South Bound & Down
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Best SEC In-Conference Games of 2016: Number 9, Mississippi State at Ole Miss

By Justin Melton

Nov 28, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen walks through player warm ups before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen walks through player warm ups before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Ross (8) attempts to avoid a tackle by Mississippi Rebels defensive back Mike Hilton (38) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi won 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Fred Ross is the primary punt returner for Mississippi State. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams and Coaching

Mississippi State returns both its kicker and punter as well as its primary return men, Brandon Holloway and Fred Ross. Westin Graves kicked well last season, making 83 percent of his field goals. Punter Logan Cooke was solid, averaging 42 yards per kick. Holloway was electric as a kick returner, averaging 23 yards per return. He also scored a touchdown.

Ole Miss returns both of its specialists as well. Kicker Gary Wunderlich knocked through 19 of his 25 field goal attempts. Punter Will Gleeson averaged 41 yards per punt. Primary kick returner Jaylen Walton graduated. Someone else will have to step into the role this season.

In terms of coaching Hugh Freeze is probably more highly regarded than Dan Mullen, but I would argue they are about even. Freeze has certainly recruited better, but Mullen has been roughly as successful despite having less talent to work with.

Advantage: Mississippi State

Next: Prediction and Conclusion

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