The Mississippi State Bulldogs are predicted to finish last in the SEC West in the annual coaches poll. The last two seasons for MSU have disappointed, as they have failed to make the postseason.

However, the salt on the wound for Bulldog fans is that MSU was coming off three straight trips to the College World Series and a national title before these last two seasons. These last two seasons have been bad enough to land Bulldog head coach Chris Lemonis firmly on the hot seat.

The good news is that MSU returns a lot of talent to this year’s squad, including Dakota Jordan, Hunter Hines, and Nate Dohm. Lemonis also added former South Carolina pitching coach Justin Parker to help rebuild a pitching staff that was dreadful last season.

Bulldog pitchers struggled with control, and that helped lead to a team era of over seven. The lineup for MSU has all the talent to be one of the top offenses in the SEC, so if Parker can improve the pitching staff, the Bulldogs could surprise some people.

The good news is that this Bulldog team has talent and the potential to be a postseason team. However, MSU has had talent the previous two seasons, but the addition of Parker could be the difference.

Opening Day is next Friday as the Bulldogs welcome Air Force to Dudy Noble Field for a three-game series.

2024 SEC Baseball Coaches Preseason Poll