Every year the national media under-estimates Mississippi State in the offseason. And almost every year, the Bulldogs prove the “experts” wrong.
Sure, Mississippi State only won six games last season, but the Bulldogs have made a habit of outplaying their preseason expectations under Dan Mullen.
Entering his ninth season in Starkville, Mullen has taken the Bulldogs to seven bowl games. The one he missed? The first season, in which State had many opportunities — including against LSU on the goal line — to find a sixth win. Yes, the APR helped State become bowl eligible in 2016, but nonetheless, Mullen has led Mississippi State to seven consecutive postseason appearances.