After being pushed around for nearly 31 points a game by Southeastern Conference foes last season, Mississippi State fans can look forward to a better defensive effort this season, linebackers coach Amos Jones told a crowd of about 150 gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Wednesday.

“Coach Croom said that bulk doesn’t matter if you can’t get there to make a play,” said David Murray, editor of Dawgs Bite magazine.

“Speed is the name of the game and this year, State is going to have a faster, more adaptable defense.”

Jones, in his second year with Croom as the linebackers and special teams coach, agreed.

“The biggest thing is to play fast and bring it with some speed,” Jones said. “Last year, the good strong running teams were the ones that hurt us the most.”

Teams like eventual national runner-up Auburn and former champ LSU ran roughshod over the Bulldogs, combining to outscore MSU 94-14.

But with a year to digest Croom’s system, Jones is expecting the results to turn around this year.

“The biggest difference from last year to this one is that we now have a nucleus of guys who know what to expect,” Jones said.

“Our leadership is a lot better and I think we’ll make better plays when we see those tough situations.”

The starting linebacking corp for the Bulldogs appears solid with senior Clarence McDougal (6-1, 213), a former Hinds C.C. standout, anchoring the unit.

Quinton Culberson is the middle linebacker while Gabe O’Neal will play strong side linebacker. Jones said McDougal will switch from strong-side linebacker to weakside.

“Having someone like McDougal in there who can swing to either position is a big help. Overall, our guys are quicker and we’re sure they can get into position to compete and make plays,” Jones said.

Depth, though, like elsewhere on the club, is a concern.

“We’re real thin at all three spots,” Jones said. “We’ve got some young guys who need to learn the system like Carlton Rice who hasn’t played linebacker before.

“We’re looking for some of our freshmen signees to come in and make an impact for us on special teams. Jimmy Miller showed us in high school that he could be a good special teams type player.”

The one freshman signee that both Jones and Murray say will make an immediate impact is Derek Pegues, who led South Panola to the 5A State Championship last year.

“Everyone knows how good of a runner he is, but Derek is a pure cover corner from day one,” Jones said.

One of those returning corners is Vicksburg junior David Heard, a two-year letter winner.

“David had a very good spring, but he’s going to get pushed by Keith Fitzhugh and, like I said, Derek Pegues is going to play somewhere,” Murray said.

The one area where Murray says is the biggest concern on the football team is on the offensive line.

“The left and right tackle spots are the most glaring weaknesses on this football team. How our offense goes will depend on those guys,” Murray said of current starters James Redmond and Johnny Wadley.

Schedule wise, Jones said there shouldn’t be that much change in the top three in the SEC West: Auburn, LSU and Alabama.

“Even though Auburn lost a lot of their guys, I think the system that is in place is good enough where they can plug guys in and not miss much,” Jones said.

State is set to open its season on Sept. 3 when Murray State visits Scott Field. The Bulldogs then head to Auburn for the SEC opener on Sept. 10.