7/30/2006In 32 days, Mississippi State will kick off its season against South Carolina in a nationally-televised ESPN game.
With the questions facing this Bulldog squad, a cupcake such as Murray State (last year's opener) might have been more appropriate to schedule.
However, it's the hand that's dealt and the challenge facing Sylvester Croom as he begins his third year on the MSU sidelines.
But many coaches say a tougher opponent keeps the focus through the hot summer months. We'll soon find out. And we all know, focus these next four-plus weeks is key.
Why? For the offense, there are several reasons.
It's a unit that has an Everest-like mountain to climb before it's ready to take the field against the Gamecocks.
Quarterback Michael Henig, who has just three starts under his belt, broke his toe six weeks ago in a freak accident running up the stairs and became limited in his offseason workouts.
At the SEC Media Days, Henig said he's fine and that he'll be ready on Wednesday for the first practice. However, a slight limp was noticeable Friday as he made the rounds to meet with the various news agencies.
Despite the setback, he was able to wear a protective boot as he found time to throw the football and work on his timing. That helped, along with the fact he said he was in the best shape of his life prior to the injury.
Still, with a crop of new receivers and a new-look backfield, he needs to get to 100 percent as fast as possible.
"We'll probably limit how many reps he gets in practice early, but we were going to do that anyway because we know Mike knows what to do," Croom said. "He knows how to run the offense."
Prep work within the offensive line is key, too.
However, there is an advantage - far more experience up front than a year ago. And in this league, success greatly hinges on how the men in the trenches perform.
Brian Anderson has received a great deal of attention as he has been named second-team All-SEC by nearly every publication imaginable. Last year, he showcased his versatility by playing left tackle. This year, he's back at his natural position - right guard.
The Bulldogs do have a new center in Royce Blackledge. But again, experience isn't lacking, as he started the last six games at right tackle. Anthony Strauder returns at left guard, where he started every game in 2005. The only two players lacking experience are J.D. Hamilton and Craig Jenkins, but at least they have veterans to turn to for advice. In recent years, that hasn't been the case.
"Basically, we withdrew into a shell last year and became a very conservative football team because we didn't have a lot of receivers and because of inexperience in the offensive line," Croom said.
With those problems being rectified, a more open offense should be revealed.
Of course, we'll know a lot more come Aug. 31, win or lose.
While it is essential the Bulldogs get off to a good start as far as the win/loss column is concerned, Croom said the outcome won't make or break the season.
"A win would make it easier," he said. "I sure would have a lot more fun that night and the next day when I go recruiting."
But a must-win game, the first game of the season? No such animal. You got 11 more games to play."
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