Mississippi State junior quarterback Tyler Russell, a part-time player last season, said there are no excuses for the offense to flounder as he takes over full-time.
The Bulldogs ranked ninth in the SEC in scoring last season with 25.3 points per game.
"If you look across the board on offense, you've got four or five running backs who can tote it," Russell told the Associated Press. "All of them can play. You've got receivers -- plenty of seniors and then some other guys who have experience. And the offensive line, we've got a lot. They did great in the spring and have picked up right where they left off."
Mississippi State should air it out more under Russell than it did with Chris Relf.
It helps to have senior receivers like Chris Smith, Arceto Clark and Chad Bumphis, who each caught at least 25 passes last season. They're setting the tone in camp, according to coach Dan Mullen.
“I’ve been pleased more with the older guys than the younger guys," he said. "Obviously the younger guys are still developing and we know they have playmaking ability, but you look at those guys [Smith, Clark, Bumphis], I like their demeanror, their attitude toward practice, their hunger.
“Sometimes guys when they get older hit cruise control, not that they’re trying to take it easy but they’re so comfortable with what’s going on, they don’t really push themselves but those guys have really pushed themselves.”
The Bulldogs will scrimmage Saturday in advance of their Sept. 1 opener against Jackson State.
Stadium expansion: Officials on Wednesday announced plans to expand Davis Wade Stadium to 61.337 seats, up from 55,082. The $75 million project should be done before the 2014 season.
"This project is a reflection of the intensified interest of our fan base about the future of Mississippi State football," Mississippi State president Keenum said. "[AD] Scott Stricklin and his staff deserve credit for creating such a great atmosphere, and Coach Mullen, his coaches and players have raised the energy level with their success on the field. Our fans have responded by selling out the stadium on a regular basis and increasing demand for tickets and enhanced amenities."
The Bulldogs have won consecutive bowl games for the first time since 1999-2000.
Hard-hitting safety returns: Junior Nickoe Whitley, who ruptured his left Achilles tendon against Alabama last November, told the Clarion Ledger he’s back at full speed. He picked off four passes, forced a fumble and made 34 tackles in nine games last year.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Daniel Lewis and Larry Hartstein, follow @CBSSportsSEC.
