AuburnUndercover.com's ongoing series on Auburn's opponents in the 2008 season continues today with a look at Mississippi State. Auburn travels to Starkville on Sept. 13.
For three seasons, even as the grumbling of fans grew louder, Sylvester Croom insisted his Mississippi State program was making progress. Finally, in 2007, there was proof.
The Bulldogs, who had won just nine games in Croom’s first three seasons, went 8-5 last season. They beat Auburn, Alabama and Kentucky, all of whom spent at least some time in the national rankings. They beat Ole Miss and won the Liberty Bowl over Central Florida.
“We had several close games the year before and we lost them,” Croom said. “Last year, we had those same several close games and we won them. This is the Southeastern Conference. Games are going to be close. The blowouts back when I was playing in Alabama, the game over a halftime, 35-0, you sit over there and drink water and eat popcorn the rest of the game, those days are over. Games are going to be decided probably by seven points or less and it's going to come down to somebody doing something right or wrong at the end of the game.”
The Bulldogs, Croom said at SEC Media Days, will have more talent and more experience on the field when it comes time to win.
“Hopefully, this year we can start off a lot stronger and a lot faster than we've done as far as the season goes and also at the beginning of games,” Croom said. “That's something we're really going to work on during the course of our two-a-days. If we do have the intangible qualities as our team had last year, with the talent we have, then we have a chance at some point to be a good football team during the course of this season. “
On offense, tailback Anthony Dixon, who gained 1,066 yards and scored 14 touchdowns on 187 carries, is the bellcow. Cornerback Derek Pegues, All-SEC last season, and linebacker Jamar Chaney, second-team All-SEC, lead the defense.
But sophomore quarterback Wesley Carroll could be the difference-maker. He started last season as a third-teamer. He moved into the starting lineup in the fourth game and never left. He threw 137 passes before he had one intercepted, one short of the NCAA freshman record. For the season, he completed 134 of 255 for 1,392 yards and nine touchdowns with seven interceptions.
“You usually don't expect your quarterback in this conference to play until his third year,” Croom said. “This young man played well as a freshman. And I have been amazed at his decision-making. I expect him to be even better this year. We're going to give him more options this year and allow him to make more decisions on the field, which we think will make us a more explosive offense.
“He's a joy to be around. He has pretty much orchestrated our throwing program. The players have responded to his leadership.”
MISSISSIPPI STATE SNAPSHOT
Head coach: Sylvester Croom, 5th season
Last season’s record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC
Offensive starters returning: 6
Defensive starters returning: 7
