Coming off consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1999-2000, Mississippi State enters 2012 looking to upset the established hierarchy in the SEC West.
The Bulldogs return 12 starters plus their punter. Here are three position battles worth watching:
1. Middle linebacker
Top contenders: Ferlando Bohanna, Benardrick McKinney
Replacing Brandon Wilson (94 tackles last season) won’t be easy, but early reviews on both candidates are promising. The sophomore Bohanna (6-0, 225) played in 10 games last season, including a start against Arkansas. McKinney is a 6-5, 235-pound redshirt freshman who used his long arms to intercept a pass in the spring game and did it again in Saturday’s practice. McKinney is versatile enough to be used as an edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Chris Wilson indicated the two could share the job.
2. Running back
Top contenders: LaDarius Perkins, Nick Griffin
With Vick Ballard in the NFL, the junior Perkins is the favorite to start after racking up 844 all-purpose yards and scoring four TDs last season. He’ll have to hold off Griffin, a 6-foot, 225-pound sophomore who’s better suited for tough inside running. Griffin played in five games last season; he ripped UT Martin for 80 yards and a score on 10 carries. Redshirt freshman Josh Robinson (5-9, 200) could be used in goal-line situations.
3. Right tackle
Top contenders: Charles Siddoway, Damien Robinson
Siddoway (6-7, 300) is a JUCO transfer who earned All-American honors at Butte (Ore.) College. The sophomore Robinson (6-7, 315) played in every game as a redshirt freshman, but mostly on PAT and field-goal units. Coach Dan Mullen said it’s an open competition, adding that one of them must learn how to play the left side for depth purposes.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Daniel Lewis and Larry Hartstein, follow @CBSSportsSEC.
