Page 162 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2018

SPORTS & OUTDOORS pure talent
If it’s September,
football is in full swing throughout
the country. Let’s take a look at this year’s prospects for some of
South Mississippi’s favorite teams.
New Orleans Saints Exceptional talent and superior
coaching are two main ingredients in winning a Super Bowl. Luck also
plays a major role in achieving the ultimate NFL victory. New Orleans Saints
players are poised to make a legitimate run at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for
the second-time since the 2009 season. The Saints return 21 of 22 starters from the
2017 Black & Gold unit that posted an 11-5 campaign and came within a hair
of playing in the NFC championship game. Sean Payton is one of the best
coaches in the league and his entire coaching staff is back.
Future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees remains tenacious on the playing field despite
turning 40 years old in January. In training camp Brees said, “For the most part I know what works
for me. I listen to my body. You just begin to train smarter, recover smarter.”
Brees is within 1,490 yards of becoming the NFL career passing leader. The Saints have all the ingredients to serve up the
perfect recipe for a Super Bowl title chase.
Mississippi State University
Dan Mullen left Mississippi State
after nine seasons to become the Florida Gators head coach. He left
behind a Bulldogs squad stacked full of talent. Eighteen starters return from the 2017 team that
posted a 9-4 record.
The Mississippi State faithful
have been inspired by the