written by: Dave Hershorin

As far as individual talent and athletics go, MSU is laden with talent and speed on offense. But starting FB Justin Griffin and emerging split end Ray Ray Bivines will prove to be pivotal. Griffin had neck surgery after missing the last part of 2001. His spring has shown marked physical improvement, but when the season starts, his lead blocking and good hands out of the backfield will have to be up to speed for the running game to develop at all. Griffin will fill the running void created by RB Dicenzo Miller's departure. Although a senior with good size and speed, TB Dontae Walker has been too inconsistent, averaging a scant 60 yds/game over his career in Starkville, to be considered a game threat to opposing defensive coordinators. His emergence this year will be tied closely to Griffin's ability to open the field up as a triple threat- as a receiver, a quality ball carrier, and a lead bowling ball. QB Fant only need pick up where he left off after starting the Bulldog's last three games with solid play (he didn't lose the games MSU lost, and his individual play kept them in it often times). Fant is quicker than his predecessor, so look for off-season developments like Sheryll investing more offense in his QB's feet than last year (more roll-outs, a few option calls?).

But WR/SE/PR Ray Ray Bivines is the key offensively, for not only this year but next. He could develop into an impact player as his speed and cutting ability take over defenses. If he plays enough to merit double-coverage, he too will open up the entire offense to its potential. Without Bivines, wide receiver potency is less reliant on speed, more on size. This is a bad trend in the SEC- the past decade has shown both size and speed are needed as corners and safeties have both now, too. Fant will need to find Bivines early and often to establish his speed and make corners play off the line more. After that is proven, any zone coverages will be worried with his breakaway ability and will leave the bigger receivers/tight ends more open, to be used as safer possession outlets. This mix will rely on Bivines, of course. And Bivines even lines up periodically in the backfield, putting defenses even further onto their heels with each down. As you can see, he, Fant, and Griffin will be the keys to better offensive development overall.

The offensive line is full of underclassmen as back-ups, a situation which allows for quick learning yet skeptical results. That means the starters need to stay healthy so the learning curve comes more from poinient substitutions than panicky necessity. This is a quality unit, allowing two sacks per game and punctuating Fant's 155.0 pass efficiency rating over 2001's last 5 games. The offensive line's mobility and footwork will be most important so play-action development doesn't turn into bad Marx brothers outtakes. Otherwise, like last year, it could get ugly.

All of these elements will need to coincide, as a fine ballet of teamwork could put them above other more individually talented teams (like Florida, who can be so inconsistent in certain games, only to be saved by a few Sports Center 'Plays of the Week'-type plays each time to have nearly flawless years, seemingly). The offense needs to be consistent, not potent yet erratic, to help the Bulldogs even consider post-season play.

written by: Dave Hershorin

The defense is looking to prove its two senior corners can change an offense's schemes. If they can keep reliable receivers from establishing themselves, Banks and Wright can keep the focus on the running game. LB Haggan is proven against the run, but conversely will need to keep his eyes open with regards to passing for the defense to gel. It is crucial with MSU's defensive ends (many are converted LBs) being used as possible cover backs. Without their shared ability to tell quickly how given plays are developing, the run-stopping could get ugly. It is obvious play-action and short, over-the-middle routes could exploit these factors further. See, the defense relies on the tried idea of having everyone but the down linemen and corners play varying positions and styles from play to play. This requires a lot of individual ability and teamwork at the same time. It sometimes takes a while for this subtle of an approach to work properly. The defense cannot be offset by early-game failures and must play good second halves, like last year, to be a driving force. Any unit makes mistakes; it is how they will respond to their own shortfalls which will shape any character this defense establishes.

Special teams could prove to contain MSU's biggest hole - placekicking. 50% of their FGs were missed last year by returning starter John Michael Marlin. The Bulldogs lost four games by three points or less, so you do the math. MSU needs to win special teams battles consistently to have any kind of trump card for beating powerhouses Tennessee, Auburn, Oregon and LSU. If they are better than any of these teams by more than 3 points, then this review is debased and an emerging MSU team may even win their SEC half.

The Bulldog defense centers around big Mario Haggan, a two-time NationalChamps.net All-American. - (MSU Sports Information photo)