SEC Power Rankings: Sail on pirate
2022 Record: 9-4
2023 FPI Rating: 7.8
ESPN Win Projection: 6
Draft Kings Win Projection: 6.5
Best Recruiting Class Last Four Years: 26th (2022)
Transfer Portal: 11th in SEC
Mississippi State fans probably have the biggest right to complain about their power ranking heading into 2023. Following a 9-4 season, it is harsh the peg the Bulldogs as low as we have them.
But none of the metrics seem to think that Mississippi State will recapture its magic from last season. Their roster just isn’t as talented up and down the board, they didn’t grab much out of the transfer portal, and they will have a new head coach following the passing of Mike Leach.
This will be Zach Arnett’s first season as a head coach. He’s a defensive-minded guy that led the Bulldogs to an average defense last season, ranked 43rd in points allowed per game and 38th in yards per play.
But without the Pirate’s magic to run the offense, will the Bulldogs be able to keep it up in 2023?