Dan Mullen's final comments before season-opener Saturday

Dan Mullen admitted he's smiling a lot more at the start of this season than perhaps in other years.

The sixth-year Mississippi State head coach gave credit to his veterans for his jovial mood through camp.

"I like the leadership on this team," Mullen said Thursday night. "...That makes my job a lot easier."

Mississippi State opens the season against Southern Miss at Davis Wade Stadium at 6:30 p.m. (SEC Network). Mullen talked about the matchup for an hour on his radio show, Dawg Talk, on Thursday.

Mullen addressed the team's kicking game. It's the biggest question heading into the 2014 season. Not many answers were given Thursday night.

"Good," Mullen responded when asked about the development of MSU's kickers.

When asked to elaborate, he only brought up punter Devon Bell's success

If Saturday's game plays out how fans hope, backup quarterback Damian Williams will be seeing a lot of time. Mullen wouldn't tip his hand as to who the third string quarterback is.

Freshman Nick Fitzgerald enrolled at MSU in January so he is slightly ahead of Elijah Staley, the head coach said. But Mullen left the door open for both to play.

"There's always a chance," Mullen said.

Staley tweeted last week he would be redshirting.

When asked for sleepers on his team Mullen brought up the running backs Josh Robinson and Nick Griffin.

"That's probably a position that on offense there is no returning starter," Mullen said.

He also mentioned wide receivers Fred Brown and Fred Ross, raving about their offseasons.

At this point it's all speculation though.

"You never know. Because what happens, every team is independent," Mullen said. "How is that team going to come together?"