Mississippi State opens spring practice — and year nine of the Dan Mullen era — on Thursday. Several key position battles will take place this spring, and the Bulldogs will work to get comfortable with new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.
The Bulldogs finished 6-7 in 2016, their first losing season since 2009, but return rising-star quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and have 13 early enrollees, including nine junior college transfers. All nine are expected to make a push for a starting job or places along the two-deep roster.
If the Bulldogs can solidify a few positions this spring, Mississippi State looks poised to again be one of the upper-echelon teams in the SEC West.