach Croom's contract through 2011, they must like the direction they're heading. SportsBetting.com has the Mississippi State Bulldogs listed at 25 to 1 odds to win the 2009 BCS Championship. Find out if the Bulldogs can go bowling again in College Football Predictions Expert Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Mississippi State Bulldogs season preview for Point-Spreads.com.

Offense – Croom's West Coast offensive attack is yet to come to life in Starkville, but sophomore QB Wesley Carroll gives him hope. Carroll had his moments as a true freshman and he will be stronger and more knowledgeable of the offense in year two. Losing big-play receiver Tony Burks is going to hurt some, but Jamayel Smith has the making of a top threat. Coaches also feel that junior college transfer Co-Eric Riley should perform much better in his senior campaign. Redshirt freshman running back Robert Elliot was a big time recruit out of high school and now the shifty back will get a chance to shine on Saturdays. Converted safety Wade Bonner gets added to the mix of backs also. Anthony Dixon has already established himself as a power runner and Christian Ducre is a proven backup. As positive as I'm trying to be here, the reality is that the Bulldogs put one of the worst offenses in the nation on the field last season and they will likely still be one of the worst in the SEC.

Defense – Mississippi State made an effort to recruit more speed on defense to contend in a speedy conference and that effort has paid off. Losing All-SEC defensive end Titus Brown will hurt as Tim Bailey and Jimmie Holmes don't figure to be as effective in the spot. Cortez McCraney, who played a lot last year, will take over at the opposite end. Kyle Love and Jessie Bowman are the names to look for on the interior. Middle linebacker Jamar Chaney and weak side backer Dominic Douglas return at the linebacker spots. K.J. Wright will step into the strong side backer position. Derek Pegues is an NFL player and the motor of the defense. He stepped into the free safety spot for the first time in his career last season and came up with five interceptions, returning one to paydirt. With De'Mon Glanton and Keith Fitzhugh with experience at strong safety, the Dogs will have one of the best safety corps in the conference. Jasper O'Quinn and Marcus Washington have experience at corner, but the departure of starter Anthony Johnson hurts State's depth.

Special Teams – I've already mentioned Pegues big play ability in the secondary. The guy is also a great kickoff and punt returner. The kicking game is better than average with senior kicker Adam Carlson and sophomore punter Blake McAdams.

College Football Predictions for the 2008 Mississippi State Bulldogs – 4th in SEC West

Alabama should pass up the Bulldogs this season, but at least you Mississippi State fans should be able to rejoice in finishing ahead of rival Ole Miss. The defense will keep the Dogs in most every game, but lack of offensive production will keep them from beating the elite teams. I'd say bowl bubble right now.

SportsBetting.com has posted football betting odds on various 2008 College Football Predictions:Alabama        
60 – 1
    
Arizona        
100 – 1
    
Arizona St        
100 – 1
    
Arkansas        
100 – 1
    
Auburn        
40 – 1
    
Boise St        
100 – 1
    
Boston College        
100 – 1
    
California        
100 – 1
    
Clemson        
30 – 1
    
Florida        
6 – 1
    
Florida St        
60 – 1
    
Georgia        
6 – 1
    
Georgia Tech        
100 – 1
    
Illinois        
50 – 1
    
Iowa        
100 – 1
    
Kansas        
75 – 1
    
Kansas St        
100 – 1
    
Kentucky        
100 – 1
    
LSU        
12 – 1
    
Louisville        
100 – 1
    
Maryland        
100 – 1
    
Miami FL        
100 – 1
    
Michigan        
30 – 1
    
Michigan St        
100 – 1
    
Missouri        
15 – 1
    
Nebraska        
75 – 1
    
North Carolina        
100 – 1
    
North Carolina St        
100 – 1
    
Notre Dame        
100 – 1
    
Ohio St        
6 – 1
    
Oklahoma        
6 – 1
    
Oklahoma St        
100 – 1
    
Oregon        
100 – 1
    
Oregon St        
100 – 1
    
Penn St        
50 – 1
    
Rutgers        
100 – 1
    
South Carolina        
75 – 1
    
South Florida        
100 – 1
    
Tennessee        
100 – 1
    
Texas        
30 – 1
    
Texas A&M        
100 – 1
    
Texas Tech        
75 – 1
    
UCLA        
75 – 1
    
USC        
3 – 1
    
Virginia        
100 – 1
    
Virginia Tech        
40 – 1
    
Wake Forest        
100 – 1
    
West Virginia        
20 – 1
    
Wisconsin        
50 – 1
    
Field (Any Other Team)        
25 – 1