Eleventh in a series previewing the 2019 SEC football season
HOOVER, Ala. -- This is a crucible season for second-year Mississippi State Coach Joe Moorhead.
The Pittsburgh native must replace record-setting quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and most of the impact talent off the nation's top statistical defense in 2018.
Coach Joe Moorhead (8-5 in second year at Miss. State, 46-18 in sixth year overall)
Returning starters 12: Offense 6, Defense 3, Specialty 3
Key players RB Kylin Hill, CB Cameron Dantzler, LB Erroll Thompson, LB Leo Lewis, QB Keytaon Thompson
Offensive coordinator Moorhead (second year)
Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop (second year)
SEC championship scenario The Bulldogs should be strong in the running game with an experienced line clearing holes for rising star Kylin Hill, but the passing attack must be better behind projected QB starter Keytaon Thompson or Tommy Stevens.