QB Dak Prescott: It wasn’t supposed to be Dak Prescott’s time yet. Senior quarterback
Tyler Russell was expected to have a big season. However, since Russell went down in
the first game of the season, Prescott has emerged as a future star. The dual-threat
sophomore quarterback has totaled 2,408 yards and 18 total touchdowns.
WR Jameon Lewis: Lewis is one of the most underrated
playmakers in the SEC. He has 703 yards receiving yards,
419 kickoff return yards and 117 rushing yards. He has also
completed all three of his pass attempts for touchdowns. All
together he has 11 touchdowns, but it is his ability to hurt
you at so many spots that makes him dangerous.
OL Gabe Jackson: The All-American left guard is one of the best in college football at
his position. The Bulldogs will need to be efficient on offense to match the strong Rice
Owls running game, and their success will be largely dependent upon their offensive
line.
LB Benardrick McKinney: At times this season, the Mississippi State defense has
looked dominant. Even in the team’s loss to Alabama, the Bulldogs stifled the Crimson
Tide offense like no other team in the SEC while forcing four turnovers. This defense is
best when it is playing physical, and Benardrick McKinney is the one who sets the tone.
He leads the team in with 70 tackles, including six for loss and 2.5 sacks. His numbers
are down from last season, but his impact has never been bigger.
S Chris Jones: This spot had been reserved for senior safety Nickoe Whitley.
However, the four-year starter is out for the bowl game after playing most of the season
with a torn ACL. With Whitley out, Jones is the new man on the list. He has a team-high
three sacks and 10 quarterback hurries this season but will need to be stout in the
middle to slow down the potent Rice offense. He has the ability to force double-teams
when on the top of his game, which is a must for the Liberty Bowl if the Bulldogs are
going to be victorious.