tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-159052172024-03-12T23:06:59.406-04:00The Officially Unofficial Mississippi State Athletics Blogstateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-879334438372470782008-12-09T00:01:00.003-05:002008-12-09T00:02:51.402-05:00WTF?Seriously. WTF is going on with our coaching search. Greg Bryne truly is some kind of ninja.<br /><br />Don't worry Greg. Take your time. Make a great a hire.<br /><br />In the meantime, I'll be over here drinking heavily and hoping you don't screw it up, Mississippi State style.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-38023298567647262282008-11-26T13:26:00.006-05:002008-11-26T13:50:58.650-05:00MississippiI haven't posted to this blog since State made the College World Series on June 11, 2007.<br /><br />Since that day, State:<br /><br />1. Made it to a bowl game<br />2. Had an 8 win football season<br />3. Made it to the second round of the NCAA basketball tournament<br />4. Fired their longtime AD Larry Templeton (wahoo!!)<br />5. Hired Greg "where have you been all my life" Byrne<br />5. Fired their legendary baseball coach Ron Polk<br />6. Hired John "the savior" Cohen<br />7. Suffered through another dismal football season<br />8. Hired new president Mark "why didn't we hire him last time" Keenum<br /><br />That's a lot of activity in 18 months. Why then, did I choose now to come back? Quite frankly, it's a slow day at work. One of the first in the past two years.<br /><br />That, and I hate Ole Miss. I hope we beat their ass on Friday.<br /><br />In that spirit - <a href="http://saddawg.blogspot.com/">Sad Dawg</a> has a string of great stories about the Egg Bowl on his blog this week. Maybe Sad and his stories (or pictures) inspired me.<br /><br />Whatever...I'm back.<br /><br />Go to hell, Ole Miss!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv44GhdX10sh_euIpJ_s2MBaA7Kgn8-OGu_-LlIy09TLGtCJTNcCg3iPPa5XyuGqmxWgURafmjnXmQS0gdJCQ17uRZG5cfa5Gn08GhdQIIhmQjXp8uaqG7HZgbcCSPgrnipuyqRw/s1600-h/douchecd8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273038544666285426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv44GhdX10sh_euIpJ_s2MBaA7Kgn8-OGu_-LlIy09TLGtCJTNcCg3iPPa5XyuGqmxWgURafmjnXmQS0gdJCQ17uRZG5cfa5Gn08GhdQIIhmQjXp8uaqG7HZgbcCSPgrnipuyqRw/s320/douchecd8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Seriously. I hate those stupid bastards.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-34838278000222171492007-06-11T21:51:00.000-04:002008-12-09T06:43:12.385-05:00OMAHA!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyJK5UUy4SB6_su8wQSe1GceOENIaFxL5YqrAr6MbXURFWVLSRvTIzDGlszwW4byWcX5o4REm_S6dScmPBfVqYhYP0avFbi8g3IgBCLg0bTdXTruM995Fdq5UZeG6ma_P3jOeuQ/s1600-h/rosenblatt_large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074991359618894994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyJK5UUy4SB6_su8wQSe1GceOENIaFxL5YqrAr6MbXURFWVLSRvTIzDGlszwW4byWcX5o4REm_S6dScmPBfVqYhYP0avFbi8g3IgBCLg0bTdXTruM995Fdq5UZeG6ma_P3jOeuQ/s320/rosenblatt_large.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Somewhere in the middle of America!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I don't normally miss Omaha. But, not only did I graduate from high school right down HWY 75 in Bellevue, but I've been to many College World Series through the years, and right now I'm thinking back fondly on '98 and the 2000 series. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>State didn't make the 2000 series, but I was there for all two weeks, right after graduation, having a great time with old friends. Playing golf in the mornings and watching college baseball in the afternoons and getting into all sorts of trouble in the evenings. Great, great times.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Good to see State back where they belong in the CWS!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1175280638965137842007-03-30T15:49:00.000-04:002007-03-30T15:50:38.976-04:00Classic<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3608/1489/1600/260407/wv.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3608/1489/400/570574/wv.jpg" border="0" /></a>stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1175044485270389382007-03-27T21:09:00.000-04:002007-03-27T22:14:45.283-04:00State-WV 2nd Half DiarySimmons style running diary...second half of State-WV NIT game.<br /><br />Seven point run to start the second half...better get a timeout WV, and they do.<br /><br />Gordon with two assists and two points in the first two minutes of the 2nd half. Very nice.<br /><br />Anybody else hoping that Gordon doesn't play <em>too</em> well the next two games?<br /><br />I thought so.<br /><br />Right about now, I'm wanting a rematch with Clemson. Wait...that's some kind of jinx.<br /><br />Up 11...18 to play.<br /><br />Just got a text message from a State bud..."gordan sure has improved this year." Yeah, ya think.<br /><br />Not doing well on the boards....reminds me of the UNC game this past Sunday.<br /><br />Damn Slater has an ugly shot...but it's so pretty when it falls...14 point lead with 15:32 to play.<br /><br />Wow...good thing ESPN put our game on the Duece. That UT-UM chick game is a real barnburner. UT is up 30 in the second half.<br /><br />Looks like we only practiced against a 1-3-1 this week. Not handling the man well.<br /><br />We've done really well with the pick and roll the last few games. In the past we've had problems getting the ball to the roller, we're executing that much better now.<br /><br />Love how we push the ball now...we could be crazy exciting next year.<br /><br />Who are we all going to cuss next year when Slater is gone? I even asked the Pack. No good answers.<br /><br />Lucky bounce and WV cuts it to 7 with 10:00 to play.<br /><br />Gordon is strong. Fought through a crazy double team (probably got away with a foul)...two passes and a big Delk dunk.<br /><br />And it's down to four with 8:50. Shit.<br /><br />Sonuvabitch. Cousins cut it to one with 8:00 to play. Great answer by Slater.<br /><br />Need another Sierra Nevada. Fight song bottle openers never get old.<br /><br />Meanwhile, on the Pack...the denizens are losing it. Meltdown in 5, 4, 3, 2....<br /><br />Rhodes just dunked for WV...'08 whipping boy he will be...unless of course he declares for the draft. Ha. Just kidding Chuck, you know we want you to stay!<br /><br />A little defense would be nice. Up 2 with 5:30.<br /><br />Rhodes jacked a three. Damn. I thought he was done with that shit. I take it back...declare, declare!!<br /><br />Nice touch by Chuck. Okay, you can stay. Up 4.<br /><br />Another highlight for Jamont on the reverse layup. Up 6. And Jamont is a spit away from a double-double...again.<br /><br />Have I told you how much I hate the cousins, yet? Too much time hanging out with my VT alum brother at Lane Stadium. WV fans are obnoxious like no others. Well, no others, except the damn cajuns.<br /><br />Home stretch...up 3 with 3 to play...c'mon State!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Slater jacks another three and of course, misses. Damn it.<br /><br />WV ball...State up 3. This is going to be a long three minutes.<br /><br />Just heard a cowbell. Cowbells in MSG. Nice. Followed by a little Maroon-White. Excellent.<br /><br />Damn it. Rhodes needs to be much more aggressive on the boards. What a terrible call on the three point foul. That's ridiculous.<br /><br />Down 1...1 to go. Stewart with the big bucket. Up 1...40 secs to go.<br /><br />Timeout cousins.<br /><br />Get an f'n rebound!!! And Gordon finally pulls one done after the cousins got three chances.<br /><br />Shooting one and one.<br /><br />Makes the first.<br /><br />And the second.......miss.<br /><br />Cousins for the win.....open three...misses.............<br /><br />Cousin ball on the baseline...down two...two seconds left.<br /><br />Here we go....for three...hit it. Shit.<br /><br />Only at State. Only at State.<br /><br />Officials to the table to review. And the replay. Off in plenty of time. Right in Gordon's grill.<br /><br />F'in cousins.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1175039190577709022007-03-27T20:37:00.000-04:002007-03-27T20:46:30.576-04:00NITI haven't posted since February 1. Long time.<br /><br />While watching this NIT game, I can't help but think that regardless of what happens tonight, or on Thursday, should State win, this season, ultimately, was an underachievement.<br /><br />And that's not really being negative, just honest. This team has enough talent to be playing in the NCAA tournament. I hope the players learned during the second half of the season and the NIT how to prepare for every game, every opponent.<br /><br />Well...I did predict 20 plus wins, so at least I wasn't totally wrong there.<br /><br />Sure is fun watching Hansborough, Varnardo, Stewart and Delk on the floor together. Future is definitely bright.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1170348153567979702007-02-01T11:25:00.000-05:002007-02-01T11:42:33.726-05:00Really?!?!To completely, utterly, and unapologetically, steal SNL's "Really?" idea from their "Newsdesk" Vick story....<br /><br />What's up with Chuck?<br /><br />"If I get the ball, these are the results you're going to get," Rhodes <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/SPORTS030102/701310376/1079/SPORTS030102&GID=edl+x86BusdWeryC7GejaQUlUgPdMarkSWbpYpY0O2w%3D">said</a> Tuesday night after a 24-point, seven-rebound performance in MSU's 85-73 loss to Ole Miss.<br /><br />Really?!?!?<br /><br />If you get the ball, Chuck, then the team is going to get spanked by an inferior opponent? Really?!?!?!<br /><br />"They were just looking for me more, because if I get the ball more I'll do what I need to do," Rhodes said.<br /><br />Really?!?!?<br /><br />And what's that, Chuck? You'll launch threes at the worst possible times? Take fade away jumpers, instead of driving to the hoop and drawing fouls? Fail to block out and grab key rebounds? Play skeleton like defense? Really?!?!?!<br /><br />Or, are you saying that if you get the ball you won't pout like a third grader at recess who isn't getting enough touches from the playground ballhog?<br /><br />I <em>really</em> am not a fan of calling out college players. But damn. The "me first" attitude is killing this team.<br /><br />And to the Clarion Ledger Headline Writers..."Rhodes Sparkles?" Really?!?! Sparkles?!?! C'mon.....stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1170347112189662622007-02-01T11:18:00.000-05:002007-02-01T11:25:12.203-05:00I was wrong. Again.Damn that optimism. It keeps leading me down a road of sorrow. <br /><br />Last week I <a href="http://mstateathletics.blogspot.com/2007/01/acc-sec-rankings.html">wrote</a> this: "In other words, I still like my chances."<br /><br />I was pontificating about State's chances to make the tourney. Well, after losses to South Carolina and Mississippi, I no longer like State's chances to make the tourney.<br /><br />Damn it.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1169511087418104062007-01-22T18:57:00.000-05:002007-01-22T19:11:27.440-05:00ACC-SEC Rankings?This is an interesting idea, executed very poorly.<br /><br />Randy Beard of the Tallahasee Democrat has compiled a combined <a href="http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/FSU02/701200337/1008/FSU">ranking</a> of the SEC and ACC.<br /><br />This guy Beard, obviously not an intelligent basketball mind, has State ranked 20th of the 24 schools (as of January 20)?!?!?! Below such bombshell teams as NC State, Auburn, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida State, and Virginia Tech.<br /><br />Now, if you want to debate, you can probably toss Florida State and Virginia Tech out there and maybe even Arkansas. But, NC State?!?! In my best Bill Walton voice, "They're horrible!!!!!!" <br /><br />Obviously, State beat Auburn since the publication of this column. Virginia is streaky, but I like my chances on a neutral court, as I would against Vandy, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida State and Virginia Tech. 20th?!?!<br /><br />I think we should be somewhere around 14 in this poll at this date. Sitting firmly on the bubble of teams that makes the NCAAs from these two conferences. <br /><br />I predicted a NCAA birth earlier this year and as tempted as I am to back away from that prediction, I'm still holding on. Alabama has not impressed and LSU is spiraling right now. State has already taken care of UM and Auburn and I'm really not intimidated by Arkansas. Plus, after Wednesday we'll be done with the big three from the other side. <br /><br />In other words, I still like my chances.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1169248762853948982007-01-19T18:12:00.000-05:002007-01-19T18:19:22.873-05:00Exorcism?<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3608/1489/1600/366082/bulldog%20blessing.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3608/1489/200/23541/bulldog%20blessing.jpg" border="0" /></a>I saw this picture yesterday in a <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244233,00.html">FOX News story</a> covering the Feast of Saint Anton.<br /><br /><blockquote>Many Catholic churches in Spain honor San Anton (St. Antonio Abad), the patron saint of animals, with a feast on Jan. 17.</blockquote>So, I was thinking. The Spanish may be on to something here.<br /><br />It's often said that Scott Field must have been built on top of an old indian burial ground. As this can be the only possible explanation for the fate of State athletics throughout history.<br /><br />Therefore, I'm proposing a blessing of Bully on the fifty yard line. And if that's not strong enough, I say we go ahead with a full blown exorcism. Perhaps the "cigar boys" can fly in Father Juan Manuel Villar (pictured above) for the ceremony.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1169005667351195802007-01-16T22:10:00.000-05:002007-01-16T22:47:47.380-05:00We Need Something Good to HappenI just read something that really depressed me. <br /><br />"Cowpower" over at the <a href="http://www.sixpackspeak.com/">Pack</a>, posted his <a href="http://p210.ezboard.com/10000/fmsusixpackmessageboardfrm2.showMessage?topicID=49209.topic">10,000th</a> message today. 10,000. <br /><br />That made me wonder, how long does it take to post 10,000 messages on a message board dedicated primarily to bitching about Mississippi State athletics?<br /><br />Apparently, it takes since September 22, 2003. <br /><br />And that my dear friends is depressing. And I think it's depressing to most people with a vested interest in the success of State athletics. Now don't misunderstand, I don't think too many of us are worried about poor Mr. Cowpower and that fact that he apparently has nothing better to do than type 10,000 messages in a 3 year period. We're depressed because during the past three year period Mississippi State students, alumni and fans, have had virtually nothing to cheer about. <br /><br />Football has been atrocious. Basketball certainly had its regular season moments, and I thank them for that. The class of 2004 (Rhodes, Sharpe, Hosuton) was a huge bust and cost the team their momentum going into the '04/'05 campaign (and we're still trying to recover). And baseball has been giving us squat. <br /><br />I love Mississippi State University, and I'm tired of watching my alma mater flounder. <br /><br />State fans need a win. Something positive. We need a Sweet Sixteen or a CWS or god-forbid, a winning football season. We need some magic for the collective pysche of all Maroon-clad faithful. <br /><br />To sum this ramble up, the Kentucky game on Saturday night was the perfect opportunity for something big to take shape. The perfect opportunity for a State team to over-achieve and then build on that success. And they were close. So close. But, as usual these past few years, they came up short. <br /><br />How's the saying go old timers?? <br /><br />"We'll get 'em next time!"<br /><br />...and in writing that, I think a little part of me just died.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1164465990485103832006-11-25T09:30:00.000-05:002006-11-25T09:46:30.500-05:00Egg Bowl<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3608/1489/1600/233197/bilde.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3608/1489/320/250513/bilde.jpg" border="0" /></a>Every time I talk to my brother (VT Alum) about State football, he tells me it's obvious the program is improving. He tells me when the offensive line is as bad as State's line was three years ago, that it takes 4 or 5 plus years to see improvement in the win column.<br /><br />When I talk to another buddy (Auburn Alum) he tells me the same. Although he throws in that you can see the toughness and the fact the players are in the right the spots, they just don't always make the plays. That's "good coachin' and no talent."<br /><br />And another guy (Alabama fan/GT Alum) tells me to be patient. He actually called and congratulated me after the Alabama win.<br /><br />Here's my opinion. None of these guys watch as much State football as me, but they are all right (and wrong) in some aspects; aspects that have been dissected over and over and over during the past three seasons.<br /><br />The thing is, none of that matters today. It all matters tomorrow and it all mattered yesterday, but today it is all about beating Mississippi.<br /><br />In the words of Coach Orgeron: "A lot better," Orgeron <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061125/SPORTS030103/611250336/1109/SPORTS">said</a>. "Going down there last year, understanding the magnitude of the game. Not only during the game, after the game. Going recruiting and going around just to get gas or maybe get some pork chops at the store. ... Maybe it will make this a little bit better when we do win."<br /><br />Lucky for me, I don't have to deal with obnoxious Mississippi fans on a daily basis. I live in North Carolina, when I go to the store to buy pork chops, I don't have to worry about hearing some old man tell me my school stinks. It would be nice though to run into that random Auburn guy who stopped me in the parking lot the Monday after the Alabama game to pat me on the back and tell me how excited he was that we "whipped dem Tiders!!"<br /><br />Ahh...winning.<br /><br />It cures all.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1162598992045193192006-11-03T19:09:00.000-05:002006-11-04T10:27:05.333-05:00It's Been a MonthSince we've won...since I've posted...since the defense has shown up to play a football game....<br /><br />Anyone have a copy of that 1996 editorial in the Reflector that was printed before the Alabama game? It was something along the lines of, "just one time, rise up, play like champions, please....."<br /><br />It was classic and made me laugh on Friday.<br /><br />On Saturday night, it made me think the guy should be writing editorials like that every week.<br /><br />I still have the bolt from the South endzone goal posts. I was even on TV briefly that night, sitting behind some yahoo friends that decided it would be fun to get liqoured up and write ESPN across their chests. That's how bad we were, my buddies were essentially cheering for a television network.<br /><br />But then something crazy happened. We won. Some old-timer handed me a bottle of champagne as I was walking back to my dorm at like 2 a.m., said he'd been bringing that same bottle to every Alabama game since '81 - for 15 years he'd waited to pop the cork. Those old bastards were still throwing down as I left to crash for the night.<br /><br />I remember some dude who had to be in his fifties, just standing on the 50 yard line crying. The dude was crying. It was great.<br /><br />Had a buddy make off with a player's helmet in the chaos that ensued as well. Great freakin' times.<br /><br />While a win tomorrow would not be that fun, it could be that important.<br /><br />So, in the spirit of the crazy student who had the vision to dream of a Bama upset on ESPN, in primetime, on November 16, 1996, I say, please, please, please, let it happen again.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1160230507903824942006-10-07T09:26:00.000-04:002006-10-07T10:15:07.970-04:00From the Gameday Rags...<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/1600/mountaineer.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/320/mountaineer.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lock up the women and hide the children. The <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/team/86053">cousins</a> are coming to 'Vegas.<br /><br />When I was in school (the classic good ole day story begins) this guy would have been crying by halftime. Not only would we have mocked the poor soul mercilessly for hours before kick-off, but by halftime a running back like Slaton would be limping off the field. Anyone remember holding Rudi Johnson to like -15 rushing yards his senior year? Good times...good times....<br /><br />Okay, back to reality.<br /><br />Too many good quotes to pass up as I weed through gameday stories this morning....<br /><br />"I like embarrassing people," Slaton <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061007/SPORTS030102/610070326">said</a> in the article. "The best thing is putting a move on a guy who thinks he's about to bring you down and making him miss." - Slaton will likely have plenty of <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?">opportunities</a> to make people miss this afternoon - especially if he gets into State's arm tackling secondary.<br /><br />"We have a lot of mistakes, mental mistakes as well," Culberson <a href="http://www.herald-dispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061007/SPORTS/610070330/1002/SPORTS">said</a>. "And sometimes people are not playing all out." - That's the first time in years I recall a senior calling out his team. Is this an example of the improvement we'd miss if we were blind?<br /><br />"Our guys understand that you can't mess around with these guys," Rodriguez <a href="http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/sports/15701390.htm">said</a>. "If we play as poorly as we did at times in the last game (a 27-10 victory over East Carolina), we will be in trouble. I am not trying coach-speak. They have guys that will play on Sundays." - Thanks Holtz.<br /><br />"We're going to get better with experience," Croom <a href="http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/sports/15701390.htm">said</a>, "but right now, we just have to be patient." - But, what about those guys that are going to play on Sundays?<br /><br />“Dad has two buses,’’ White <a href="http://wvgazette.com/section/Sports/2006100642">said</a>. - Coming from Daphne, Ala., White's hometown. I'm sure they're not too worried about White messing around.<br /><br />And leave it to the Wheeler Intelligencer's Don Clegg to <a href="http://www.theintelligencer.net/sports/articles.asp?articleID=11346">qausi-quote</a> Hemingway, "If Ernest Hemingway were still around, he might have some advice to offer embattled Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom as his Bulldogs (1-4) prepare to play host to No. 4 West Virginia (4-0) this afternoon in Starkville, Miss. Ask not for whom the cowbells toll, Sylvester. They toll for thee." - Don't count on it Clegg. They haven't tolled from Croom in weeks (or maybe years - depends who you ask).<br /><br />"Bulldog fans are only permitted to ring the cowbells during non-conference games — the SEC has outlawed it in league games — but Croom and his players have been hearing more boos than bells midway through his third season at the helm." - Damn Clegg, try to pick a side of an argument and stick with it.<br /><br />‘‘This is the most talented team we’ve played,’’ <a href="http://www.theintelligencer.net/sports/articles.asp?articleID=11346">said</a> Rodriguez. ‘‘They’ve got three or four guys, especially on defense, who are going to be first-day (NFL) draft picks. Nobody has been able to run the ball on them, including Auburn and LSU. Their front seven has been that good.’’ - Really channeling Lou this weekend. Nice. However, he's right about one thing; no team they've played this season has as much talent at State. So, what's that say about WV's #4 ranking?<br /><br />Bottom line, I think this State team is going to show a little heart this weekend. Up against a wall...cornered dog (and all those other ridiculous analogies), I think they come out swinging. If a couple good things happen early, we can stay in it. Just remember, Big East Officials are coming to Starkville, so if it's close in the second half watch for the flags to start flying.<br /><br />I just wish I was on campus today, instead of being stuck miles away in ACC country. The cool fall air, the smell of bourbon floating across the stands...I miss Starkville.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1159326760768914282006-09-26T23:04:00.000-04:002006-09-26T23:12:40.780-04:00Well then...Thank god we were able to beat UAB. <br /><br />I was way to disappointed to post anything after the Tulane loss and subsequent departure of Calvin Wilson (someone tell me how we are going to build depth again?).<br /><br />I have to be honest here, I'm pretty tired of the Croom show. Great, great man, but I'm just not sure he can get it done. Now, as I type this, I really hope he can and I'm willing to give him a couple more years to try. I just really hope he proves me wrong.<br /><br />It's really all about expectations in this game. I wrote about that when Croom declared 2006 as the turn-around season. He wrote a check with that statement that I was afraid he couldn't cash...sometimes I hate being right. <br /><br />Well...1-3, with LSU up next and WVU on deck. I'm not even going to talk about LSU, but if we get out of there alive, after seeing what WVU did at lowly ECU last weekend, you can't count the Dawgs out of that one (hey, I did say I was a fan didn't I?). Not that it's likely, but it would be real fun to find a way to beat the Cousins.<br /><br />Enough rambling...I'm gone.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1158372617237206582006-09-15T21:58:00.000-04:002006-09-15T22:10:17.250-04:00TulaneThe Officially Unofficial Mississippi State Athletics Blog had absolutely no random thoughts (at least none we could share) after the Auburn game.<br /><br />Although we're all tired of being listed here: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2585138">ESPN's Bottom Ten</a>.<br /><br />Tulane is not a good football team. They gave up five games worth of yardage to Houston. I'm drawing a proverbial line in the sand this week - if we don't beat Tulane, I'm done with Croom.<br /><br />Dixon should have a nice game. Croom should run him until he begs to come out - and then he should run him some more. I forsee Rutland and the receiving corps having a nice outing as well. Rutland should have time to throw and the receivers should have time to get open. I haven't been able to say this in probably five years, but I like our offensive matchups against their secondary. Wow...how bad is their secondary anyway?<br /><br />That's enough bleating for one night.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1157081498377036972006-08-31T23:24:00.000-04:002006-09-02T13:12:36.140-04:00Random Thoughts about Game 1.I didn't think our offense could be worse than the 2005 version.<br /><br />I was wrong.<br /><br />You have to give the defense credit. They looked very good.<br /><br />If I was Andrews, I would be demanding my kicking job back. No excuse missing a 30 yarder in the first quarter.<br /><br />Offensive line looked worse than last year. Unbelievable.<br /><br />Horrible call by Croom going for it on 4th down at midfield. Even if he would have made it, it still would have been a horrible call. Down six. 14 plus minutes to play. Defense is looking great. Then, as fast as you can run a dive. Game over.<br /><br />Scott field looked good in HD.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1156712744468644732006-08-27T16:45:00.000-04:002006-08-27T17:05:44.486-04:005 DaysFive days from kick-off.<br /><br />I'm ready.<br /><br />I'm tired of reading about the issues with the offensive line and I'm tired of trying to figure out how this team is going to score enough points to win. I'm ready to just watch happen.<br /><br />The 2006 version of Mississippi State football is better off at every position, but defensive end and tailback, then any State team of the past three years, and that's a big, big plus. And it's not like the team is in dire straights at either position.<br /><br />The Clarion Ledger officially says goodbye to <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/misc/blogs/irapoport/irapoportblog.html">Ian</a> today. State fans will miss the coverage. Personally, I'm looking forward to the week of the Alabama game, where we can try to determine through Ian's writing whether or not he really had a soft spot in his heart for Starkville or not.<br /><br />Tomorrow is the blog's one year anniversary, so pop the champagne. The staff at The Officially Unofficial Mississippi State Athletics Blog would like to thank you for reading. Hopefully we've made Mississippi State athletics a little more enjoyable (or bearable). This blog was founded because Travis quit blogging and I had way too much time on my hands. Well, Travis is <a href="http://www.hailstate.blogspot.com/">back</a>, and he's been back for a while now, so check him out, if you haven't already.<br /><br />Cowbells are back in the <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060827/SPORTS030102/608270387/1079">news</a> as well. The SEC has to come up with a new way to enforce the noisemaker rule due to a change in the NCAA's crowd noise policy. To all the cry-babies in the SEC, I say, "BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<br /><br />Get over it. Let us ring our damn bells.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1155928456291972752006-08-18T14:56:00.000-04:002006-08-18T15:14:16.336-04:00Stansbury Strikes Again...Picks Up Transfer<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/1600/brian%20johnson.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/200/brian%20johnson.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>Stansbury manages a pretty solid transfer once again.<br /><br />From Andy Katz of <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2553692">ESPN.com</a>:<br /><br />"Former Louisville forward <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=22409">Brian Johnson</a> started school Thursday at Mississippi State and will be eligible to play for the Bulldogs for the 2007-08 season, according to a source close to the situation.<br /><br />Johnson, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound rising junior, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining after redshirting this season.<br /><br />Johnson, out of Oak Hill Academy (Va.), was a highly touted arrival at Louisville but injuries marred his career with the Cardinals. He missed the 2004-05 season with a knee injury. He averaged just 10 minutes a game last season, averaging 3.2 points and 3.2 rebounds."<br /><br />Scouting <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=22409">Report</a> on Johnson from ESPN.com:<br /><br />"Promising big forward ... Averaged 13.9 points and 9.3 rebounds in 23.0 minutes per game as a senior at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va. in helping his team to a 38-0 record and the nation's top ranking in the USA Today high school poll ... Teammate of Kentucky guard Rajon Rondo at Oak Hill Academy and Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith ... Finished just seven rebounds short of the single season rebounding record at Oak Hill (Cleveland Cavaliers forward DeSagana Diop holds the mark) ... Had knee surgery to repair damaged cartilage during his prep career ... The youngest member of the 2002 U.S. Junior National team ... Also participated in the 2003 USA Basketball Men's National Team Trials and was named a finalist for the 2003 USA Junior World Championship Team ... Played in the 2002 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival and averaged 10.0 points and 9.2 rebounds in five games ... Choose Louisville over Arizona, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame."<br /><br />And for those who are interested in that type of thing, Johnson was a four-star and the 9th ranked power forward in the country according to Scout.com.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1155689119685923942006-08-15T20:26:00.000-04:002006-08-15T20:45:19.850-04:00Um, yeah...this new job is gonna kill me.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/1600/Officespace.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/320/Officespace.jpg" border="0" /></a>Or at least my blogging. I waited all summer to have something to write about and now that I have more than enough fodder to keep me entertained, I don't hardly have five minutes to put together a post.<br /><br />It's taken me three days to get to this, but it really ticks me off that <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/misc/blogs/irapoport/irapoportblog.html">Ian</a> is leaving the CL. I'm not mad at Ian, hard to argue with his decision (I'm sure the job in Birmingham is worth more money and definitely more national exposure), but it's just another reminder that Mississippi State (and Mississippi in general) is viewed as second rate. Later Ian...as some stoner once said, "It's been real, it's been fun, it just hasn't been real fun."<br /><br />And what's up with Anderson's move to tackle. I fully believe Croom thinks it is best for the team, and it probably is, but this is a horrible sign as to the level of play our offensive line will be able to produce this fall. It's highly disappointing after all of the "this is the year" talk of the past month.<br /><br />Speaking of disappointments, what's the deal with Ryan Mason and Tony Burks? Mason has been battling an injury and apparently Burks just isn't in very good shape. We shouldn't write them off as failures yet, but it's been a very disappointing showing up to this point.<br /><br />At least <a href="http://www.mstateathletics.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=18&url_article_id=7831&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2">Alex Carpenter</a> got into school, finally. Of course we learned yesterday that Courtney Jones did not (so much for that stellar running back class). Booo!!!!stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1155269265983865882006-08-10T23:50:00.000-04:002006-08-11T00:07:46.000-04:00Busy, busy....<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/1600/48%20pd%20King%20Salmon.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/400/48%20pd%20King%20Salmon.jpg" border="0" /></a>Been way to busy to post lately. But, at least I've been having a good time (see the 50 pound king salmon I caught on the Kenai River in Alaska for proof).<br /><br />First I was in Alaska, as my good friend Heavy C already covered over on the <a href="http://www.mylefteye.blogspot.com">Lazy Eye</a>.<br /><br />Then I started a new job this week, so that's time consuming too. And suppose a decent time as well.<br /><br />The Dogs are apparently having a good fall practice in my absence, good enough for Croom to be smiling and joking around anyway. I'm definitely looking forward to August 31.<br /><br />The <a href="http://p210.ezboard.com/fmsusixpackmessageboardfrm2">SixPack</a> though, they're eating their young over there, which is a shame cause that board used to be really entertaining. I wonder if it's a bunch of bored freshmens (that's for you Stans) that make that board suck about this time every year. Hopefully it will make a triumphant return shortly.<br /><br />Well...to my two loyal readers, I'll try to post more often as the season gets closer.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1153492776082144452006-07-21T10:17:00.000-04:002006-07-21T10:40:38.640-04:00Easy....<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/1600/croom.3.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3608/1489/200/croom.1.jpg" border="0" /></a>“This will be our turnaround season.” - Coach Croom<br /><br />Croom, what are ya thinkin'?<br /><br />Please let those words be true. I hope as much or more than anyone that they will be.<br /><br />However, in the court of public opinion, there are two keys to always coming up on the right side.<br /><br />1. Under promise.<br /><br />2. Over deliver.<br /><br />Croom has taken away his ability to over deliver. If we win ten games (over delivering) - he said it would be a turn-around and it was. If we win six games (delivering) - he said it would be a turn-around and it was. If we win five or less(undeliver), not so much of a turn-around - but he said it would be, so he becomes a liar.<br /><br />Never a hero in this equation (short of winning the conference). Only a man who meets expectations or a goat.<br /><br />Why paint yourself into that type of corner?<br /><br /><em>Note: I like Croom. I'm on the record as being in the "Croom Camp." As a fan, I enjoy his honesty and his outlook. But I want him to succeed. And to truly be successful, I think he needs 5-7 years - and he won't get the time if he is constantly disappointing the fanbase. I wish we had strong enough personalities in our AD's media department to help him temper expectations - not heighten them. Don't get me wrong, I feel that we should win 5 games this year. But is that a turn-around?</em>stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1153403618084429772006-07-20T09:49:00.000-04:002006-07-20T09:53:38.100-04:00BuddhaThere is a good <a href="http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/071806/col_89282.shtml">read</a> on Mississippi State DL commit, Jonathan Williams, in today's Augusta Chronicle. <br /><blockquote>"Mississippi State's head coach asked me this spring why couldn't I just come to Starkville now," Williams said. "Coach (Sylvester) Croom said he wished I was already lining up for his defense."</blockquote><br />He recently added an offer from South Carolina (to go along with State, Bama, Auburn and Mississippi) that he is considering as well. However he says that he remains committed to State.<br /><blockquote>"Everyone calls me Buddha," Williams said. "That's what I've gone by since I was born."</blockquote>stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1153320510045933632006-07-19T10:43:00.000-04:002006-07-19T10:48:30.046-04:00Early CommitsAn interesting, if not somewhat obvious, column in the Birmingham News today <a href="http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/kscarbinsky.ssf?/base/sports/1153300970287860.xml&coll=2">discusses</a> the high numbers of early commits this year. <br /><blockquote><br />That puts the SEC champs at 10 commitments, which puts them behind Alabama (12), Ole Miss (16) and SEC leader Mississippi State (18). </blockquote><br />I'm going out on a limb here, but it's nice to see State leading in something. <br /><br />Of course the end of the column sums up the number counting nicely.<br /><br /><blockquote>"If we're full by Sept. 1 and we didn't get the right kids to win a national championship," Ross said, "we didn't do the right thing in recruiting." </blockquote><br />I'm not going to even think about national titles and simply hope that Croom has been able to corral a group capable of moving up from that number 68 preseason ranking.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15905217.post-1153320047046718042006-07-19T10:35:00.000-04:002006-07-21T15:17:44.336-04:00We're 68!!! We're 68!!!Hmm...that doesn't have quite the right ring to it.<br /><br />College Football News has <a href="http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2006/Rankings/Preview2006_60_69.htm">ranked</a> Mississippi State number 68 in D1 college football.<br /><br />CFN writes:<br /><br /><blockquote>"There's no way possible a D-I offense can average 276 yards and fewer than 14 points per game two years in a row. It just can't. The offensive line is sure to be better after struggling through injuries and inexperience last year, and the receiving corps should be much stronger with Omarr Conner's full-time switch from quarterback to receiver and the addition of receiver Tony Burks. Fine, so the running back situation is a bit dicey with the loss of Jerious Norwood and quarterback Michael Henig has to prove he can complete a pass on a regular basis, but there's hope for all the lumps taken last year to pay off. Nine starters return from a group that more than held its own last year finishing 29th in the nation in total defense."</blockquote><br /><br />CFN predicts a 4-9 season for the <a href="http://www.collegefootballnews.com/sec/2006_Previews/MississippiState_preview.htm">Dogs</a>.stateskillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260973399157597532noreply@blogger.com0