The Officially Unofficial Mississippi State Athletics Blog

WTF?

2008-12-09T00:01:00.003-05:00

Seriously. WTF is going on with our coaching search. Greg Bryne truly is some kind of ninja.

Don't worry Greg. Take your time. Make a great a hire.

In the meantime, I'll be over here drinking heavily and hoping you don't screw it up, Mississippi State style.

Mississippi

2008-11-26T13:26:00.006-05:00

I haven't posted to this blog since State made the College World Series on June 11, 2007.

Since that day, State:

1. Made it to a bowl game
2. Had an 8 win football season
3. Made it to the second round of the NCAA basketball tournament
4. Fired their longtime AD Larry Templeton (wahoo!!)
5. Hired Greg "where have you been all my life" Byrne
5. Fired their legendary baseball coach Ron Polk
6. Hired John "the savior" Cohen
7. Suffered through another dismal football season
8. Hired new president Mark "why didn't we hire him last time" Keenum

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.

That, and I hate Ole Miss. I hope we beat their ass on Friday.

In that spirit - Sad Dawg has a string of great stories about the Egg Bowl on his blog this week. Maybe Sad and his stories (or pictures) inspired me.

Whatever...I'm back.

Go to hell, Ole Miss!

Seriously. I hate those stupid bastards.

OMAHA!

2007-06-11T21:51:00.000-04:00

Somewhere in the middle of America!

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.

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.

Good to see State back where they belong in the CWS!

Classic

2007-03-30T15:49:00.000-04:00

State-WV 2nd Half Diary

2007-03-27T21:09:00.000-04:00

Simmons style running diary...second half of State-WV NIT game.

Seven point run to start the second half...better get a timeout WV, and they do.

Gordon with two assists and two points in the first two minutes of the 2nd half. Very nice.

Anybody else hoping that Gordon doesn't play too well the next two games?

I thought so.

Right about now, I'm wanting a rematch with Clemson. Wait...that's some kind of jinx.

Up 11...18 to play.

Just got a text message from a State bud..."gordan sure has improved this year." Yeah, ya think.

Not doing well on the boards....reminds me of the UNC game this past Sunday.

Damn Slater has an ugly shot...but it's so pretty when it falls...14 point lead with 15:32 to play.

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.

Looks like we only practiced against a 1-3-1 this week. Not handling the man well.

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.

Love how we push the ball now...we could be crazy exciting next year.

Who are we all going to cuss next year when Slater is gone? I even asked the Pack. No good answers.

Lucky bounce and WV cuts it to 7 with 10:00 to play.

Gordon is strong. Fought through a crazy double team (probably got away with a foul)...two passes and a big Delk dunk.

And it's down to four with 8:50. Shit.

Sonuvabitch. Cousins cut it to one with 8:00 to play. Great answer by Slater.

Need another Sierra Nevada. Fight song bottle openers never get old.

Meanwhile, on the Pack...the denizens are losing it. Meltdown in 5, 4, 3, 2....

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!

A little defense would be nice. Up 2 with 5:30.

Rhodes jacked a three. Damn. I thought he was done with that shit. I take it back...declare, declare!!

Nice touch by Chuck. Okay, you can stay. Up 4.

Another highlight for Jamont on the reverse layup. Up 6. And Jamont is a spit away from a double-double...again.

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.

Home stretch...up 3 with 3 to play...c'mon State!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Slater jacks another three and of course, misses. Damn it.

WV ball...State up 3. This is going to be a long three minutes.

Just heard a cowbell. Cowbells in MSG. Nice. Followed by a little Maroon-White. Excellent.

Damn it. Rhodes needs to be much more aggressive on the boards. What a terrible call on the three point foul. That's ridiculous.

Down 1...1 to go. Stewart with the big bucket. Up 1...40 secs to go.

Timeout cousins.

Get an f'n rebound!!! And Gordon finally pulls one done after the cousins got three chances.

Shooting one and one.

Makes the first.

And the second.......miss.

Cousins for the win.....open three...misses.............

Cousin ball on the baseline...down two...two seconds left.

Here we go....for three...hit it. Shit.

Only at State. Only at State.

Officials to the table to review. And the replay. Off in plenty of time. Right in Gordon's grill.

F'in cousins.

NIT

2007-03-27T20:37:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted since February 1. Long time.

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.

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.

Well...I did predict 20 plus wins, so at least I wasn't totally wrong there.

Sure is fun watching Hansborough, Varnardo, Stewart and Delk on the floor together. Future is definitely bright.

Really?!?!

2007-02-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

To completely, utterly, and unapologetically, steal SNL's "Really?" idea from their "Newsdesk" Vick story....

What's up with Chuck?

"If I get the ball, these are the results you're going to get," Rhodes said Tuesday night after a 24-point, seven-rebound performance in MSU's 85-73 loss to Ole Miss.

Really?!?!?

If you get the ball, Chuck, then the team is going to get spanked by an inferior opponent? Really?!?!?!

"They were just looking for me more, because if I get the ball more I'll do what I need to do," Rhodes said.

Really?!?!?

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?!?!?!

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?

I really am not a fan of calling out college players. But damn. The "me first" attitude is killing this team.

And to the Clarion Ledger Headline Writers..."Rhodes Sparkles?" Really?!?! Sparkles?!?! C'mon.....

I was wrong. Again.

2007-02-01T11:18:00.000-05:00

Damn that optimism. It keeps leading me down a road of sorrow.

Last week I wrote this: "In other words, I still like my chances."

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.

Damn it.

ACC-SEC Rankings?

2007-01-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

This is an interesting idea, executed very poorly.

Randy Beard of the Tallahasee Democrat has compiled a combined ranking of the SEC and ACC.

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.

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!!!!!!"

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?!?!

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.

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.

In other words, I still like my chances.

Exorcism?

2007-01-19T18:12:00.000-05:00

I saw this picture yesterday in a FOX News story covering the Feast of Saint Anton.

Many Catholic churches in Spain honor San Anton (St. Antonio Abad), the patron saint of animals, with a feast on Jan. 17.

So, I was thinking. The Spanish may be on to something here.

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.

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.

We Need Something Good to Happen

2007-01-16T22:10:00.000-05:00

I just read something that really depressed me.

"Cowpower" over at the Pack, posted his 10,000th message today. 10,000.

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?

Apparently, it takes since September 22, 2003.

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.

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.

I love Mississippi State University, and I'm tired of watching my alma mater flounder.

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.

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.

How's the saying go old timers??

"We'll get 'em next time!"

...and in writing that, I think a little part of me just died.

Egg Bowl

2006-11-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

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.

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."

And another guy (Alabama fan/GT Alum) tells me to be patient. He actually called and congratulated me after the Alabama win.

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.

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.

In the words of Coach Orgeron: "A lot better," Orgeron said. "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."

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!!"

Ahh...winning.

It cures all.

It's Been a Month

2006-11-03T19:09:00.000-05:00

Since we've won...since I've posted...since the defense has shown up to play a football game....

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....."

It was classic and made me laugh on Friday.

On Saturday night, it made me think the guy should be writing editorials like that every week.

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.

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.

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.

Had a buddy make off with a player's helmet in the chaos that ensued as well. Great freakin' times.

While a win tomorrow would not be that fun, it could be that important.

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.

From the Gameday Rags...

2006-10-07T09:26:00.000-04:00

Lock up the women and hide the children. The cousins are coming to 'Vegas.

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....

Okay, back to reality.

Too many good quotes to pass up as I weed through gameday stories this morning....

"I like embarrassing people," Slaton said 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 opportunities to make people miss this afternoon - especially if he gets into State's arm tackling secondary.

"We have a lot of mistakes, mental mistakes as well," Culberson said. "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?

"Our guys understand that you can't mess around with these guys," Rodriguez said. "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.

"We're going to get better with experience," Croom said, "but right now, we just have to be patient." - But, what about those guys that are going to play on Sundays?

“Dad has two buses,’’ White said. - Coming from Daphne, Ala., White's hometown. I'm sure they're not too worried about White messing around.

And leave it to the Wheeler Intelligencer's Don Clegg to qausi-quote 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).

"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.

‘‘This is the most talented team we’ve played,’’ said 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?

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.

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.

Well then...

2006-09-26T23:04:00.000-04:00

Thank god we were able to beat UAB.

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?).

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.

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.

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.

Enough rambling...I'm gone.

Tulane

2006-09-15T21:58:00.000-04:00

The Officially Unofficial Mississippi State Athletics Blog had absolutely no random thoughts (at least none we could share) after the Auburn game.

Although we're all tired of being listed here: ESPN's Bottom Ten.

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.

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?

That's enough bleating for one night.

Random Thoughts about Game 1.

2006-08-31T23:24:00.000-04:00

I didn't think our offense could be worse than the 2005 version.

I was wrong.

You have to give the defense credit. They looked very good.

If I was Andrews, I would be demanding my kicking job back. No excuse missing a 30 yarder in the first quarter.

Offensive line looked worse than last year. Unbelievable.

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.

Scott field looked good in HD.

5 Days

2006-08-27T16:45:00.000-04:00

Five days from kick-off.

I'm ready.

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.

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.

The Clarion Ledger officially says goodbye to Ian 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.

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 back, and he's been back for a while now, so check him out, if you haven't already.

Cowbells are back in the news 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Get over it. Let us ring our damn bells.

Stansbury Strikes Again...Picks Up Transfer

2006-08-18T14:56:00.000-04:00

Stansbury manages a pretty solid transfer once again.

From Andy Katz of ESPN.com:

"Former Louisville forward Brian Johnson 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.

Johnson, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound rising junior, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining after redshirting this season.

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."

Scouting Report on Johnson from ESPN.com:

"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."

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.

Um, yeah...this new job is gonna kill me.

2006-08-15T20:26:00.000-04:00

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.

It's taken me three days to get to this, but it really ticks me off that Ian 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."

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.

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.

At least Alex Carpenter got into school, finally. Of course we learned yesterday that Courtney Jones did not (so much for that stellar running back class). Booo!!!!

Busy, busy....

2006-08-10T23:50:00.000-04:00

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).

First I was in Alaska, as my good friend Heavy C already covered over on the Lazy Eye.

Then I started a new job this week, so that's time consuming too. And suppose a decent time as well.

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.

The SixPack 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.

Well...to my two loyal readers, I'll try to post more often as the season gets closer.

Easy....

2006-07-21T10:17:00.000-04:00

“This will be our turnaround season.” - Coach Croom

Croom, what are ya thinkin'?

Please let those words be true. I hope as much or more than anyone that they will be.

However, in the court of public opinion, there are two keys to always coming up on the right side.

1. Under promise.

2. Over deliver.

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.

Never a hero in this equation (short of winning the conference). Only a man who meets expectations or a goat.

Why paint yourself into that type of corner?

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?

Buddha

2006-07-20T09:49:00.000-04:00

There is a good read on Mississippi State DL commit, Jonathan Williams, in today's Augusta Chronicle.

"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."

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.

"Everyone calls me Buddha," Williams said. "That's what I've gone by since I was born."

Early Commits

2006-07-19T10:43:00.000-04:00

An interesting, if not somewhat obvious, column in the Birmingham News today discusses the high numbers of early commits this year.

That puts the SEC champs at 10 commitments, which puts them behind Alabama (12), Ole Miss (16) and SEC leader Mississippi State (18).

I'm going out on a limb here, but it's nice to see State leading in something.

Of course the end of the column sums up the number counting nicely.

"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."

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.

We're 68!!! We're 68!!!

2006-07-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

Hmm...that doesn't have quite the right ring to it.

College Football News has ranked Mississippi State number 68 in D1 college football.

CFN writes:

"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."

CFN predicts a 4-9 season for the Dogs.

Google - Trends

2006-07-18T09:16:00.000-04:00

I'm breaking my long run of no posts with inspiration from Sports Illustrated's Steve Rushin. His column in last week's issue was about "Google Trends" and what information the sports world was searching for online. I thought it would be interesting to see which college football coaches drum up respect around the Southeast.

We'll start with Croom. Believe it or not, Croom is searched for more in Limerick, Ireland, than anywhere else on the planet. Followed by Jackson and Tampa Bay and then Dublin. Apparently there is a hot tourist destination named Croom Mills, just outside of Limerick. Who knew?

Spurrier leads the way in Columbia, but is still closely followed in Gainesville, with Knoxville coming in sixth. Apparently the Vols are still keeping tabs on the evil one. While Tuberville doesn't have much interest outside of Alabama. Fulmer gets very little interest outside of Tennessee, a little from Columbia and a little from Birmingham (UT transplants and Bama Haters).

I was interested in whether Beamer would be number one in Blacksburg, however Germany fills all ten slots, driven by the BMW I assume.

And it's very dissapointing to see that Starkville doesn't even rank on the list of cities searching for cowbells. Those tree-huggers in Seattle actually lead the way. Why in the hell are you searching for cowbells in Seattle?

Papelbon

2006-06-22T09:57:00.000-04:00

Papelbon is about the only thing associated with Mississippi State that has been succesful this year. The fact that he plays for a team with a history of choking that is even more glorious, though not any more remarkable, than State, is just a good old fashioned twist of fate.

"He's the best player on the team. There's no question."

That's high praise from Simmons, especially considering the line-up and piching staff in Boston.

More intriguing however is the column's main topic. Should Paps stay in the closer roll forever?

Personally, I hope he gets a chance to start, if that's his dream. If he's happy closing though, he could be one of the best ever...or Mitch Williams.

summertime slowdown...

2006-06-15T10:31:00.000-04:00

Summer sucks for college sports. Especially when your baseball team is sitting at home during the CWS (which begins tomorrow by the way), again.

For those that don't know, I spent a few years growing up in Bellevue, just south of Omaha. Was there from '84-'89 and from '94-'96 (before heading to Starkville).

During that time, the CWS was always my favorite yearly event. We'd sit out in the left field bleachers at Rosenblatt Stadium with our general admission tickets, scope out the college girls, and have a grand ole time. I was at most of the '85 CWS, although I don't remember much of it.

Back in '86 or '87, I got to meet Rafael Palmeiro after an Iowa Cubs-Omaha Royals game, courtesy of some wonderful family friends (who steered me to State by the way).

During my time at State, from '96-'00, the team made it back "home" twice. And those were great experiences. Going home from State for the summer and having the baseball team follow me north. That was great stuff. I remember in '98 meeting Rusty Thom's mom. She came out to the outfield late in the game against USC to thank all of the idiots in left field that cheered on her son during the past two College World Series. I remember the girls with the "We Love Rusty" t-shirts and the never ending chants, "Rusty, Rusty, Rusty!"

My favorite story from '98 was Thoms running out in the first inning of State's first game in the CWS that year, against Florida, and throwing gum into the stands. He had a couple pockets full and after tossing them up he told the crowd not to worry, that he would have more stuff for them later. Then, in his first at bat, he hits a jack into the left field bleachers. When he came back out to the field, he ran along the wall and said, "I told you I'd have more for you!" That was pretty sweet.

I miss those good times. They seemed to happen a lot between 1996 and 2000. Bowl games, the SEC Championship game, two College World Series appearances, and of course the Final Four.

Since I left school, it seems every program but basketball has really struggled. The great experiences have happened less and less for State fans. And that's depressing.

In happier news...

Polk got a verbal from one of the best pitchers in the southeast, Parkview Baptist's Forrest Moore, Mr. Baseball in the state of Louisiana in 2006.

Let's all just hope that Moore doesn't decide to go pro after his senior year.

Lea Named to Freshmen All-America Team

2006-06-09T11:46:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Matt Lea. Too bad he was hurt down the stretch.

Mississippi State pitcher Matt Lea has been named to the 2006 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American team.

Lea, a Collierville, Tenn. native, compiled a 5-1 record with a 2.01 ERA. He struck out 26 in 40 1/3 innings and held opponents to a staff-low .206 batting average.

Lea is the 27th Mississippi State player to earn freshman All-America team honors since 1983. last week Thomas Berkery was named by Collegiate Baseball to the second-team Louisville Slugger All-Amercian team.

I'm ready for football....

2006-06-02T10:36:00.000-04:00

This video has been floating around the message boards for the past week, but if you haven't watched it yet, it's worth the three minutes.

It was put together by a Gamecock fan.

Clemson Regional - Game One

2006-06-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

I'm going out on a creaking branch (not quite a limb)...State wins today.

And like clockwork...Polk takes this NCAA Tourney opportunity to rip the NCAA over scholarships. Ya know what coach, shut up and do your job for three days. Then you can get right back on the "NCAA sucks" bandwagon.

Way too long...

2006-05-31T11:22:00.000-04:00

It's been way too long between updates.

And for that I apologize to my two loyal readers.

I thought baseball season was over, I really did.

But I was wrong. Imagine that.

I hope State does well at Clemson, perhaps they'll regain their early season form. I'm trying not to be too negative, any time a team from State makes the post season it's a good thing, but I just don't have much optimism left.

The pitching plan for the weekend is to go with Dunn on Friday and Pigott on Saturday and then see what happens. Our pitching depth is going to cost us this weekend. If we win the first game and Clemson some how loses on Friday, we should save Pigott for Sunday. In this scenario, we should do our best to get through UNC-Asheville with the rest of our staff and save Pigott for Clemson. That's our only (slim) chance to win this regional. I don't think our staff is good enough to beat Clemson twice.

(edited the last paragraph on Friday morning for clarification purposes)

Pretty much over

2006-05-19T09:33:00.000-04:00

The season is pretty much over after last night's loss. Barring a minor miracle (Florida taking two from LSU and State winning the remaining two against Mississippi) the baseball season that started as a dream will be ending as a nightmare.

Most likely scenario from here.

NO SEC TOURNAMENT.

NO NCAA TOURNAMENT.

Pretty depressing results from a team ranked #1 in the entire land less than two short months ago.

Apathy is a Terrible Thing

2006-05-16T11:45:00.000-04:00

This team lost me about three weeks ago. I can't really say, "I don't care." Because, I do. But, I just don't care as much as I should, and that sucks.

Polk has done something this spring that no one in 4 years has been able to accomplish, he actually has me looking forward to the football season.

Let me just get his off my chest...I don't care how good Kentucky's record is this year, a Mississippi State baseball team should NEVER, ever, get swept at UK.

And I really don't need an "I told you so" lecture from Rick Cleveland about baseball not being football. This sad sack has made a career of being a reporter/sports columnist at the Clarion Ledger...that's about all that needs to be said about his ability to overcome mediocrity. Why should he be lecturing anyone on expectations?

And speaking of expectations...our golden boy Norwood is being expected to achieve a lot in Atlanta. So much, that Duckett is being hounded by trade rumors.

And quotes like this have to help in recruiting, right?

Norwood's comfort level is high because he ran in a pro-style offense at Mississippi State. Croom took Green Bay's version of the West Coast offense to Starkville, and it's similar to the Falcons' version.

"I talked to Sly before we drafted him, and even a lot of the terminology is the same," Wilson said. "Anytime a rookie can come in and have a little familiarity with what's going on, it's a plus for him."

I suppose that is more than enough random thoughts for one day. I'm going to try to get back to regular updates...but don't expect too much, this isn't football.

It's been a long 10 days...

2006-05-10T10:09:00.000-04:00

Since my last addition, on April 28, the Dogs have gone 4-3, losing a heartbreaking series to SC and winning a series at home against Florida.

Only Kentucky and Mississippi remain on the SEC schedule with a game against UT-Martin thrown in the middle of next week.

The Dogs play in Lexington this weekend against the number 8 ranked Cats, who took three from Mississippi last weekend. The first two games of the series will be televised on FSN.

State is currently sitting in the eighth and last slot for the SEC Tournament. They need to win at least 3, but possibly 4 or more of the next 6 games to make it in.

In other news...Justin Pigott was the SEC Pitcher of the Week for his complete game performance against Florida. Pigott needed only 83 pitches to complete the game, while allowing one earned run.

"It's Done."

2006-04-28T09:39:00.000-04:00

Croom says, "It's done."

Felony assault charges against six Mississippi State football players were reduced to misdemeanors today, their lawyer and coach said.

When the agreement was reached, each player pleaded guilty to misdemeanor simple assault, rather than the felony simple assault on a police officer, said Jay Perry, who represents the players.

I wonder why officer Armstead wasn't charged with a misdemeanor assault as well? If the stories we heard were true, which they seem to be since the charges were reduced, should Armstead not face the same penalties under the law as the players?

Also, rather ironic that the Starkville police chief was all to eager to be out in front of the media when this story broke, but according to Ian, "Neither Police Chief David Lindley, nor prosecutor Roy Carpenter, immediately returned messages seeking comment."

Figures.

Now the only issue that remains is whether any of these young men will miss any games.

Head in the Sand

2006-04-27T10:52:00.000-04:00

I tried to ignore State baseball during the past week, well not really ignore per se, but not write about it here, because frankly, I was just tired of writing about all of the losing.

But, how in the hell do you get swept by USM?

Terrible.

So, the team travels to South Carolina this weekend. Maybe that is far enough away from Starkville for the team to literally leave their troubles behind.

Fourteen games left, twelve of those against USC, Florida, Kentucky and Mississippi. This is a tough road for a lost team to travel.

State Wins, Fans Not Happy

2006-04-19T11:48:00.000-04:00

State beat Memphis last night with a ninth inning 4-run rally, but the natives are still restless. Allowing Cleveland to get roughed up for seven runs is one more example of Polk leaving pitchers on the mound past their point of effectiveness.

I think State fans want to see a Jim Leyland like tirade from their skipper.

The Tigers' loss to the Indians was so bad that Detroit manager Jim Leyland's expletive-filled tirade could be heard outside the clubhouse door.

"We stunk," Leyland said Monday while speaking to reporters after the 10-2 loss, a terse session that ended with him abruptly storming out of his office. "The whole ball of wax was lackluster."

The fanbase has lost confidence in Polk's passion for winning. That's usually the first step towards the end. The only thing that can save Polk's reputation in the eyes of many Bulldog faithful is retirement or a Paterno-like resurgence. Personally, I'm hoping for the resurgence.

Auburn takes Two of Three

2006-04-17T11:32:00.000-04:00

So, they lost another series.

And Bulldog nation is in temporary meltdown, divided between Polk bashers and Polk supporters.

It's hard to add much to the subject when you can't see the games, but something seems to be wrong with this club's mentality. The team needs a spark before the season is too far gone to recover.

Last week the team was ranked #10. This week...I'm guessing #20 or worse is in store.

Karma

2006-04-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

You do bad things and bad things will happen to you.

Example 1: Logan Young.

Buy a HS football player for $150,000 for the University of Alabama...die a bloody death.

Example 2: stateskills.

Say Francoeur sucks and pull him from your fantasy lineup...bastard hits two homeruns, doubles his season hit total and drives in three runs, in one game.

Baseball is not my friend.

2006-04-13T09:54:00.000-04:00

State baseball is in the tank. The Dogs are 7-7, since the 18-0 start, with a road trip to Auburn this weekend. We went from Omaha dreams to sweating out an invite to Hoover in one week.

The Kansas City Royals...well, the AB years (that would be After Brett) have been a total disaster. The offense looks okay this year, but the pitching is beyond hope. And to make matters worse, the Royals haven't won in the Bronx since 2002. F'ng Yankees.

The Braves look like crap this year too. Chipper is already on the DL (and on my fantasy team which makes his injury even worse) and Francoeur (also on my FT) can't hit the broadside of a barn (don't worry folks, his ass is on the bench and may be getting the ax soon).

As you can see from above, my fantasy baseball team...well, it sucks. At least I have Papelbon, my one sentimental pick up has been gold.

On the bright side, my check for winning a NCAA Tournament Pool is coming in the mail this week. And I did win some money playing poker last night. So, I've got that going for me, which is nice.

Collapse.

2006-04-11T10:24:00.000-04:00

I may be a day late with this topic, but it is too good to pass up.

I'm still trying to figure out how those contraptions in left field never seem to fail, but a simple deck, built by the Athletic Department, can't make it through half the season.

Is the collapsing deck symbolic of our baseball team or of our Athletic Department as a whole? We always joke about our teams folding under pressure, but the infrastructure too? At least the field looked nice.

I truly believe it's something in the culture in Starkville. For example, why did no one take charge and have the collapsed deck removed before Sunday's game? It wouldn't have taken long to remove with a team of 5-10 men and the right tools. Just get it done.

I'm hoping the General fixes some of these "cultural" issues at the University. But speaking of the General, why was he a no-show at SBW? Where were you, Doc? You should have thrown out the first pitch on Friday night, made a brief speech before the spring game and lead "Take me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch on Sunday. Maybe doing a Harry Caray impersonation would have been taking it a little far, but the General should have been visible this past weekend, that much is certain.

(The photo of the deck is courtesy of poster jsireland, from a post here.)

Weather Not Looking Good

2006-04-07T10:37:00.000-04:00

This is the forecast for Starkville this evening.

Looking like a double header on Saturday is likely.

Georgia - Super Bulldog Weekend

2006-04-07T09:44:00.000-04:00

Georgia comes to town this weekend to take on the #3 ranked, for now, Mississippi State Bulldogs.

"Georgia owns a 6-2 mark against top 25 ranked teams this season including 2-2 on the road."

Georgia swept State in 2004, the last time they made the trip to 'Vegas. Hopefully State can turn the table this weekend. A sweep is needed to maintain a top five national ranking after the debacle in Louisiana earlier this week.

Berkery is bringing a 25 game hitting streak into the weekend, just two short of the school record. Berkery is hitting for a .439 avg., with 20 walks and an on-base percentage of .515 this season.

It's also Super Bulldog Weekend, so the crowds should be out in force, even though the football spring game lost some luster due to last weekend's activities.

2006-04-06T08:59:00.000-04:00

Good job, Ian.

2006-04-05T08:28:00.000-04:00

Ian Rapoport's article in today's Clarion Ledger regarding the suspension of six State football players for their role in a fight at a sorority party at Level III early last Sunday morning was balanced. And for that, I say, "Thank you."

It's unfortunate that the AP reporter didn't do any homework for his brief story on the suspensions or pick up some quotes from Ian to round out his account of the events. According to the AP story on the wire today, the officer wasn't even off-duty. Heck, the AP reporter is still reporting that they were freed on a 25K bond. If he was paying attention, he would know that their bond was reduced to 10K on Monday.

Is a little bit of accuracy too much to ask for?

Croom Suspends 6 Players Indefinitely

2006-04-04T14:03:00.000-04:00

What does this mean?

Nothing really.

Early bedtime and no partying at Level III.

Any real punishment will be handed out after the trial is finished and at that point it may be completely out of Croom's hands anyway.

Reputation

2006-04-04T10:47:00.000-04:00

That's what this is all about now.

The Associated Press put the story on the wire, so it's national news today.

Guilty or not, this story dampens the reputation of the football program, Croom and the University. It's a sad day.

I'm not convicting either side, since there appear to be a lot of holes in the story.

So, when is a journalist in this State going to step up and do some actual investigative reporting? How about interviewing some of the attendees of the party? That would be a good start. Then perhaps the reporter could try to piece together the events of the evening that lead up to the altercation. Maybe learn more about Mr. Armstead and his record as an officer. And learn more about these players' pasts. Have they ever been in trouble with the law before? These are just suggestions, mind you.

Again, for the record, I'm not anti-SPD. Heck, one of my best friends is a SPD Officer.

I just want the whole story, before my University's reputation is run through the mud and before I'm willing to convict the players of having complete responsibility for this incident.

To me, it sounds like a standard case of a group of guys all acting tough for their women (players and Armstead included). If that's the case, then let that be the case, drop the charges, and move on.

Unfortunately, it's probably not that simple. If Armstead carries any blame from this incident it will probably negatively impact his career as an SPD Officer. This fact alone will make the settling of this case that much harder, as Armstead would have to drop the charges for this to go away, because you know SPD will stand up for its own.

This is Not Good

2006-04-03T09:16:00.000-04:00

A fight at a sorority/fraternity party? That's news?

Well, it is when it involves five football players and an off-duty cop.

"Five Mississippi State football players each face a felony assault charge in connection with the Saturday night assault of an off-duty Starkville police officer at a downtown party."

The whole story isn't out yet, but the early report from the Starkville Daily News is not good.

Arrests included five of the most talented players from last Fall's freshmen class:

Defensive back Keith Fitzhugh

Defensive back Derek Pegues

Offensive tackle Michael Gates

Defensive lineman Charles Burns

Defensive lineman Quinton Wesley

Alabama Takes 2 of 3

2006-04-03T08:58:00.000-04:00

Well, if you believe in the theory that history repeats itself, that series went as expected.

Now the team just has to rally and win the CWS.

Alabama took 2 of 3, but all three games could have gone either way. A sweep this weekend of UGA (who was swept by Mississippi in Athens this past weekend) during Super Bulldog Weekend will get this team back on the right track.

Team of Destiny?

2006-03-31T10:17:00.000-05:00

Taken from Ian's blog:

"Here's one more thing that Alabama coach Jim Wells pointed out this morning, though I have no idea how relevant it is: There are two times that a No. 1 team has come to Tuscaloosa. Both times, the Tide won the regular season series. Both times, that No. 1 team ended up winning the College World Series."

The two teams that went to Alabama ranked #1, lost the series and eventually won the national title were Miami in 1985 and LSU in 1997.

We'll have to see how the weekend unfolds, but this is certainly an interesting development.

Two More in the Win Column

2006-03-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

State continues to roll on the diamond, improving their record to 21-1, after a midweek - two game (5-4, 9-2) - sweep of Birmingham Southern.

State needed some timely hitting to notch the win on Tuesday, but yesterday the offense opened up early and freshmen pitcher Lea only gave up two runs in six innings to pick up his fourth win on the year.

Berkery will try to extend his 19 game hitting streak this weekend against Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Welcome General Foglesong

2006-03-28T09:48:00.000-05:00

There is currently a lot of debate on the State message boards regarding the potential hire of General Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong as Mississippi State University's next president. Many are upset because their man, Dr. Keenum, did not get the position and many are upset about the nature of the search. That's understandable.

"He has a clear vision of where he wants to take MSU over the next five years," Cole said of Foglesong. "What set him apart from the others was the specifics of his ideas about how to move Mississippi State forward."

I don't know much about Dr. Foglesong, but what I do know, I like. It's my understanding that he was well liked and respected by his Air Force colleagues, which is no small feat for a Four Star. I suspect this man will be a well liked president, once "folks get to know him."

Outsiders are never looked upon kindly in the South. Change comes hard. But a new perspective and strong leadership is what our University needs and what I believe our University will get with Dr. Foglesong.

Here are my top five predictions for Dr. Foglesong's tenure at Mississippi State:

1. The Golden Triangle will receive multiple aerospace contracts in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
2. MSU research grants will break dollar amount records.
3. Dr. Foglesong will be called upon by the masses to be more publicly vocal regarding athletics. He won't do it. But he will demand excellence behind the scenes.
4. Dr. Foglesong will be visible and accessible.
5. The flyovers at football games will be much better aircraft than the T37s from Columbus.

Still #1 in Baseball America Poll

2006-03-27T13:24:00.000-05:00

(Taken from Baseball America.)

In other polls, State moved up to #2 in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's poll and up to #3 in the Rosenblatt Report poll.

Series Win

2006-03-27T10:08:00.000-05:00

It wasn't easy, it rarely is, but the Dogs escaped from Baton Rouge with a series win.

Game one was a blowout, 11-1. And included back to back to back homeruns from State.

"I thought we hit a lot of balls on the nose," said MSU skipper Ron Polk, whose team is back on the field at 1 p.m. today for Game 2. "It's a hitter's ballpark. I just wish we could bank some of those runs, because we know LSU will be back. Their backs are now against the wall."

Game two was lost in the late innings.

"We knew we weren't going to go 56-0," MSU reliever Mike Valentine said.

Game three was won in the 10th.

"It's not an easy ballpark to play in," Polk said. "I told Skip (Bertman, the Tigers' former coach who now serves as LSU's athletics director) that I had a little tear in my eye, because it's the last game I'll coach at Alex Box. This is like my second home, my gosh."

I'll take it.

19-1. 4-1 in the SEC.

New rankings will be released shortly.

(The photo above is of the LSU dugout watching as State took the lead in the 10th inning on a sacrifice fly. The photo is courtesy of Advocate staff photographer Patrick Dennis.)

Two Ex-Dog Pitchers Getting Major League Chances this Spring

2006-03-24T11:29:00.000-05:00

Paul Maholm and Jonathon Papelbon have tremendous opportunities in front of them. Both of them ended the 2005 season on major league rosters, Maholm with the Pirates and Papelbon with the Red Sox and both will start this season on those respective rosters, Maholm as the number five starter and Papelbon in the bullpen (for now).

Baseball Recruiting

2006-03-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

Good article from Chicagosports.com about Connor Powers, a first baseman/pitcher, who has narrowed his college choices down to Purdue and Mississippi State.

Powers hit .505 last season with an .879 slugging percentage and 49 RBIs. On the mound he went 5-1 with a 1.53 ERA.

The article is mostly about his dedication to the game after suffering from a separated shoulder late last season during a collision on the bath paths.

Red Stick

2006-03-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

The 17-0 Mississippi State Bulldogs take their unblemished record and number one national ranking to Baton Rouge this weekend.

“If we can take two out of three against LSU, then I think it’s safe to say we’re a legitimate contender,” Polk said.

LSU head coach Smoke Laval is comparing his team to MSU's squad of a year ago. Young and inexperienced, but talented.

“A few years ago they were so young, they didn’t have to bring shaving cream when they went on the road,” Laval said. “Now they need walkers.”

LSU was planning to start two lefties this weekend, one on Friday (Dirks) and one on Sunday (Forrer, 1-0, 4.40), but according to the Baton Rouge Advocate, Dirks is out with flu like symptoms (along with 10 other players), so Forrer, the typical Sunday starter for LSU, will be getting the start tonight. State will go with the same three as last weekend, Dunn, Johnson and Lalor.

Forrer leads LSU in walks allowed with 12. State’s three weekend starters have allowed a total of 14 walks on the season.

...and the beat goes on.

2006-03-22T09:57:00.000-05:00

Mississippi State baseball is now in the midst of the longest winning "ahem" streak in school history, as the Dogs move to 16-0.

But, I'm still not talking about it.

State beat UAB last night 10-3. Freshmen righty Matt Lea picked up his third win.

Next up: Jacksonville State.

I enjoyed this quote from coach Polk in today's Clarion Ledger.

"It's early," Polk said. "But if I had to pick one poll for us to be No. 1 in, I'd pick Baseball America. Those people really know what they're doing."

"Take No. 1 honor with dose of salt"

2006-03-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

To hell with you, Mr. Cleveland.

"So, in the overall scheme of things, what does all this mean?
Not much.

Not much at all."

You know what it means, sir.

It means:

From March 20, 2006 - March 26, 2006, Mississippi State was considered the best baseball team in the entire country.

And what does that mean?

It means a lot.

Name the last time a big three sport from the state of Mississippi was ranked number one at any point in the season?

What's that you say? 1993, you say? Mississippi State Baseball in 1993.

Wow. It's been 13 years since one of the big three sports in Mississippi has been ranked number one at any point in the season, but to Rick Cleveland it means, "Not much at all."

Thanks Rick. Way to live in the moment.

Not that I respected Mr. Cleveland's opinion before, but now he's really lost me.

Cleveland can tell his readers to take State's number one ranking with a dose of salt, but I'm going to enjoy the brief moments in time when Mississippi State University manages to stand on top of the hill.

2006-03-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

This is the current front page of Baseball America.

Perhaps I'm having too much fun with this early season poll. But damn it, Mississippi State hasn't been ranked number one in any sport for so long that I refuse to feel guilt for celebrating this accomplishment, whether it's still March or not.

State is #1 in Baseball America Poll

2006-03-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

Taken from Baseball America:

Mississippi State ascended to No. 1 in Baseball America's weekly college baseball rankings for the first time since March 1993 thanks to a 15-0 start. It marks the best start in school history for the Bulldogs, who won four times on the week and have tied the MSU record for consecutive wins.

Former No. 1 Georgia Tech slipped to No. 5 after dropping a series at North Carolina State, which re-entered the rankings at No. 20. No. 2 Clemson fell to 10th after getting swept at Virginia, which makes its season debut in the Top 25 at No. 24.

I'm not talking about it.

2006-03-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

State won their first SEC series this past weekend, 2-0. Game three was cancelled due to rain, which is a shame, because the way things are going State probably would have won that one too.
15-0.

Only undefeated team in Division 1. The best record to start a season in State's history, topping the '85 team's previous record of 14-0. Whew...this could get ugly.

But until then, I'm going to enjoy it.

All this and we have fallen to number 4 in the RPI. Hmm...

Should be interesting to see how much we jump in the polls.

So, the question of the day was asked by CL beat writer Ian Rapaport:

So, MSU coach Ron Polk, can this year’s team hold up to comparisons with
the 1985 team?

"Well, that 1985 team was pretty good," said Polk, in his 27th year at State. "Are we better (this year)? I don’t know. But I know the league is better now."

Still Rollin'

2006-03-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

Dogs win again last night. This time over Jacksonville State, 7-4. On Tuesday, they took out UAB in high form, 20-4.

This is starting to become one of those streaks you don't talk about.

You know, first rule of the streak; you don't talk about the streak.

That being said...

Tennessee (who lost to a 2-10 Sienna team by the score of 9-8 yesterday) is up next. They'll be in Starkville for the first SEC series of the season this weekend.

Speaking of the SEC...just in time for the first weekend of conference games, our boy Ian writes his first SEC baseball preview. And he's already drinking the SEC kool-aid.

"By now, the Southeastern Conference receives little debate when it calls itself college baseball's best.

Need proof? Take your pick of these numbers, compiled since 1990.

More NCAA Tournament bids (100) than any other conference. More College World Series teams (32) than any other conference. More different programs (nine) to make it to Omaha than any other conference."

(The picture above of Rea batting against JSU was taken from http://www.mstateathletics.com.)

Speaking of Expectations

2006-03-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

Look out Paps, Boston has set them high.

A sports page headline in today's Boston Globe reads, "Rocket Redux."

Holy crap.

A few excerpts:

"Twenty years after Roger Clemens first brought his blazing fastball up from Pawtucket to Boston, the Red Sox are counting on another of their home-grown studs from the South, Jonathan Papelbon, to heat up Fenway Park."

"Even if Boston fans won't admit it, there's a part of them that's always been looking for the next Rocket. It may be Jonathan Papelbon."

"When I started pitching at Mississippi State, I thought to myself, 'Who do I want to pitch like?' " he says. "It was obviously Roger."

Besides the Clemens comparison, this is a long feature and a very good read.

Uh, oh..."Expectations"

2006-03-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've never been a big fan of Jim Mashek of the Sun Herald. Maybe it goes back to his continual bashing of Sherrill, before there was anything to really bash him about. But, whatever it is, this guy also seems to be trying his hardest to make Mr. State Fan's life miserable.

In today's rag, he boasts on the undefeated Dogs, which is nice, but damn it, everyone who has followed State over the years is well aware of the choking nature of any State club with *gasp* expectations. The fellas over at the SixPack call it the "Cream Theory."

"The Cream Theory - Whenever MSU is in a position to achieve success on a national level, everyone associated with MSU from coaches to fans to players to staff experiences a dramatic tightening of the sphincter so great, we cannot help but choke. This theory was created by Stallion4Tiiigaaahhhs, author of Cream Talk."

The following gems were uttered over the past weekend and put into print by our good friend Mashek today.

"I think we're an Omaha team," Rea said.

"It's a veteran ballclub," Polk said. "Two or three years ago, these kids might not have been able to handle a series like we had over the weekend with Arizona. Our pitchers are throwing strikes, and our earned-run average is right around 2.00. We've had some timely hitting and played great defense. I think we can hit the ball a little better."

"We have high expectations. We're going to win a lot of games," Dunn said.

Another Sweep

2006-03-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are the only undefeated team in Division 1 college baseball.

That's pretty sweet.

Another great weekend by the pitching staff. This is college baseball, where runs rule the day, and this staff only gave up 8 all weekend. Very nice. Pitching like that takes a lot of pressure off the bats.

(Last week's Baseball America ranked number 5) Tennesse comes to town this weekend and the boys in Maroon have midweek games at UAB and at Jacksonville State.

The Mississippi State nation really needs a couple positive months.

(The picture of Jeff Butts above was taken from www.mstateathletics.com.)

Basketball Recap

2006-03-13T09:33:00.000-05:00

Well, State's season is over.

I predicted a 19-20 win season back in November. And you'll get no excuses from me. I was just flat out wrong.

The first half of the SEC schedule was brutal and the defections of Sharpe and Houston hurt the team, this season and in the long run. Don't get me wrong, Sharpe was probably more of a distraction than an asset, but Stansbury has to view losing him as a failure, because the guy has talent.

The biggest failure of this past season is again the team's inability to build any kind of depth. Stansbury continues to struggle with the task of keeping non-starters happy. Maybe he promises these kids the world when he's recruiting them, but damn, I've never seen a team that consistently has so much discontent coming from the bench. And Houston being pissed about getting 10 minutes a game as a red shirt freshmen is just ridiculous. We missed his contribution this year and will really miss him the next three years. He could have been a 15 minute guy next year and a sixth man his junior year and probably a starter his senior year. Every program needs that type of depth.

The team will have plenty of talent in the starting five next season, but Stansbury better do whatever he has to do to ensure that Goodridge and Rimmer develop in the off-season. And he should probably sign a JUCO big man that can be a solid role player next season as well.

Overall, I'm disappointed in the outcome this year. An NIT bid should have been the minimum accomplishment of this team. I don't think you can call any tangible result of this season a success.

Bachelor Party

2006-03-08T09:08:00.000-05:00

I will be out of contact with this page for the next five days due to the hosting responsibilities involved with my brother's bachelor party.

Hopefully when I return, I’ll have a sweep of Arizona and an SEC Tournament Championship (a guy can dream, right?) to write about.

Until then, I’ll be spending my time here.

Gordon Named to CollegeInsider.com Freshmen All America Team

2006-03-08T09:04:00.000-05:00

Gordon was named this week to the CollegeInsider.com Freshmen All-America Team.

The collegeinsider.com Freshmen All-America team is one twenty-five-man team, rather than compiling a first, second, third and honorable mention.

Congrats Jamont.

Now, go win some SEC tourney games!

Another day, another defection.

2006-03-07T10:22:00.000-05:00

Spring practice started yesterday. A player quit the team yesterday.

Hmm...sounds like last year.

“It was a good first day,” Croom said, “but that’s all it was…just the first day.”

Corey Clark quit the team and school for undisclosed reasons before yesterday's practice. Croom is quoted as saying that Clark didn't give a reason and he didn't ask for one (way to motivate the depth there coach).

In positive news, the wide receivers looked better than ever during the Croom regime, with Conner and Burks on the corners. Ian reports that Threadgill and Bell had good days as well.

And the defense is of course ahead of the offense. And oh yeah, quarterback play is lacking.

I could have written this report last week.

(Photo was taken from www.mstateathletics.com)

Great weekend.

2006-03-06T12:21:00.000-05:00

A HUGE win over Bama and another sweep by the boys of summer (ahem, spring) makes this past weekend perfect for the Bulldogs.

What I don't understand is, how come we're still here? This isn't as big of an event as the football and basketball team winning on the same day, however it may make my assumption as to the ramifications from such an event null and void, which actually hinders my theory on State athletics as a whole (damn it).

But, there may be a silver lining. Perhaps in the sporting universe this paradox of events, a clean sweep by Mississippi State University over an entire weekend, marks a turn-around of sorts, a coming of a new day if you will.

Or perhaps not. But either way, I'm happy on Monday. And that's all that really matters.

Sunshine?

2006-03-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

I'm not trying to pump too much sunshine here, but let's look at the facts.

On the road, minus Slater, Edmundson and Goodridge (not to mention the other two who shalt not be named), our pups hung in and put a little scare into Arkansas before it was all over. Personally, I enjoyed seeing Stan Heath sweat a little when State cut that 20 point lead to 10 with about 7:30 left in the second frame.

Is there a different outcome if Slater (out after only three minutes), Edmundson and Goodridge get minutes tonight? Maybe not with the way Modica was filling it up, but you never know.

Either way, the difference in this team from November is astounding. Rhodes, Gordon, Slater and both Delks have stepped up their games considerably since the beginning of the season, and for Rhodes and Slater, they've both lifted their game to another level this year.

All this makes me optimistic for the future.

The team had the same problems last night as the rest of the season, 10 minute lulls where they can't buy points. That will kill you. As it has against LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, UT, UK, etc., etc., etc.

A little more sunshine...I love the fight and confidence in these guys. They don't back down, they have a little attitude and they keep coming, win or lose, until the final horn. This off season will be about developing team work and gaining consistency on both ends. And adding some Juco muscle underneath wouldn't hurt either.

(Photo courtesy of April L. Brown, Associated Press.)

Rhodes with Big Day Over UGA

2006-02-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

The lead in Sunday's CL article about the game with UGA reads:

"Charles Rhodes made himself a promise. If he ever recorded his career high in points at Humphrey Coliseum, he would bend down and kiss the M-State logo at center court.

So before the Mississippi State forward exited Saturday's game with 1 minute, 45 seconds left, the sophomore from Jackson paused at mid-court for an impromptu celebration."

I'm somewhat surprised he wasn't given a technical. Hess must not have been working this one.

Rhodes scored 27 points Saturday afternoon, a career high. And he says he promised to kiss center court if he ever got his career high at the Hump. I personally hope to see him kiss center court a few times next year as well.

Rhodes, who is becoming quite quotable, added this gem as well, "I was letting everybody know I will be back next year," said Rhodes, laughing. "No NBA for me." So much for my tongue-in-cheek prediction last week.

So, is the NIT on the horizon for our Pups?

Well, they play Arkansas on the road on Wednesday and Alabama at the Hump this coming Saturday. I think they'll need to at least split these last two games or win a game in the SEC tournament to get an NIT invite. The NIT sucks, as a rule, but the more games these guys play together, the better.

(The picture is courtesy of Jim Lytle of The Associated Press.)

Clean Sweep

2006-02-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

State started the season right with a sweep of visiting Marist.

Although the competition level could be questioned, Bulldog pitching looked exceptionally strong, holding Marist to a .199 BA for the series.

Dunn, Johnson, and Lalor picked up the early season wins.

a little history

2006-02-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

Last season, for the first time in NCAA history, two collegiate baseball games had on-campus crowds of more than 10,000 on the same day. The two home teams, Mississippi State and Mississippi. It helped that those two baseball games coincided with spring football games at the respective institutions, but either way, it's an impressive stat.

This fact is being promoted with the SEC's "Pack the Parks - The Drive for 1.5" publicity campaign. Drawing 1,490,005 spectators in 2005, the SEC's baseball attendance goal this year is 1.5 million.

116th First Pitch

2006-02-23T10:27:00.000-05:00

Brooks Dunn will throw the first pitch of the Bulldogs' 116th season tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 p.m. local time. The three game series against Marist marks the beginning of the 40th season at Dudy Noble Field.

Marist brings an experienced club to Starkville. They were recently picked to finish third in the MAAC by the conference's coaches. Marist won the 2005 MAAC Championship on its way to a 33-21 overall record and an appearance in their fifth NCAA Tournament since 1997.

I wish I could be out in Left Field.

Too little, too late.

2006-02-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

"We wait to get down 20, get embarrassed, before we decide to start playing," Stansbury said.

Typical. The team has to learn how to play for 40 minutes (cliche, I know, but it's true). They played for 30 minutes at Auburn and lost by three.

I like the way this team fights. When they all learn consistency, they should be just fine.

(Photo is courtesy of Todd J. Van Emst of The Associated Press.)

speaking of being lazy...

2006-02-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

And no, I'm not talking about the rumors of Croom's recruiting style (ba dum, ching!). I've been a sleep at the wheel this past month. Time to step it back up.

The big win over Mississippi on Saturday was nice and needed. Rhodes' qoute was classic.

"We beat the crap out of Ole Miss tonight." Nice.

Here's the new nightmare scenario...

Rhodes and Gordon go on a tear and lead State to four straight victories to end the regular season. Then they tear up the conference tourney on a surprise run only to lose in the final game. Then they win a few games in the NIT on big time performances. Nightmare, you say?

Then Rhodes and Gordon have a joint press conference to announce they are going pro. That would be typical State.

Seriously though, IF Rhodes and Gordon both stay for two more years, this team could be scary good in 2008.

In Baseball...the Dawgs have moved up two spots to #11 in the lastest Baseball America Poll and haven't played a game yet. Nice.

According to Ian's blog, "Polk also called the team his most experienced since he's returned to Starkville as coach. Then he said that the key to winning is who has the most experienced players and who stays away from injury." Expecations coach, expectations.

And in da foosball news, Melvin Smith is back. Which is nice, seeing as how he coached the greatest secondary in MSU history and was a coach on the greatest teams in MSU history.

This coaching shuffle has Beamer coaching running backs (with a lot of HC oversight I'm sure), Johnson coaching middle and weakside backers, with Jones coaching strong side backers and keeping control of the special teams. I always think Beamer should be coaching special teams, but maybe that's just too obvious.

Lazy blogging...

2006-02-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

I'm on a weekly news cycle right now, which needs to improve, I know.

What's new this week:

It's official, the State-South Carolina game has been moved to Thursday, August 31 on ESPN. The game will open the college football season and if the opener is anything like last year's college kick-off at South Carolina, Starkville can expect the Game Day crew to be in town and can expect a concert by whoever is singing this year's ESPN College Football theme song. Should be a good party. And hopefully Spurrier will continue his losing streak at Scott Field.

Jamont Gordon earns SEC Freshman of the Week honors. What more can you say about his play? He's been outstanding. And speaking of outstanding, it's very nice to see Rhodes develop into one of the SEC's better post players mid-way through his second season.

Other interesting news...

The Jimmy Bass saga may be the straw that breaks Templeton's back. At least we hope it is. If history is any indicator of future outcomes, then Templeton will still be holding his post this time next year. I suppose our only hope is for the new president to ask for his resignation.

And you should check out Ian Rapoport's new blog on the Clarion-Ledger site. It's good reading.

Frustration

2006-02-02T10:54:00.000-05:00

I haven't added anything to this blog in a week. Is it because I'm lazy that I don't bring myself here every day, no that's not it. It's because I'm depressed about the downward spiral that is the current state of State athletics.

Example 1. The basketball team is in the tank following their seventh straight loss. They're young, they'll get better, but right now they are tough to watch and even harder to write about. Gordon and Rhodes looked good last night. Everybody else...not so much.

Example 2. What in the hell happened during the past month of football recruiting? I'm not completely down on this class. There is some definite speed on the corners, which we needed, desperately. The running back class is solid, but thin without Ashley. Our SEC running back depth chart looks like this...Sophomore, Freshman, Freshman, ????. Not good. And why on earth didn't we recruit a quarterback? It takes QBs a good while to learn this offense; we needed one this year that could contribute in his 4th year, after his RS Freshman, Freshman and Sophomore years. But Croom is waiting until next year to recruit a big time QB, who will likely leave him at the altar, just like Perrilloux, Holland and Ashley.

On the bright side, there is some hope for the second half of the SEC season. The team has already played the heavy hitters from the East and Bama and Mississippi on the road. They could win at least half of their remaining games, if they remember how to win.

And the football team, well it's a long time until that first game. So, therefore it's a long time until the team suffers another loss.

Did They Quit?

2006-01-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

Something I never thought I would think about a Stansbury coached team crept into my mind last night.

Did they quit?

Last night's home loss to Tennessee, apparently a damn fine team by the way, was humiliating.

1. Stansbury's worst loss as a head coach, ever.
2. The team shoots 5-27 from three point range.
3. Dietric "I'm out of ideas" Slater contributes next to nothing on the offensive end (2-8 from the field)
4. A whopping 20 points from teammates not named Rhodes, Gordon or Edmundson.
5. "For the first time all year long, that team whipped us," Bulldogs coach Rick Stansbury said.
6. "We saw it in them early in the game that they were winded," Tennessee's JaJuan Smith said. "We just kept trying to run them, and it worked." (that kind of comment has to sting)

If that doesn't sum it up, this statement does, "Our team is not very good right now," Stansbury said. "It's been one thing after another with us. There's no magical speeches after that game."

Photo above: Tennessee's C. J. Watson (32) shoots over Mississippi State's Charles Rhodes (23) during the second half of the NCAA division I basketball game in Starkville, Miss. Wednesday Jan. 25, 2006. No. 19 Tennessee won 88-65. Watson led Tennessee in scoring with 19 points.(AP Photo/Jim Lytle)

State Baseball Ranked #21 by USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll

2006-01-25T10:47:00.000-05:00

Polk's team is ranked #21 by the preseason USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll.

A month away from first pitch, the other SEC teams ranked are Tennessee at #12, South Carolina at #17, LSU at #19 and Mississippi at #22.

This has to be the first time in a very long time that no SEC team is ranked in the top ten.

The Dogs have also been ranked #13 preseason by Baseball America. Baseball America had this to say about the Dogs, "Added four vital JC transfers to one of Ron Polk's most experienced rosters." No more "we're young" excuses for Polk.

State begins its season with a three-game home series Feb. 24-26 against Marist College, one of 11 MSU opponents that advanced to competition in the 2005 NCAA Tournament.

I'm glad I missed last week.

2006-01-25T10:31:00.000-05:00

Last week was a bust. Thank god I missed it. For the most part, I'm going to pretend it didn't happen. But, we can't pretend that Sharpe and Houston are still on the basketball team and we can't pretend that we didn't drop two more basketball games.

Hopefully Dixon will verbal to State in about 20 minutes and LT Thomas will pick State on Friday. If that happens, then we won't have to pretend this past recruiting weekend wasn't a bust too.

Big Week

2006-01-16T09:28:00.000-05:00

The loss to Mississippi stings (I really do hate that school). And the apparent dissension on the basketball team is just more shit heaped on the pile. But for the record, that's the best Mississippi basketball team in years, probably middle of the pack in the SEC West, which is a step in the right direction for Barnes.

As for this upcoming week, saying it's BIG seems to be a bit of an understatement.

The basketball team plays LSU and Vanderbilt this week. After watching the game Saturday, one has to believe that the next two are likely losses. And while I hope they win, I'll see neither game. And Croom's most important recruiting weekend is just five days away, but I won't be following that story at all either.

I'm taking the week off. I'm heading to Breckenridge, where I'll try not to crash as hard as the basketball team is probably going to this week.

So, in the spirit of corporate America, where in order to take a vacation you must complete a week's worth of work ahead of time, I'm wrapping up the headlines early this week.

Dissension Fills Bulldog Locker Room - The CL headline on Wednesday morning. Ian will wax poetic on more dissension in the locker room. He'll follow up on Dietric's ridiculous quote after the Mississippi game and the "team meeting" that made it to the public before the UM game.

Dogs Drop Third Straight - That will be the Sun Herald headline on Thursday morning after LSU comes to Starkville and proves for the third straight game that if you don't play defense, you lose. Slater will likely say something else stupid, unless Stansbury takes away his mic.

Bulldogs Reeling After Fourth Straight Loss - That headline is saved for the Sunday CL after Vandy takes it to the Pups up in Nashville. This time Rhodes gets into the media act after his fifth straight solid game, and says the team needs to come together if they are going to win this year.

Dixon Commits to Croom - Also a Sunday headline, this gives the masses something to cheer about between bitch sessions about the basketball team. There is great euphoria as the rumors spread through secret reports that Thomas and Hayes both had a great weekend and that Croom still has a shot at Holland. The Bulldog nation waits impatiently for more verbals to come.

I'm planning to return from my vacation next Monday morning to a meltdown - Mississippi State Style. Gene will be banning people left and right and the Pack will be screaming, "I told you $@#&* this would happen! We'll be lucky to win another game all year!!"

Now, don't get me wrong. I hope I come back and have two wins to watch on my DVR. And I hope every recruit in town this weekend commits to Croom.

But being realistic, it doesn't look like I'll miss much to cheer about this week.

So, I've got that going for me. Which is nice.

#2 Florida

2006-01-11T10:42:00.000-05:00

Florida is ranked #2 in this week's AP and ESPN polls and is a 17 point favorite against the Pups tonight in Gainesville.

Chances for a State win? Slim, but possible. If any team can slow down a run-and-gun team like Florida, it's a team that rebounds well. And State will have to show up on the boards to keep Florida's offense under wraps. Especially early, because no one knows how the inexperienced Bulldog back court will respond to being down by 10 or more early in the game on the road.

To have a real chance at victory, State will need Reginald Delk to have a good-to-great night shooting the ball. Gordon will have to play within himself, Slater will have to give quality minutes with limited turnovers, like he did against Arkansas, and Rhodes will have to stay out of foul trouble and contribute around 15 points. In other words, everything will have to come together for the Bulldogs. It would be nice to get some quality minutes from Sharpe, because Florida will wear out Morgan and Stelmach in a hurry with their transition game.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Stansbury go to a smaller lineup in an attempt to neutralize some of the speed on Florida's roster. If that's the case, Houston could see significant time at the four tonight.

We're not expecting a win here, but the game could be a good measuring stick for how well the team will handle playing on the road in the SEC. With a team this young however it's important not to put too much emphasis on the result of any one game, which seems extremely difficult for many in the neurotic State fan base.

A streak which would be nice to break tonight: State has lost seven straight to ranked opponents. That's not good.

My best guess is that streak makes it to eight: Florida 74 - State 65.

(Don't you wish we still had Roberts?)

MSU now an option for in-state stars?!?!

2006-01-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

What the hell does this mean? Are you telling me that previously, before January 10, 2006, MSU wasn't an option for in-state stars? Pegues wasn't an in-state star? Omarr Conner, Jerious Norwood, Dontae Walker, ahem...he was a HS star before he became the...uh...nevermind, sorry I lost focus. All of the players listed above were bigger "in-state stars" than Mr. Summers.

The Daily Journal's headline writer tells us today that because Anthony Summers verbally committed to play football at State that "MSU is now an option for in-state stars."

Thanks for the enlightenment.

If I was Greg Ellis I would be pissed. Ellis wrote a perfectly fine article about Summers' commitment. And then that article was tainted by a completely inane headline.

Mr. Headline Writer at the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, you get the idiot of the day award. Congratulations.

(As an aside, I really shouldn't get so fired up about something so trivial, but damn it, as a person who gets paid to work with the media everyday (and don't worry, I'm not talking about this poor excuse for a blog), this has got to be one of my biggest issues with the media. My final message: Don't let morons write for your publication!!!)

How's the Floor Coach?

2006-01-08T09:34:00.000-05:00

Hell of a nice start to the conference slate.

Beating Arkansas, a media favorite for the West title, without Edmundson and Sharpe, is a nice accomplishment.

But what impresses me most is this team doesn't quit. They don't understand that their freshmen. They don't get it. According to "the masses" they're not supposed to be any good. They're supposed to roll over at the first sign of adversity.

Gordon put it best, "We have great talent out here. Players can run, jump, and play great defense. We just came out and played hard because if we played hard, we knew we could win."

After this 69-67 victory, State has won seven of it's last eight against Arkansas and five straight in the series.

The quote of the night goes to Gordon. When asked about Slater's game winning shot he said, "It scared me for a little while, but he made it though so I'm happy."

Yeah Gordon, you and me both.

Recruiting

2006-01-04T11:07:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to write much on recruiting until it's over as I have absolutely no inside information to offer and anything I could write will be someone else's opinion.

But, with a month to go, I like the way this class is shaping up.

Anthony Summers threw his name in the ring yesterday as the latest to offer his verbal commitment to State. That adds another impressive playmaker to this class.

Check this list:

Courtney Jones, RB
Kenny Ashley, RB
Anthony Summers, DB
Anthony Johnson, DB
Alex Carpenter, WR/DB/RB
Tony Burks, WR
Ryan Mason, WR

Every one of these guys runs a 4.6 or better. Most under 4.5. All of them but Ashley and Johnson are over 6'0, with Burks, Mason and Summers being 6'3 or taller. And Johnson is the only one under 200 pounds.

And not only that...they are all playmakers. Exactly what this team needs.

Croom's script is starting to become clearer.

Class 1:
Goal: Build a defense on speed
Outcome: The class has been largely a bust, especially on offense, but it was heavy on linebackers and defensive backs.
Key players so far: Thornton, Henig, Brown, Littlejohn, Akines, Bobo, Glanton.

Class 2:
Goal: Need Offensive Speed and OL Help and impact players on defense
Outcome: Offensive speed has been a bust so far with no impact players - OL recruiting we will find out in the next couple years, but pretty good start with three players getting significant PT - adding impact players on defense was a success
Key players so far from this class - 1st year impact: Wilson, Dunning, Gates, Johnson, Chaney, Pegues, Fitzhugh

Class 3:
Goal: Offensive Talent and Playmakers on both sides of the ball
Outcome: ??
Key verbals: see list above, plus Glover, Wicker, Hughes
Other key skill recruits with State in Top 2: Anthony Dixon, Jamere Holland, Latarrius Thomas

So far I like this class. It has the potential to close strong and it has the playmakers we need. Hopefully the hogs in the '05 class all pan out, otherwise it won't matter how much skill we have on the outside.

WTF?

2006-01-03T11:04:00.000-05:00

Let me get this straight.

MSU playing a close game against Duke in the NCAA tournament qualified as one of the top 10 sports stories in Mississippi in 2005 according to the Sun Herald?

I realize it was a bad year for Mississippi sports all around the State, but a close loss in the second round of the NCAA tournament should never be that big of a story.

Stories that didn't make the list off the top of my head:

Mississippi hosting a Super Regional
Norwood becoming State's All-Time Leading Rusher
State going to a Fourth Straight NCAA Tournament and Winning 20 or more Games for the Fourth Year in a Row
South Panola Winning Another State Title and having Another Undefeated Season
High School Football's Late Start to the Season after Katrina

(I'm sure there are others - feel free to add them in the comments section, but I'm not going to look them up.)

Taken from the Sun Herald:

7. State plays Duke tight in NCAA Tourney

Playing Duke smack in the middle of North Carolina isn't usually a hopeful proposition, but Mississippi State gave the perennially powerful Blue Devils fits in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in March.

The Bulldogs had to play top-seeded Duke in Charlotte, but rallied from a poor-shooting first half to put a big scare in coach Mike Krzyzewski's bunch, falling eventually 63-55. State led by a point just before the halfway mark of the second half, then had five trips to take another lead with the score tied at 45.

State's Lawrence Roberts - who fought injuries and an early season suspension because of his NBA Draft flirtations - and Duke's Shelden Williams played to a virtual standoff. Roberts had 17 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks; Williams had 13 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.
Williams had two key blocks down the stretch, however, including one of Roberts to help send the Bulldogs back to Starkville.

"It seemed like every big play that had to be made down the stretch, Duke made those plays," said State coach Rick Stansbury, whose team made its fourth consecutive NCAA tourney appearance. "That's why they've been so successful though the years."

Croom to Green Bay?

2006-01-03T10:51:00.000-05:00

This is good pub for our HC and our program at best. A distraction during the most critical time in the recruiting season at worst.

Croom is at the end of a long list of potential head coaches for the Green Bay Packers, but it's nice to see that he's respected enough in coaching and media circles to be on the list at all.

"Aside from Ferentz, Carroll and Weis, lesser-known college coaches who could get NFL interviews are Fresno State’s Pat Hill, a one-time assistant with the Cleveland Browns; Bob Petrino of Louisville; and Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom, a former Packers assistant."

Stansbury Not Worried about NCAA

2005-12-30T09:25:00.000-05:00

It's been a week without MSU athletics and I must admit that I've missed it. Looking forward to the game tonight with George Mason, the only question, outside of the team's ability to defend the three, is what's up with the NCAA being on campus?

Stansbury, in an interview with the Clarion Ledger, said there is no reason for concern.

"(The NCAA) has a right to check into any rumors they want," said Stansbury, whose Bulldogs (9-3) finish their nonconference schedule today when they host George Mason (7-3) at 7 p.m. "We've been here for 16 years and have never had a problem with anything."

The problems Stansbury has faced in his head coaching career are opponents lighting it up from three point range and an offense that has difficulty scoring against a zone. George Mason guard Lamar Butler holds his school record for career 3-pointers, so things could get interesting tonight. We're hoping the team has used the off week to work on their man-to-man defense. Perhaps Slater will turn in a Winsome Frazier like defensive effort on Butler. That would definitely make it a happy holiday.

Buzzer Beater

2005-12-22T09:33:00.000-05:00

Nice shot, Jamall.

Delk lead the comeback on the offensive end in the second half, but the senior made the big shot to finally take the lead with 3 seconds left.

This is Holy Cross we're talking about so we'll try not to get too excited. However, it's nice to see that the team never quits. Just like the Santa Clara game, just keep chipping away and be winning at the end; that's all that matters.

I was very pleased to see Delk take more shots in the second half, but (repeating a message from yesterday) Stansbury has to start getting him more involved in the offense early in the game. He reminds me of Frazier, a streaky shooter who can make two or three threes in a row if he gets in a rhythm. The only thing is, it took Frazier until his junior year to be this productive. Delk can do it now.

I like Gordon's confidence, but he needs to develop the understanding of when it's not his night and then involve his teammates more in the offense. There was a point with about 10 minutes left in the game that he was the only player on the team that had missed more than one shot and he was like 3-9. Everyone else was 2-2, 2-3, 4-4, 3-4, from the floor.

Bottom line, it's a big win, not because they beat Holy Cross, but simply because all wins this year are big.

Where was Delk?

2005-12-21T10:27:00.000-05:00

Akron 83 - State 72

Gordon had a rough game, going 2-9 from the field, and the Zips lit up the Pups from behind the arc hitting 11 threes. Sharpe had a fairly productive game, getting 16 points on 4-8 shooting and 8-12 from the line, but also picked up a technical foul, during his 22 minutes on the floor. Not sure what happened to Rhodes, he got a whopping 10 minutes and was 0-3 from the floor during that limited time.

But, what I really want to know is, where was Delk? One Delk had 10 points, the other had 3 (all free throws). One Delk (I assume Reginald) was 1-2 from three point range and 4-6 from the field. Why did Reginald not get more shots? We've seen what he can do, note the Santa Clara game. Stansbury has to turn him loose in the future, especially when Gordon is having a bad night.

I figure this team has three more games to act like freshmen, then the gloves come off. No more excuses. Stansbury needs to build their confidence during the rest of this pre-SEC schedule and let them play, shoot and run. And I don't know what's going on with Sharpe and Rhodes, but they both need to grow up fast, or this is going to be a painful year.

The Pups play Holy Cross early this afternoon. Holy Cross has lost to Harvard and Siena this season, but they drubbed UT-Chattanooga by 17.

Different Day, Same Story

2005-12-20T09:37:00.000-05:00

Choose your headline:

a. Team Plays to Level of Competition, Wins Late
b. Sharpe Misses Bus, Doesn't Play
c. Gordon Carries Team to Another Tight Victory
d. Rhodes Spends Majority of Close Win on Bench in Foul Trouble
e. All of the Above

Read this article. At least they beat Liberty.

LSU lost to Northern Iowa at home last night. And make no mistake, I'm not comparing Liberty to Northern Iowa, but LSU shouldn't be losing at home to Northern Iowa.

The "Captain Obvious" statement of the week: The SEC West is way down this year.

The University of Akron Zips are today's opponent. Let's hope we're a little more focused.

Johnson Stays at State

2005-12-15T14:53:00.000-05:00

Mississippi State defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson isn't going to Maryland.

I hope Johnson, who reportedly makes $190k in Starkville, at least got a little bump for his trouble.

Evans Named AP All-American

2005-12-14T10:29:00.000-05:00

Willie Evans was named to the third team Associated Press All-America Team.

Evans led the SEC with 15 sacks and 21 tackles for losses. He was third on the team in total tackles with 55.

He leaves MSU with 24.5 career sacks, which is third best in the program's history.

The picture above is of Evans sacking Chris Leak in 2004.

Norwood Selected for Senior Bowl

2005-12-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

Senior Bowl officials announced on Tuesday that Jerious Norwood has been selected for the Senior Bowl game.

Norwood finished his career as the State's rushing leader with 3,222 yards. He had two 200-yard games this season and ranked third in the Southeastern Conference with 103 yards per game.

The Senior Bowl is Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala.

It should be interesting to see what Norwood can accomplish behind a solid offensive line.

Ellis Johnson

2005-12-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

No "real" update on Ellis Johnson and Maryland, however message board rumors have it that he told a group of alumni that he wasn't going anywhere the other night.

I hope Johnson is the first honest coach in the business when it comes to his job outlook.

Johnson Interviews at Maryland

2005-12-13T09:15:00.000-05:00

Ellis Johnson interviewed for the defensive coordinator position at Maryland this weekend. Losing Johnson would be a huge blow to the program as the defense has been the lone bright spot the past two years.

Under Johnson, the 2005 State defense forced 22 turnovers — tied for third most in the SEC — and had the conference's sack leader in end Willie Evans. It was ranked eighth in total defense but that had more to do with the offense's ability to stay on the field, than the defense's ability to get a stop.

Croom said Friedgen called last week and asked permission to interview Johnson, which was granted. Croom and Friedgen coached together for the San Diego Chargers under Bobby Ross.

"Some of our young guys are going to be coordinators and some of the other guys are going to be head coaches," Croom said. "Guys are going to be leaving, because they're good coaches. But what I don't want is for them to be leaving to a lateral position because of finances."

We'll be watching this closely....