Mississippi State Bulldogs

The sophomore quarterback opened the season with a historic performance, throwing for 354 yards and four touchdowns while adding 59 yards and a score on the ground in a 62-13 rout of UL Monroe. Mississippi State's 762 total yards set a program record, and Taylor completed 21 passes in the first half alone. His Heisman pose after a 26-yard touchdown run showed his confidence, and coach Jeff Lebby praised his work from the pocket. With playmakers like Anthony Evans III (seven catches, 118 yards) and transfer Marquis Johnson (three catches, 99 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown), Taylor has the weapons to keep the offense explosive. The key will be whether the offensive line, which was inconsistent last season, can hold up against SEC competition.

Senior kicker Kyle Ferrie is one of the most consistent placekickers in program history, having set the school's all-time career scoring record for a kicker last season. Junior punter Ethan Pulliam, a former two-sport athlete, returns to handle punting duties. The return game has multiple speedy options, including Anthony Evans III, Marquis Johnson, and redshirt freshman Kolin Wilson. In a season where close SEC games could be decided by field position and kicking, Ferrie's reliability and the return threats give Mississippi State an edge in the third phase of the game.

Mississippi State's 62-13 win over UL Monroe was a dominant start, but the Bulldogs face a much stiffer test in Week 2 at Minnesota, who beat Eastern Illinois 59-7 in their opener. The Gophers are a near-even matchup according to the betting market, with a line of Minnesota -1.0. After that, SEC play will bring the real challenges. The Bulldogs won five games last season after winning just two in 2024, and this roster is considered the most talented of the Lebby era. If the offensive line can be adequate and the defense can climb to the middle of the SEC pack, Mississippi State has a chance to improve on last year's record and make some noise in the conference.

Through one game, Mississippi State looks like a team that can score with anyone, thanks to Taylor's dual-threat ability and a deep receiver corps. The defense, however, is still a work in progress, and the offensive line's performance against UL Monroe was not a true test. The Bulldogs' ability to win in the SEC will depend on whether the line can protect Taylor and open holes for running back Fluff Bothwell, who is looking for a fully healthy season after injury derailed his 2025 start. If the defense can generate a consistent pass rush and the secondary holds up, Mississippi State could exceed expectations. If not, the offense may have to win shootouts, which is a risky proposition in the SEC.