Wednesday night's victory over LSU gave the 2011-2012 version of the Mississippi State basketball team 17 wins on the season. Last year, State had 17 wins too. TOTAL. So to say this year has been an upgrade in success from last year would be an understatement. State has already secured victories over Arizona, Texas A&M, as well as playing projected national top-4 seed Baylor to within 2 points.

There's no denying that the difference from last year to this year has been the addition of Arnett Moultrie and Rodney Hood, coupled with the renewed health of Jalen Steele. The trio have relieved the pressure Dee Bost felt last year to be the leading scorer every night for his team, freeing him up to assume the point guard role in a more traditional sense this season.

At 17-4 overall, 4-2 in the SEC, State sits in a good position to make the NCAA tournament. That, of course, is barring any unforeseen late season collapse finishing out SEC play. But the question on every State fans mind, including mine, is this: what does this team need to do to elevate itself from an "NCAA team" to an "NCAA contender"?

My answer? Well, my answer lies within the Bulldogs next six-game stretch. After setting themselves up well starting the year at 17-4, State has the chance with its upcoming schedule to put themselves in the conversation for a top 10 ranking and possibly 3-4 seed in the NCAA tournament. Further explanation forthcoming after the juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmppppp.

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It's Friday again, and let's be honest with ourselves, we don't want to work. That's okay! We're here to save you from the tedium's of your Friday work tasks with these links to stories around the interwebs this morning on your Mississippi State bulldogs. From football to basketball to baseball, it's all in here today, so click away!

2012 Football Look Ahead: Wide Receiver, Tight End | Brad Locke

• Likely starters: Bumphis, Clark, Smith

• Overall grade: B. This is a tough group to grade. It wasn't as productive last season as I expected it to be, although we saw some really nice things from Clark and Smith. Bumphis has to reach that next level, because Lewis will be gunning for his job in the slot.

• Depth grade: A. So much experience returning here. Lewis needs to get more involved, and Morrow offers the kind of big target MSU has lacked.

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Man, what a game of runs. State, who trailed by double digits in the first half and led by double digits in the second, held off a late LSU surge to prevail 76-71. State was led by Arnett Moultrie's 28 points, which was made more impressive by the fact that he amassed that point total against a good sized LSU front court. It's amazing to watch Moultrie with the ball in his hands, because at times he simply does with it what he wants no matter who's guarding him.

Jalen Steele chipped in 15 points, Rodney Hood added 13, and Dee Bost added 9. The most impressive stat line of the night though probably belonged to Dee, who put together a 9 point, 10 assist, 7 rebound and 3 steal night. The third steal sealed the win for State in a game that was more than uncomfortably close for State fans in the final seconds.

State improved our record to 17-4 (4-2), matching last year's win total, while LSU fell to 12-8 (2-4).

Next up for State is a trip Saturday to Gainesville to take on Florida. Although the O Dome is one of the tougher places to play in the SEC, State has seemed to fair well playing there in recent years. The next stretch is shaping up nicely for State, with a trip to Flordia followed by back to back to back home games against Auburn, Ole Miss and Jawja.

More on the upcoming schedule in the coming days y'all.

Official Game Stats from last nights W

#HailState

It's the BATTLE TO BE OLE MISS' FOR REAL RIVAL, as State and LSU square off tonight at The Hump. Tipoff is set for 7pm, and the game will be televised on SEC Network (Commentary by Clay Matvick and Joe Dean Jr).

Check in here for some updates and also at our twitter feed (@mstatesports) as we'll be live tweeting score updates and tomfoolery throughout the game.

For Tonight's Game:

Who's In: Johnny O'Bryant, LSU. Has been out with a broken hand but was cleared to play starting tonight with State. We'll see if the star is back to 100%. He'll probably come off the bench.

Who's Out: DeVille Smith, MSU. DeVille is experiencing problems with headaches and other medical things much like he did earlier in the season. With him out, ball handling will be thin. Get well soon big guy.

Expectations: LSU will play State tough. That's usually a given in this series, whether the game is in Baton Rouge or Starkville. Expect a physical game, probably low scoring as well in the 50's-60's range.

Score Prediction: Dogs 62, (Corn)dogs 57

Other Prediction(s): Meo shouts defense entire game, fans boo Sid at some point, Moultrie's chin hair will be in intimidating form as always. (Side Note: with the thin backcourt issues for State, expect Moultrie's chin goatee to come off the bench to supply quality minutes for State tonight)

Game Links

Official Game Notes | HailState.com

Mending Steele boosts Bulldogs | Clarion Ledger

Depleted Dogs Fighting Fatigue | Clarion Ledger

Bulldogs hope Sidney will "Keep Pushing" | Tupelo Daily Journal

Short-handed MSU will play host to LSU | Columbus Dispatch

Also check out our compatriots over at And The Valley Shook, LSU's SBNation affiliate. Good guys, and they have the best gumbo recipes, y'all.

#HailState