LSU’s Joe Burrow was on top, to the surprise of no one.
There’s a lot about the upcoming NFL and college football season that remains up in the air, but if there’s one thing that’s for certain, it’s that fans will have Madden.
EA Sports’ ‘Madden 21’ released the ratings for NFL rookie quarterbacks on Thursday, and while the name at the top of the list in overall rating wasn’t shocking, there were question marks surrounding the other standings and numbers.
The verdict: It comes as a surprise to absolutely no one that Burrow received the best overall rating considering that he just finished recording one the best seasons by a quarterback in college football history.
His throw power was only the ninth-best of among rookie quarterbacks, which is reflects perhaps his only trait that can’t be classified as elite — arm strength. Burrow may not put the same type of impressive zip on the ball that other rookie quarterbacks like Jacob Eason do, but he makes up for it in quite literally every other category.
Burrow’s awareness rating of 77 led all rookie signal-callers. Overall, the former Tiger’s ratings seem pretty fair, although he is “sneaky fast” and may prove worthy of a higher speed rating.
No one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.
5. College Football News Preview 2020: Mississippi State Bulldogs Offense 3 Things To Know
– Okay, SEC, get ready for what’s coming. Mississippi State is going to throw, and it’ll keep throwing, and then it’ll throw a little more.
When Leach took over Washington State in 2012, the team was awful, but it finished ninth in the nation in passing. It finished fourth in 2013, and was No. 1 in four of the next six years, was second in one of the off seasons, and third in the other.
The system worked when he was an offensive coordinator at Kentucky and then Oklahoma, it worked at Texas Tech, and then at Washington State. But without a spring practice to tune up, it might be a bit rocky for a while. It also doesn’t help to have the likely starting quarterback around.
CFN in 60 Video: Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview
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– It’s not a rock-solid lock that Stanford transfer KJ Costello will take over the starting quarterback job right away, but be stunned if he’s not only the No. 1 guy, but also a national star. It’s a fluid situation considering Costello had to graduate from Stanford first before joining on, and other options want a shot at getting to run the high-octane attack.
Keytaon Thompson transferred to Virginia and Logan Burnett left for TCU, but leading passer Garrett Shrader is back after throwing for just 1,170 yards and eight scores with five interceptions – he was second on the team with 587 rushing yards and six touchdowns – and Jalen Mayden is still around, but it’ll almost certainly be Costello throwing it. Now the team needs the guys who can catch it.
The system makes the receivers, but the receivers are there to make the system work, even if they’re not experienced. Leading yardage receiver Osirus Mitchell is back, and then it’ll be all up to the new parts with four of the top five targets from last year gone. JUCO transfers Caleb Ducking and Malik Heath will get a shot at time early on, and Alabama transfer Tyrell Shavers has the upside to be a star right away.
– Where does Kylin Hill fit into the mix? One of the nation’s best running backs put off the NFL for a year after running for 1,350 yards and ten scores, and he caught 18 passes with a touchdown.
Like Logan Marchi at Washington State, Hill should be a do-it-all back with a whole lot more passes coming his way. Redshirt freshman Lee Witherspoon is the likely No. 2, but Leach’s offenses usually utilize just one back.
Last year’s like was 13th in the SEC and 93rd in the nation in sacks allowed – that’s about to change. The front five loses Tyre Phillips at one tackle and Darryl Williams at center, and the whole group has to tweak what it does. Charles Cross is a former great recruit who should be fine in place of Phillips, but it’ll take the rest of the offseason to lock in on a center.
NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Mississippi State Bulldogs Defense 3 Things To Know
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Mississippi State cornerback prospect Cameron Dantzler
Every NFL team loves to have big, physical corners who have the skill set and mentality it takes to dominante at the line of scrimmage and down the field.
That should have all 32 teams clamoring to add Mississippi State’s Cameron Dantzler in the 2020 NFL Draft.
One of this year’s top corner prospects, Dantzler recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his physical playing style, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: You progressed in a big way throughout your career. How do you look back on your time at Mississippi State?
CD: I had such a great time there. I played for so many great coaches. I played for two great defensive coordinators in coach [Bob] Shoop and coach [Todd] Grantham. My position coach, Terrell Buckley is a phenomenal coach. He taught me a lot about about playing the position and football in general. My football IQ took a big step forward thanks to him. He taught me a lot about life off the field as well.
JM: Coach Terrell Buckley has such a great reputation. He was a terrific player in college, and in the NFL, as well. By all accounts, he’s a tremendous position coach. How did he help you develop as a cornerback?
CD: It was such a blessing to have him in my corner. When he talks about football, it’s always about the little things. He basically molded me into the player that I am today. I went from playing quarterback in high school to playing cornerback in the SEC. That was a big change for me. He took everything day-by-day with me. He slowed down the process for me. I can’t thank him enough for that. He’s the reason I am who I am today.
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
JM: Was the transition from quarterback to cornerback a difficult one for you?
CD: It was definitely a big change for me. Having a great position coach like Terrell Buckley made the world of a difference for me. He made everything easier. He taught me the technique and basic fundamentals of playing the cornerback position. Luckily for me, I’m a quick learner when it comes to football. Combine that with having such a great coach, it made a big transition as smooth as possible for me. I was already a great athlete. I felt like I could make the transition to any position if we all came together and put our minds to it. That’s exactly what we did. It worked out perfectly.
JM: What can you tell me about the scheme that you guys ran on defense and what your coaches asked of you?
CD: I had three different defensive coordinators throughout my time at Mississippi State. We did a lot of different things within our scheme. I’ve played man coverage, I’ve played Cover-2 and Cover-3. We had so many variations of our blitz packages. I’ve seen so many different schemes and coverages. It gave me a chance to show what I can do in all of those schemes. It improved my understanding of the game. I’ve been battle tested and I’m ready for what’s next.
JM: Is there a scheme or coverage that you thrived in maybe moreso than the others? Something that you’d be a little more comfortable stepping into as a rookie?
CD: Man-to-man coverage. I just love to get into a receiver’s face. I love man coverage because that man across from me is my responsibility and I have to stick to him. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
JM: You love to get your hands on a receiver at the line of scrimmage. Where did you get that aggressive mentality from?
CD: I feel like that aggression comes from the fact that I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder. I was always the smallest guy on the field. I’m used to being the underdog out there. I’ve always felt like I had to prove what I could do. That’s the reason I play so physical with these receivers. I still have that chip on my shoulder today. I’m still that same aggressive cornerback. I’m very confident in my abilities.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
JM: You had some great battles this year. Which matchups were your favorites?
CD: Ja’Marr Chase was a good match-up for me. I played against so many great receivers. No. 14 from Kentucky [Kalil Branham] was a big, physical receiver. I can’t remember his name but he was a big guy. He played some basketball as well. He loved those jump-ball situations and he was very aggressive. Those are the two match-ups that come to mind.
JM: It’s interesting that you mentioned Ja’Marr Chase. I thought he had his worst game of the season against you.
CD: I agree with that. I think every receiver I covered had their worst game of 2019 against me. There wasn’t a single receiver that put up a 50-yard game against me. Truthfully, I’ve never given up a 50-yard game throughout my entire time at Mississippi State. I tried to show what I could do on a weekly basis.
JM: Do you approach a smaller, shiftier receiver any differently than you do a bigger, more physical one?
CD: No, I really don’t, to be honest with you. I’m very confident in my abilities. I play every receiver the exact same way. Some cornerbacks may disagree with my method, but I believe that you have to be patient with everybody you cover. You have to use your hands and be physical. At the end of the day, you have to believe in yourself. I take that same approach with every receiver I’m matched up with.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the cornerback position?
CD: I love having all of that pressure on me. It’s me against you and I can’t get beat deep. I can’t give up a big play. We have a lot of responsibility in that aspect. The receiver lined up across from me is trying to beat me and my team is depending on me to not let that happen. I love the challenge that comes with it.
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
CD: It was a great experience. It gave me a chance to meet with so many different coaches. They gave me a sneak peek into their defenses and we jumped on the white board together. It was a lot of fun. The combine brings together the best college athletes from all over the country. I enjoyed interacting with every single one of those guys. It was a great experience.
JM: Taking every aspect of the combine into account, what do you feel is the overall impression you left out there?
CD: I left an impression that I understand football at a high level. I have a great feel for the game. I have a very high football IQ. I’m passionate and confident in what I can do. Whichever team drafts me is gonna get a winner.
JM: A lot of people saw the video of your Pro Day. You were able to bring your 40-yard dash time of 4.64 at the combine down down to a 4.38 at the Pro Day. What lead to such a drastic change in that number?
CD: I was dealing with a hamstring injury at the combine. I don’t like to make excuses, though. When the lights come on, I love to compete. A lot of guys wouldn’t have gone out there and competed with what I was dealing with. I felt like I was there for a purpose and I decided to compete. I just went out there and tried to make the best of it. I didn’t run the 40 time that I expected to run. Nobody expected me to run what I did. I just kept my head up and remained humble and hungry. I knew that I would get a chance to improve on that number at my pro day. I put on a show at my pro day.
JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before the spread of COVID-19 shut everything down?
CD: I unfortunately did not. All of my private visits and workouts were set to go down sometime in April. We obviously didn’t make it that far. My pro day at Mississippi State got canceled, and we had to start adapting and moving everything to the phones.
(AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
JM: Which teams have you met with via FaceTime and such?
CD: I’ve met with 16 teams so far. I have the whole list right here for you. I met with the Patriots, Lions, Titans, Jets, Vikings, Chiefs, Browns, Bears, Seahawks, Eagles, Broncos, Ravens, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Chargers and 49ers. I’ve been keeping a list of every team I’ve met with. That’s the entire list right there. I like to keep notes from each meeting. I’ve enjoyed talking ball with every one of those teams.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
CD: I didn’t get asked any strange questions. I tried to take over every room I stepped into. I just wanted to show every team that I know football. I wanted to stand up and immediately hop on the white board. I was telling them what the coverage on the board was. I felt like a teacher out there (laughs). I tried to command the room. I took over the room and wanted to talk about football for hours. I really wanted my football IQ to take over.
JM: When a team spends a draft pick on Cameron Dantzler, what kind of guy are they getting?
CD: They’re getting a winner, first and foremost. I’m gonna bring a confident swagger to the locker room. I’m an energetic guy and I’m always trying to pick up my teammates. I’m a confident cornerback with a winner’s mentality. I’m gonna give it my all.
Dantzler is of similar build and style to Greedy Williams
The Cleveland Browns have conducted another of their pre-draft prospect visits. This latest one was a virtual meeting over a teleconference with Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler.
With no in-person visits allowed this year, Dantzler met with the team from a remote location. Justin Melo of Draft Wire confirmed that Dantzler met with the Browns, one of several teams he’s spoken with in the last few weeks.
Dantzler is generally projected as a Day 2 prospect. He played well for the Bulldogs in man coverage, using his 6-2 length and good closing speed to make plays. Like current Browns CB Greedy Williams, Dantzler is lighter than ideal at just 183 pounds and looks like his frame is maxed out, and also like Williams he’s not noted for his tackling. He did miss time in 2019 with an injury.
A poor combine — he ran a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash — did not help Dantzler’s draft stock.
The Jags’ top need in the eyes of most is cornerback and that could lead them to Cameron Dantzler of Mississippi State during the draft.
Most would argue that the Jacksonville Jaguars’ top need heading into the draft is at cornerback as they’ve lost two Pro Bowlers in Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye over the span of four months. That almost certainly means they will draft one in the top-3 rounds and that player just may have to start.
One player they could end up selecting is Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler, who definitely fits the mold of what the Jags like on the outside. According to our comrade at Draft Wire, Justin Melo, the Jags are one of many teams who’ve had some form of pre-draft contact with him.
Mississippi State CB Cameron Dantzler has met virtually with 16 NFL teams.
The Jags’ interest doesn’t come as a shock when looking at Dantzler’s height (6-foot-3) and the top-notch competition he’s faced at Mississippi State. NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein even pointed out how he held his own against the receivers at Alabama and Louisiana State in his scouting report, two teams who most would argue had the best receiving corps in college.
By the accounts of most draft pundits, Dantzler has been projected to go anywhere between the early part of the second-round to the early part of the third. That makes the Jags No. 42 and No. 73 selections possible spots where they could acquire him. If general manager Dave Caldwell really likes him and doesn’t want to chance it, don’t rule out him trading up from either selection as he’s been known to maneuver in the second and third rounds.
It came down to the wire. Here are three reasons why the Sooners took down Mississippi State 63-62.
It came down to the wire.
After a Jamal Bieniemy miss with 16 seconds left in the game, Mississippi State had no timeouts and raced down the floor. The Bulldogs were forced to take a contested jumpsuit, missing and giving Oklahoma a big NCAA Tournament resume building win.
Here are three reasons why the Sooners took down Mississippi State 63-62.
HELLO, ALONDES WILLIAMS
As Mississippi State started to make its run in the second half, one Oklahoma player kept the Sooners afloat.
Junior college transfer Alondes Williams came alive in the second half, scoring 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three. The Bulldogs tied the game at 38 before a Williams’ 3-pointer and steal that turned into a dunk pushed Oklahoma back ahead by five.
MISSISSIPPI STATE FOUL TROUBLE
There is an ‘if’ in Saturday’s game.
Star Mississippi State forward Reggie Perry picked up two early fouls and then a technical foul to give him three early in the first half. Perry, who had averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds in the previous three games, was forced to sit for majority of the game.
No telling how his presence would’ve effected the outcome of the game.
DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE
Oklahoma’s defense is a tough task to go against.
Although undersized, the Sooners dealt with the size and physicality of the Mississippi State bigs inside. Overall, Oklahoma held Mississippi State to 38 percent shooting for the game.
One of the SEC’s top running backs is coming back to school for another year.
Mississippi State’s Kylin Hill is passing up the 2020 NFL draft, and will return to the Bulldogs for his senior season. He made his announcement via social media Wednesday.
Listed at 5-11, 215 pounds, Hill is a tough, physical running who put up big numbers for MSU in 2019. He racked up 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground this season, and will be primed for another big campaign in 2020.
Don’t be surprised if Hill is among the top running back prospects in the 2021 NFL draft class.
Previewing Thursday’s Ole Miss Rebels at Mississippi State Bulldogs sports betting odds and lines, with college football picks and best bets
The Ole Miss Rebels (4-7, 2-5 SEC West) lock horns with the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-6, 2-5) Thanksgiving night at 7:30 p.m. ET in the annual Egg Bowl in Starkville, Miss. We analyze the Ole Miss-Mississippi State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Ole Miss at Mississippi State: Three things you need to know
1. This is the only bowl the Rebels will be participating in this season, but they’d like to make it so the same applies to their rivals. A win by Ole Miss would deal Mississippi State its seventh loss and prevent a postseason berth.
2. Ole Miss might have a losing record, but it’s a darling at the betting window with a 6-1 against the spread mark across the past seven. Mississippi State is 2-5 ATS in the past seven overall, and 1-5 ATS in the past six inside the SEC.
3. The Egg Bowl has been defensive lately, cashing the Under in five of the past six meetings, and each of the past four in Starkville.
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!
Ole Miss at Mississippi State: Odds, betting lines and picks
Go lightly on OLE MISS (+110) in this rivalry game, as the Rebels will be motivated to keep Mississippi State (-134) nailed to the couch for the postseason. The Rebels rolled up huge yardage on the ground last week against LSU. QB John Rhys Plumlee was a one-man wrecking crew, going for 212 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, and RB Jerrion Ealy gobbled up 141 yards on 13 totes. Hotty Toddy!
New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered that Ole Miss will win outright will return a profit of $1.10.
There isn’t a lot of sense taking Ole Miss (+2.5, -110), unless you feel it’s going to lose by one or two points. The Rebels are a much better value on the moneyline. If you feel Mississippi State (-2.5, -110) will extend its school-record streak to 10 consecutive seasons with a bowl appearance, then get out your cowbell and back the Bulldogs. I will not be joining you.
PASS. The projection of 58.5 is a good total. My lean would be to go Under based on the trends in this series, and the fact we just haven’t seen a lot of consistent football out of these two sides; however, I can easily see the game going Over, as Plumlee and the Rebels’ rushing attack raised eyebrows gouging potential playoff-bound LSU for huge chunks of real estate a week ago.
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Alabama travels to Starkville, Mississippi on Saturday to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
With Alabama’s loss last Saturday against LSU, Alabama not only needs to win Alabama if they want a shot at being back in the College Football Playoff, they also have to win big. With the Tide taking on the Bulldogs in Starkville, Alabama could use a big win on their resume. The Crimson Tide has won every single matchup since 2007, and if Alabama uses last week’s loss as motivation, this could be a big game for the Tide.
What does Mississippi State have to do to win?
Offensively, the Bulldogs will need to be absolutely flawless if they want any chance of winning the game. Although the Bulldogs have RB Kylin Hill who leads the SEC in rushing with 1,027 yards, the Bulldogs have been inconsistent on offense. Don’t be surprised if you see both Tommy Stevens and Garrett Shrader in at quarterback for the Bulldogs. If Mississippi State can not only have big plays on the ground, but also have consistent efforts by the quarterbacks, Mississippi State could find themselves in the end zone.
Defensively, the Bulldogs have to shut down the running game. If the Bulldog defense can stop Najee Harris who rushed for over 140 yard against LSU last Saturday, this game could get interesting. Mac Jones will more than likely be the starting quarterback on Saturday to give Tua Tagovailoa time to heal. If the Bulldogs can put consistent pressure on Jones and cause turnovers, Mississippi State has a good chance to put on a show in Starkville.
What does Alabama have to do to win?
Alabama has to show up, and show out. After last Saturday’s loss against LSU, Alabama needs a big road win over the Bulldogs. Offensively, Alabama needs to be smart and consistent. If Mac Jones starts as quarterback, you could see a similar game plan like the Tide had against Arkansas where the Tide settled into a running game and Jones threw big passes when needed. The Tide doesn’t need to be fancy, just smart and dominant.
Defensively, Alabama needs to shut down the Bulldogs’ running game as well. If Alabama can contain Kylin Hill, who leads the SEC in rushing, and make Mississippi State rely on their inconsistent passing game, Alabama could dominant this game on both sides of the ball.
Who do I think will win this game?
Alabama. Although this is an early morning road game, Alabama will be fired up and motivated from their loss last week against LSU. This game matter more than people realize. Not only does Alabama need to win, they need an impressive road win to convince the CFB Playoff committee they are a team worth a second chance.
Score prediction: Alabama 45, Mississippi State 17
The Alabama Crimson Tide is searching for its twelfth- straight victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday.
The Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1) is searching for its twelfth- straight victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-5), as the Tide travels to Starkville on Saturday.
Alabama is looking for a big win over the Bulldogs to increase their chance of sneaking back into the top four of the College Football Playoff Rankings after losing a heartbreaking loss to LSU last Saturday, 46-41.
Mississippi State is coming off a big win over the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, 54-24, which was just their second conference win of the season.
The Crimson Tide is opening up as a 17.5 point favorite over the Bulldogs. Below is how you can watch or listen to Saturday’s matchup:
When: Saturday Nov. 16 at 11:00 p.m. CT
Where: Davis Wade Stadium (Starkville, Miss.)
TV: ESPN
Announcers: Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay, Molly McGrath
