Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: Sylvester Croom has done a terrific job with Mississippi State in his four years at the helm, restoring the program to its proper level of competitiveness.

Last season started on a truly embarrassing note, as the Bulldogs were crushed by LSU in the opener, 45-0. Rather than hang their heads, the players responded with three consecutive victories, including a thrilling triumph over Auburn. Three of the next four outings however, ended in defeat, and after eight contests, MSU was an even 4-4. To the credit of Croom, his players and staff, the Bulldogs won four of their final five games, including a 10-3 victory over UCF in the Liberty Bowl.

Considering that Croom compiled a 9-25 record through his first three years with the program, the 8-5 finish in 2007 has to be viewed as a major accomplishment, especially considering that he was working with a young defense.

"One of the things I was very pleased with us last year is that we finished games and we finished the season extremely well, and we have continue to do that," says Croom.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE:

Last season, quarterback Wesley Carroll was thrown into the fire as a true freshman. Was he spectacular? No, not by any means, but he did show poise and a solid understanding of the system. Now, with a full spring and fall camp as the top quarterback on the depth chart, it is hard not to imagine a step forward for Carroll.

The hope is that receivers Jamayel Smith, Co-Eric Riley and Aubrey Bell will be able to make plays once the ball is in their hands. Still, MSU will likely be a run-first team, especially with Antony Dixon in the backfield. Last season as a sophomore, Dixon rushed for 1,066 yards and 14 touchdowns on 287 carries, proving to be a workhorse. Christian Ducre and Robert Elliott provide plenty of balance at the tailback position, and all three players figure to get a chance to contribute.

The offensive line returns two starters and needs to prove that it can stand up against the stout defensive fronts in the SEC.

DEFENSE: There are some defensive standouts worth mentioning for Mississippi State. Linebackers Jamar Chaney and Dominic Douglas are big-time playmakers who will be relied on to stop the run and force turnovers. Chaney made 89 tackles a year ago, and both he and Douglas will be looked at as senior leaders.

"I think with eight returning starters who are all seniors, With two starting linebackers returning, I think experience is going to be the strength of our defense," says Chaney.

The defensive backfield is loaded with five players who started multiple games a year ago. Derek Pegues is an impressive free safety who intercepted five passes in 2007 and always finds the football.

Mississippi State was seventh nationally against the pass last season, and Pegues was certainly a major factor in that production. Chaney and Douglas also played a role, as they routinely took away the middle of the field and rendered the tight end a non-factor. With nine starters back, the MSU defense figures to be one of the SEC's top units without question.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Croom has no worries in the kicking game, as punter Blake McAdams and kicker Adam Carlson are experienced seniors with loads of talent. Carlson booted a memorable 48-yard field goal against Ole Miss in the closing seconds last season, and it helps to know that you're kicker is clutch. Pegues is a talented returner of both kickoffs and punts, so his overall value to the team is vast.

OUTLOOK: Mississippi State is going to be a competitive football team that will not be embarrassed by the SEC's elite the way it was in the 2007 opener against LSU. Carroll will be solid under center, especially with the help of the running game. MSU catches a break in its schedule and doesn't play Florida or Georgia during the regular season...lucky 'Dogs!