Joe Moorhead had a successful debut as head coach at Mississippi State last season winning eight games, going 4-4 in the SEC including a win over arch-rival Ole Miss and playing in the Outback Bowl. His goal this season is continued improvement and upward movement in the SEC West. The Bulldogs open their season at Louisiana on August 31st.
Joe Moorhead at SEC Media Days
Mississippi State at a glance (compiled by Menachem Muller)
Overall Conference
Mississippi State Bulldogs 8-5 4-4 Lost the Outback Bowl to Iowa
Joe Moorhead 2nd season 8-5 4-4
| Offense | 2018 | SEC Rank | NCAA Rank |
| Points Per game | 28.5 | 10 | 69 |
| Rushing Yards per game | 223.6 | 2 | 20 |
| Passing yards per game | 173.8 | 13 | 112 |
| Total yards per game | 397.4 | 10 | 71 |
| Defense | |||
| Points allowed per game | 13.2 | 1 | 2 |
| Rushing yards allowed per game | 95.8 | 2 | 3 |
| Passing yards allowed per game | 168.0 | 1 | 6 |
| Total yards allowed per game | 263.8 | 1 | 1 |
The Bulldogs return 13 starters, 7 on offense, 4 on defense, and the Kicker and Punter.
Statistical Leaders Returning
| RB | Games | Yards | TD | AVG |
| Kylin Hill | 11 | 910 | 8 | 6.5 |
| WR | Games | Yards | TD | REC |
| Osirus Mitchell | 10 | 427 | 4 | 26 |
| Stephen Guidry | 12 | 440 | 3 | 19 |
| Defense | Tackles | TFL | INT | Sacks |
| Eroll Thompson | 87 | 10.0 | 2 | 4.0 |
| Leo Lewis | 45 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Willie Gay | 48 | 5.5 | 2 | 5.0 |
| Cameron Dantzler | 43 | 2.5 | 2 | 1.0 |
Returning Starters Offense
RB Kylin Hill
WR Osirus Mitchell
WR Stephen Guidry
LT Greg Eiland
LG Michael Story
C Darryl Williams
RT Stewart Reese
Returning Starters Defense
LB Eroll Thompson
LB Leo Lewis
LB Willie Gay
CB Cameron Dantzler
Special Teams
K Jace Christmann
P Tucker Day
Key Losses
QB Nick Fitzgerald
C Elgton Jenkins
RG Deion Calhoun
DE Montez Sweat
DE Gerri Green
DT Jeffery Simmons
CB Jamal Peters
S Johnathan Abram
S Mark McLaurin
