Welcome to SportsNation! On Wednesday, we will go on to the football field when Mississippi State football head coach Dan Mullen stops by to chat about the 2010 season.</p>
Mullen enters his second season at Mississippi State, after four years under Urban Meyer as Florida's offensive coordinator. He went 5-7 in his first season with the Bulldogs, including a 41-27 win over Mississippi in the Egg Bowl. </p>
Fans can follow Mullen on Twitter: <font color="#225fb2">@CoachDanMullen</font>.
</p>
Send your questions now and join Mullen Wednesday at 1:10 p.m. ET!</p><p class="more">More Special Guests: <font color="#225fb2">Previous chats</font> | <font color="#225fb2">SportsNation</font> </p><div class="mod-container mod-no-header-footer mod-transcript"><div id="chatContainer" class="mod-content"><div class="chunk"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Jacob O. (Mississippi State, MS)</h6>
What aspects of the game have been your focus after last season's 5-7 record in order to increase the win column?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class="sn">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:10 PM)</div></h6>
Hey everyone. I'm having a lot of fun here at ESPN. Can't wait to get the season underway.</p></div><div class="chunk"><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class="sn">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:10 PM)</div></h6>
Hey everyone. I'm having a lot of fun here at ESPN. Can't wait to get the season underway.</p></div><div class="chunk"><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class="sn">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:10 PM)</div></h6>
Number one is ball security for our teams. We lost a lot of games that way. Also, helping our guys understand the plan for our program, and what we're trying to establish week in and week out.</p></div><div class="chunk"><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class="sn">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:12 PM)</div></h6>
Gas grill, just because it's easier. As a coach, you don't have a lot of time to get that charcoal going.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="65"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Robert Sullivan (Brandon MS)</h6>
What's your thoughts on the O Line headed into the season?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:14 PM)</div></h6>
We have four starters returning from last year's team. They need to be the strong point of our team. Any strong team can control the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense, so we need a big year on our offensive line.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="66"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">michael (picayune ms)</h6>
How do you see the WR and RB situations panning out?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:15 PM)</div></h6>
There's a lot more depth at those positions this year, so instead of having one main ball-carrier last season, we'll spread the ball around this season.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="67"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Rob (Nashville)</h6>
The SEC is starting to beef up their out of conference schedules. I know the Dawgs played Houston and Georgia Tech last year. Are there any big name teams State is currently looking at playing in the coming years?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:16 PM)</div></h6>
Southern Mississippi is obviously a huge rivalry, and that's our big-name team who we're going to play.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="68"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Barry Wade (Oxford,MS)</h6>
I heard your remarks about Dylan on First Take does Dylan have real chance to start this year?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:17 PM)</div></h6>
He does. It's still two and a half weeks before we play. He's had a great training camp. If he's ready to play, he'll play.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="69"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Judd (Ackerman MS)</h6>
What are your expectations for Chris Relf this year? </p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:18 PM)</div></h6>
Chris finished last season on a high note and has had a great offseason both mentally and physically. We expect him to pick up even better than where we left off.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="70"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Seth (Vicksburg, MS)</h6>
Coach,Any chance we see the black jerseys again this year?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:19 PM)</div></h6>
There's definitely a chance. We'll make sure we let the fans know when we do it.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="81"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">bully80 (Grenada, MS)</h6>
What is the toughest part of your job?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:21 PM)</div></h6>
Not being able to get through to a young man to help him achieve his goals in life, when he quits or walks away before he's able to be successful.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="82"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Jim (Atlanta)</h6>
Dan, obviously every game is important from a Win/Loss perspective, but how would you rate the importance of the Auburn game? GO DAWGS!!!! </p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:21 PM)</div></h6>
It's a huge game. First SEC game of the year, so in conference play, you wanna get off on the right foot.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="83"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Bruce (Madison, MS)</h6>
Which player has been the biggest surprise during spring and fall camps?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:22 PM)</div></h6>
Chris Relf. He has developed himself from just being a football player to trying to become an every-down quarterback.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="84"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Stephanie (Jackson, MS)</h6>
Whats your favorite food?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:24 PM)</div></h6>
Cheesesteaks when I'm in Philadelphia, the Puritan backroom chicken tenders when I'm home in New Hampshire, and pizza anytime I'm close to New York.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="85"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Brian (Hendersonville)</h6>
What stadium other than Davis Wade is your favorite to play in?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:25 PM)</div></h6>
The Georgia Dome, for the SEC championship game.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="86"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">brian (Jackson, MS)</h6>
How do you balance having a family (especially with a toddler) with work? I imagine your schedule is crazy.</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:26 PM)</div></h6>
It is a very crazy schedule. You have to have a great wife that will bring your son out to practice, have lunch when you have five minutes to spend, and just to deal with the commitments that are involved with being a head coach.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="87"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Blake (Spring Hill, TN)</h6>
What is your most memorable moment so far in Starkville?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:26 PM)</div></h6>
Definitely winning the Egg Bowl.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="88"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Scott (Brandon, MS)</h6>
Coach, do you still have a clock in the locker room counting down the time until the Egg Bowl?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:27 PM)</div></h6>
Yes we do. It resets the day after the game.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="89"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Bill (Ridgeland)</h6>
What did you see when you played against Manny Diaz that made you go after him. I assume he is hard to figure out, but why?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:28 PM)</div></h6>
He gives you a lot of complex looks and is very creative in how his defense blitzes.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="90"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Rob (Houston, TX)</h6>
Coach, has anyone separated themselves at the RB position so far?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:29 PM)</div></h6>
No, but I'm pleased with the progress of all three backs, and I can see them playing in the first game.</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:29 PM)</div></h6>
Look forward to seeing all the Bulldog fans in the home opener against Memphis. Bring your cowbells and ring respectfully!</p></div></div></div>
Mullen enters his second season at Mississippi State, after four years under Urban Meyer as Florida's offensive coordinator. He went 5-7 in his first season with the Bulldogs, including a 41-27 win over Mississippi in the Egg Bowl. </p>
Fans can follow Mullen on Twitter: <font color="#225fb2">@CoachDanMullen</font>.
</p>
Send your questions now and join Mullen Wednesday at 1:10 p.m. ET!</p><p class="more">More Special Guests: <font color="#225fb2">Previous chats</font> | <font color="#225fb2">SportsNation</font> </p><div class="mod-container mod-no-header-footer mod-transcript"><div id="chatContainer" class="mod-content"><div class="chunk"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Jacob O. (Mississippi State, MS)</h6>
What aspects of the game have been your focus after last season's 5-7 record in order to increase the win column?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class="sn">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:10 PM)</div></h6>
Hey everyone. I'm having a lot of fun here at ESPN. Can't wait to get the season underway.</p></div><div class="chunk"><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class="sn">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:10 PM)</div></h6>
Hey everyone. I'm having a lot of fun here at ESPN. Can't wait to get the season underway.</p></div><div class="chunk"><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class="sn">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:10 PM)</div></h6>
Number one is ball security for our teams. We lost a lot of games that way. Also, helping our guys understand the plan for our program, and what we're trying to establish week in and week out.</p></div><div class="chunk"><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class="sn">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:12 PM)</div></h6>
Gas grill, just because it's easier. As a coach, you don't have a lot of time to get that charcoal going.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="65"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Robert Sullivan (Brandon MS)</h6>
What's your thoughts on the O Line headed into the season?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:14 PM)</div></h6>
We have four starters returning from last year's team. They need to be the strong point of our team. Any strong team can control the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense, so we need a big year on our offensive line.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="66"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">michael (picayune ms)</h6>
How do you see the WR and RB situations panning out?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:15 PM)</div></h6>
There's a lot more depth at those positions this year, so instead of having one main ball-carrier last season, we'll spread the ball around this season.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="67"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Rob (Nashville)</h6>
The SEC is starting to beef up their out of conference schedules. I know the Dawgs played Houston and Georgia Tech last year. Are there any big name teams State is currently looking at playing in the coming years?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:16 PM)</div></h6>
Southern Mississippi is obviously a huge rivalry, and that's our big-name team who we're going to play.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="68"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Barry Wade (Oxford,MS)</h6>
I heard your remarks about Dylan on First Take does Dylan have real chance to start this year?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:17 PM)</div></h6>
He does. It's still two and a half weeks before we play. He's had a great training camp. If he's ready to play, he'll play.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="69"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Judd (Ackerman MS)</h6>
What are your expectations for Chris Relf this year? </p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:18 PM)</div></h6>
Chris finished last season on a high note and has had a great offseason both mentally and physically. We expect him to pick up even better than where we left off.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="70"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Seth (Vicksburg, MS)</h6>
Coach,Any chance we see the black jerseys again this year?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:19 PM)</div></h6>
There's definitely a chance. We'll make sure we let the fans know when we do it.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="81"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">bully80 (Grenada, MS)</h6>
What is the toughest part of your job?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:21 PM)</div></h6>
Not being able to get through to a young man to help him achieve his goals in life, when he quits or walks away before he's able to be successful.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="82"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Jim (Atlanta)</h6>
Dan, obviously every game is important from a Win/Loss perspective, but how would you rate the importance of the Auburn game? GO DAWGS!!!! </p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:21 PM)</div></h6>
It's a huge game. First SEC game of the year, so in conference play, you wanna get off on the right foot.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="83"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Bruce (Madison, MS)</h6>
Which player has been the biggest surprise during spring and fall camps?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:22 PM)</div></h6>
Chris Relf. He has developed himself from just being a football player to trying to become an every-down quarterback.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="84"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Stephanie (Jackson, MS)</h6>
Whats your favorite food?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:24 PM)</div></h6>
Cheesesteaks when I'm in Philadelphia, the Puritan backroom chicken tenders when I'm home in New Hampshire, and pizza anytime I'm close to New York.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="85"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Brian (Hendersonville)</h6>
What stadium other than Davis Wade is your favorite to play in?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:25 PM)</div></h6>
The Georgia Dome, for the SEC championship game.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="86"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">brian (Jackson, MS)</h6>
How do you balance having a family (especially with a toddler) with work? I imagine your schedule is crazy.</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:26 PM)</div></h6>
It is a very crazy schedule. You have to have a great wife that will bring your son out to practice, have lunch when you have five minutes to spend, and just to deal with the commitments that are involved with being a head coach.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="87"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Blake (Spring Hill, TN)</h6>
What is your most memorable moment so far in Starkville?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:26 PM)</div></h6>
Definitely winning the Egg Bowl.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="88"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Scott (Brandon, MS)</h6>
Coach, do you still have a clock in the locker room counting down the time until the Egg Bowl?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:27 PM)</div></h6>
Yes we do. It resets the day after the game.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="89"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Bill (Ridgeland)</h6>
What did you see when you played against Manny Diaz that made you go after him. I assume he is hard to figure out, but why?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:28 PM)</div></h6>
He gives you a lot of complex looks and is very creative in how his defense blitzes.</p></div><div class="chunk" jquery1282151702694="90"><h6 style="FLOAT: left">Rob (Houston, TX)</h6>
Coach, has anyone separated themselves at the RB position so far?</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:29 PM)</div></h6>
No, but I'm pleased with the progress of all three backs, and I can see them playing in the first game.</p><h6 style="FLOAT: left" class=" sn ">Dan Mullen
<div style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: xx-small; FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(1:29 PM)</div></h6>
Look forward to seeing all the Bulldog fans in the home opener against Memphis. Bring your cowbells and ring respectfully!</p></div></div></div>