re: Mullen thoughts on the MSU season

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I think Merlins is a decent coach. Considering the absolute lack of success they've had under Sherrill and Crooms, two consecutive winning seasons is definitely a step in the right direction.

It would have been better if they didn't struggle defensively and offensively (I think losing Manny Diaz was a pretty big loss, and the injuries obviously sucked). If MSU wins 8 next year, I think it's definitely a sign of program elevation IMO.

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State's defense actually improved statistically from 2010 to 2011, even after losing Diaz, 3 players to the NFL, and all 3 starting LB's.

In 2010, State had the #50 total defense and #22 scoring defense. In 2011, State was #34 in total defense and #18 in scoring defense.

But I agree with your first sentence (at least as far as Sherrill's last 3 years--Sherrill was fairly successful before his last 3 seasons). Two winning seasons and a row (and likely a third in a row in 2012) is a big improvement over 1 winning season from 2001-2009.

A couple/few more 7- and 8-win seasons, and maybe THEN we can expect more. It would certainly help not having to play 4-5 Top 15 teams every year. That's unusual, even for the SEC.

To lose to the Top 15 teams and still finish with 8 or 9 wins, that means we have to beat EVERY other team on our schedule, both home and away. Although we did that in 2010, we're just not yet in a place to do that consistently.