Dan Mullens second season as Mississippi State head football coach was a good one. He led the Bulldogs to a 9-4 campaign, which was punctuated by a 52-14 victory over Michigan in the Gator Bowl.

With 15 starters back, the Bulldogs have an excellent opportunity to go bowling again. An SEC West title, however, may be too much to ask.

Offense: Eight starters return from an offensive unit that ranked fifth in the SEC with 401.3 yards per game last season. Unfortunately, All-American left tackle Derek Sherrod is one of the players who wont be back. That loss alone could keep the Bulldogs from building on last years numbers.

While Mississippi State was in the top half of the league in total offense, it finished 10th in scoring offense with 29.0 points per game. Its lackluster passing game, which ranked ninth in the SEC with 186.5 yards per contest, was a big reason why the offense failed to cash in on many of its opportunities.

Mullen is hoping the passing game will be better in 2011 as starting quarterback Chris Relf prepares for his senior campaign. He threw for 1,789 yards with 13 touchdown passes and six interceptions in 2010.

Led by running back Vic Ballard, who rushed for 968 yards and 19 scores last year, the Bulldogs boasted the second-best rushing attack in the SEC. Stopping him will be priority number one for opposing defenses, which means Relf must be ready to throw the ball with confidence when the box is stacked.

Defense: While Mississippi State ranked just eighth in the league in total defense with 356.9 yards allowed per game, it was very successful in keeping opponents out of the end zone. In fact, the Bulldogs ranked third in the SEC in scoring defense with only 19.9 points allowed per contest.

Red zone stands, and the ability to come up with timely turnovers, helped Mississippi State stay in nearly every game.

The Bulldogs return seven defensive starters, but they will feel the effects of losing their starting linebacker trio. They could also feel the effects of losing coordinator Manny Diaz to Texas. Now, Geoff Collins and Chris Wilson will split duties.

The secondary and defensive lines are experienced, solid units, but the success of the defense will likely depend on how well linebackers like Chris Hughes, Brandon Maye and Cam Lawrence are able to replace last years starters.

Mississippi State only allowed 119.1 rushing yards per game (15th nationally) last season and its linebackers were a big reason why.

Prediction: 4th Place SEC West Mullen appears to be the right man for the job in Starkville as he is laying the foundation for a sustained run of success. However, I believe the Bulldogs will take a small step back in the win column this year while playing in the loaded SEC West division. Alabama and LSU put the hurt on Mississippi State in 2010 and both of these programs will be better this season. A Nov. 19 matchup at Arkansas, who the Bulldogs lost to in overtime last year, could decide who takes third in the West. College football lines makers have listed Mississippi State at 60/1 to win the BCS championship.

Take the books to school this season with the help of Jimmy Boyds expert college football picks!

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