2021-2022 CFB SEC West preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Mississippi State Bulldogs: SEC West

Mike Leach's Air Raid had difficulties during the first season in the SEC

It was an uninspiring first year for Mike Leach in the SEC West as Mississippi State won only four games and finished second-to-last in the division. After a challenging year for the team with a completely new offensive scheme, can the Bulldogs be a surprise contender in the conference?

Mississippi State finished 4-7 in the first year of the Mike Leach era in 2020. #LATech will travel to Starkville for the season opener on September 4th. What should Bulldog fans expect from Leach's squad in year two? https://t.co/QdeXKvsVF3

— BleedTechBlue (@BleedTechBlue) July 12, 2021

Here's a look at the Mississippi State Bulldogs' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.

---

2021-2022 SEC West Conference preview: Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mississippi State's strengths: The secondary is one of the best in the country with two above-average cornerbacks and solid safeties, a good thing to have in a conference that's trending more and more into passing game dominance. Emmanuel Forbes made a strong impression as a freshman last year, but Martin Emerson is a strong draft prospect following his 11 passes defended in 2020.

Mississippi State fans expect to see more of the Mike Leach magic this season, but as usual, that will depend heavily on what the Bulldogs get from the QB position: https://t.co/ZKN3sq5WF4

— TexAgs (@TexAgs) July 16, 2021

Mississippi State's weaknesses: Last year, the offense's inconsistency was a major plague in the Bulldogs' season, a weird fact considering Leach's resumè. There's reason to believe it will be the same this year as they try to stabilize the quarterback position.

---

Mississippi State key player: Offense

WR Jaden Walley: There wasn't much to be proud of about Miss St's offense last year, but Walley's surge was a rare positive for Mike Leach. As a freshman, he had 718 receiving yards, top 10 within the SEC and the most by any Bulldogs receiver.

Mississippi State v Georgia

Mississippi State key player: Defense

LB Aaron Brule: No player was more active on the Bulldogs' defense last year than Brule, who led the team with 74 tackles. He's entering his senior year and, if Mississippi State wants to field a solid defense, Brule is a huge part of it.

---

2021-2022 Mississippi State schedule:

Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. NC State Wolfpack

Week 3: Saturday, September 18 at Memphis Tigers

Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. LSU Tigers

Week 5: Saturday, October 2 at Texas A&M Aggies

Week 6: Bye week

Week 7: Saturday, October 16 vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Week 8: Saturday, October 23 at Vanderbilt Commodores

Week 9: Saturday, October 30 vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Week 10: Saturday, November 6 at Arkansas Razorbacks

Week 11: Saturday, November 13 at Auburn Tigers

Week 12: Saturday, November 20 vs. Tennessee State Tigers

Week 13: Thursday, November 25 vs. Ole Miss Rebels

---

2021-2022 Mississippi State prediction (8-4 overall, 4-4 SEC)

It honestly feels like Mississippi State could be a surprise package in the SEC West. While they won't be good enough to challenge the likes of Alabama, Texas A&M and LSU, they showed positive signs towards the end of last year and should see Leach's air raid get better results with a year of experience towards football's most challenging conference.