For Whom the Cowbell Tolls: FanPosts

Game 2 of the Diamond Dawgs and Aggies

2013-04-13T20:21:17Z

The Diamond Dawgs bats were hot today. MSU had 15 hits and 9 runs. Graveman pitched his 3rd consecutive Saturday complete game. More importantly Graveman got 6Ks and didn't walk a single Aggie. The down side was Graveman gave up 2 solo HRs...one in the 7th and one in the 9th. The Diamond Dogs turned 2 double plays today and now have 51 and five in the series so far. Hunter Rhenfro got another home run today and still has more HRs than the entire T A&M team. Dietz got his first homer of the year in this game with a 2 shot deep ball in the 4 run 2nd inning. Most importantly this game was never in jeopardy or close. The aggies went through 7 pitchers today in the loosing effort (their starter didn't even make it out of the 1st inning)...so not sure who they really want to pitch tomorrow as none of the pitchers really had success against our batters. Had this game been played at MSU the Diamond Dawgs would have really blown the Aggies Out. State fans need to get their brooms ready for tomorrow...as the Diamond Dawgs go for the sweep tomorrow. Game time for tomorrow is 1:00 pm CST.

Game 1 of the Diamond Dawgs and Aggies

2013-04-13T06:50:29Z

Miss State Diamond Dawgs win game 1 tonight in College Station. Diamond Dawgs 3 Aggies 2. Pollo pitched 6 1/3 innings. Holder came in as the reliever and pitched 2 2/3 innings, getting the Dawgs out of trouble in the 7th and going through the last 6 A&M Batters. Hunter Rhrenfro get a walk off solo homer in the 5th to give the Diamond Dawgs the lead and the W. Ironically, Rhrenfro has hit more homeruns than the entire Texas A&M rooster this season. Miss State also now had 49 Double plays and retakes the #1 spot for Double plays.

If you want to keep 'em, you gotta pay 'em.....

2013-02-27T19:44:40Z

It's not just about paying your head coach. Good assistants are hard to keep.... from Tomahawk Nation.....

Florida State has completed its coaching staff following the departure of seven coaches since the completion of the 2012 regular season by adding Tim Brewster of Mississippi State to coach tight ends according to multiple reports.
Surprisingly, Brewster, who has head coaching experience at Minnesota, and about 20 years of experience coaching tight ends at the college and NFL level, only made $225,000 at Mississippi State.
From the Mississippi Clarion Ledger on February 13:
Brewster and Mullen apparently had discussions in the past about moving the former Minnesota coach to tight ends, a position he coached for 18 years on the college and NFL levels, according to an MSU press release. Brewster joined MSU's staff following the sudden resignation of Angelo Mirando in late August.
"[Brewster] did an outstanding job leading our wide receivers to their most productive season last year, and is a valuable asset to our staff and his flexibility and versatility as a coach are appreciated," Mullen said.
MSU's receivers combined for a school-record 141 catches to go along with 1,973 yards and 15 touchdowns last season under Brewster. Chad Bumphis set a school record with 12 receiving touchdowns.
... Salaries for Brewster ($225,000) will remain the same.
Brewster's addition will mean that Randy Sanders will coach quarterbacks, and new hire Jay Graham will coach running backs. Florida State had originally hired Billy Napier, of Colorado State, to take over for the tight end coaching duties of the departed James Coley, but Napier was lured away by Alabama after just a few short weeks.
Brewster is known to have a very strong personality and there are questions about how his style will mesh with the current staff, which already has some strong personalities in the football building. Of course, the flip side of having strong personalities is that they command a certain level of respect which might not have been afforded to more timid people.
Brewster is also known as a strong recruiter and has been successful in such a role at all of his college stops.

And join us on Facebook

It's not just about paying your head coach. Good assistants are hard to keep.... from Tomahawk Nation..... Florida State has completed its coaching staff following the departure of seven coaches since the completion of the 2012 regular season by adding Tim Brewster of Mississippi State to coach tight ends according to multiple reports. Surprisingly, Brewster, who has head coaching experience at Minnesota, and about 20 years of experience coaching tight ends at the college and NFL level, only made $225,000 at Mississippi State. From the Mississippi Clarion Ledger on February 13: Brewster and Mullen apparently had discussions in the past about moving the former Minnesota coach to tight ends, a position he coached for 18 years on the college and NFL levels, according to an MSU press release. Brewster joined MSU's staff following the sudden resignation of Angelo Mirando in late August. "[Brewster] did an outstanding job leading our wide receivers to their most productive season last year, and is a valuable asset to our staff and his flexibility and versatility as a coach are appreciated," Mullen said. MSU's receivers combined for a school-record 141 catches to go along with 1,973 yards and 15 touchdowns last season under Brewster. Chad Bumphis set a school record with 12 receiving touchdowns. ... Salaries for Brewster ($225,000) will remain the same. Brewster's addition will mean that Randy Sanders will coach quarterbacks, and new hire Jay Graham will coach running backs. Florida State had originally hired Billy Napier, of Colorado State, to take over for the tight end coaching duties of the departed James Coley, but Napier was lured away by Alabama after just a few short weeks. Brewster is known to have a very strong personality and there are questions about how his style will mesh with the current staff, which already has some strong personalities in the football building. Of course, the flip side of having strong personalities is that they command a certain level of respect which might not have been afforded to more timid people. Brewster is also known as a strong recruiter and has been successful in such a role at all of his college stops. And join us on Facebook

Diamond Dogs picked to host regional by Baseball America, Perfect Game

2013-02-14T15:27:39Z

After all the preseason rankings come the initial "field of 64" projections, and both of the ones so far look good for Mississippi State.

Baseball America released their projections yesterday, and had MSU as the #8 national overall seed, and hosting a regional in Starkville. Although Perfect Game's projections didn't have State as a national seed, they did have the Bulldogs hosting a regional, which I think all State fans are greatly hoping for this season.

MSU has not hosted a first round regional at Dudy Noble since 2003.

After all the preseason rankings come the initial "field of 64" projections, and both of the ones so far look good for Mississippi State.

MSU has not hosted a first round regional at Dudy Noble since 2003.

Fear is the Mind-Killer

2013-02-05T15:00:52Z

If you've been reading any major recruiting sites (Scout, 24/7, Rivals, ESPN) you have by no doubt been told that you should be extremely worried about long-time Mississippi State lock Chris Jones, who is supposedly in danger of flipping to a school already loaded at DE that didn't pay him any mind until he was upgraded to a five-star recruit and has nothing significant to offer him.

Why?

Simple, really: all four of the services mentioned above exist to make money off of you, and the reality of the situation is that they make more money off of you if you're scared or exciting, and a LOT more money if you're both.

Why do ads for cars always imply that your four-year-old child won't be run over and killed because of the new and improved safety features in the 2013 model of the plastic death trap? Why do ads for firearms speak as though there is a 100% probability your home will be invaded by people who want to kill your entire family? Same reason.

You have no reason to buy what they're selling you unless they can make you uncertain about something you weren't even thinking about five minutes ago. When someone writes something that makes you scared, question their motives for doing so--and take everything they say with a grain of salt.

What on earth does someone living in Connecticut know about Chris Jones? When was the last time they could even tell the names of the schools in this state apart? Amazing how they turn into "experts" of something they don't care about for 50 weeks of the year all of a sudden.

/rant

Why?

/rant

Updates with Fancy - All win, no spin

2013-01-15T18:57:54Z

Hey y'all. got this tidbits post together for ya. No one else. Don't leak it to the Bulldogs, they're gonna be upset by some of the info here.

Tyler Russell. Heading to Oxford. Hates Starkville, mom wears red and blue to church every Sunday. Have been hearing rumblings from my sources that he and Freeze met last night in Freeze's Winnebago outside the taste-e-freeze near Holly Springs. Again, don't tell anyone where you got this info from.
Will Redmond continues to deny what is clearly true: that he wants to be at Ole Miss. Folks over at the maroon colored 247 keep spouting out this confirmations that Redmond says he'll stay at State. But I know Redmond better than himself. He wants to be here, and he will be. Despite his denials, expect the transfer to happen within the next week.
Chris Jones? More like Chris Gones. Despite what the Bulldog spin doctors tell you with their quotes and facts, he will be a Rebel. From day one, Coach Freeze has been orchestrating Chris' recruitment. They go to Olive Garden together sometimes. Sometimes they talk late at night on the telephone, what my sources tell me at least. Word is, Chris likes what he hears. Expect a signing day surprise, Rebel fans. Hope I didn't spoil the surprise for ya.
The only reason Ole Miss stalwarts in Batesville allowed the Deshea Townsend hire at State was because... he's a Cold War style Rebel implant! That's right. Ohhhhhhh, I've been so excited about this one I just couldn't hold it in any longer. Deshea picked Alabama over Ole Miss out of high school, you say? How is he working for us if he has never been a fan of us? Because he wanted to go to Ole Miss out of high school. Yep. Confirmed. We didn't have room for him, so we sent him to Oxford Junior High over in T-town. He's been closer to home this whole time than you might think. Now, with his hire in Mullet's staff, expect inside information to start filtering its way back to Oxford. Going Soviet on their butts. /giggles
Now there are a few updates on a few recruits to for OM that I can't mention by name right now. Things are still progressing, but here's what we know. I won't say his name, but a certain recruit who has been #1 on everyone's list for awhile has been recruiting players to transfer from other schools to join him in Oxford. Right now, there are talks of a certain national championship winning running back withdrawing from the NFL Draft and transferring in. Will have to sit a year, but believes OM can give him the that final championship that he wants. Rob....I mean this unnamed recruit also talked to a certain Texan QB who wanted to transfer in and join him. I can't say who, but He-is-man enough to admit that his current school just can't get him to the level that he feels that he can reach. OM can. Expect a transfer. Thinking Late February. Will also get a hardship waiver. His "grandfather" (winks rather obviously) owns a shop in Batesville and is sick. John-he gonna come on in, help out old grandpa, and wear the powder blue proudly. I've said too much.
And finally, I'm here to say that there is no need to worry about TC and Alabama. Although I can confirm ~~by being in the vehicle's trunk~~ that Tony was in Tuscaloosa last weekend, I can also report that he was only there to flip Alabama recruits. And it's working, I hear. Expect several players to come forward on NSD and help the Rebels orchestrate a Coup d'état for the ages. NC - here we come!

NOTE: this report features no factual information. It is assumed to be the exact same as a usual report on a site we all know.

Hey y'all. got this tidbits post together for ya. No one else. Don't leak it to the Bulldogs, they're gonna be upset by some of the info here.

Tyler Russell. Heading to Oxford. Hates Starkville, mom wears red and blue to church every Sunday. Have been hearing rumblings from my sources that he and Freeze met last night in Freeze's Winnebago outside the taste-e-freeze near Holly Springs. Again, don't tell anyone where you got this info from.
Will Redmond continues to deny what is clearly true: that he wants to be at Ole Miss. Folks over at the maroon colored 247 keep spouting out this confirmations that Redmond says he'll stay at State. But I know Redmond better than himself. He wants to be here, and he will be. Despite his denials, expect the transfer to happen within the next week.
Chris Jones? More like Chris Gones. Despite what the Bulldog spin doctors tell you with their quotes and facts, he will be a Rebel. From day one, Coach Freeze has been orchestrating Chris' recruitment. They go to Olive Garden together sometimes. Sometimes they talk late at night on the telephone, what my sources tell me at least. Word is, Chris likes what he hears. Expect a signing day surprise, Rebel fans. Hope I didn't spoil the surprise for ya.
The only reason Ole Miss stalwarts in Batesville allowed the Deshea Townsend hire at State was because... he's a Cold War style Rebel implant! That's right. Ohhhhhhh, I've been so excited about this one I just couldn't hold it in any longer. Deshea picked Alabama over Ole Miss out of high school, you say? How is he working for us if he has never been a fan of us? Because he wanted to go to Ole Miss out of high school. Yep. Confirmed. We didn't have room for him, so we sent him to Oxford Junior High over in T-town. He's been closer to home this whole time than you might think. Now, with his hire in Mullet's staff, expect inside information to start filtering its way back to Oxford. Going Soviet on their butts. /giggles
Now there are a few updates on a few recruits to for OM that I can't mention by name right now. Things are still progressing, but here's what we know. I won't say his name, but a certain recruit who has been #1 on everyone's list for awhile has been recruiting players to transfer from other schools to join him in Oxford. Right now, there are talks of a certain national championship winning running back withdrawing from the NFL Draft and transferring in. Will have to sit a year, but believes OM can give him the that final championship that he wants. Rob....I mean this unnamed recruit also talked to a certain Texan QB who wanted to transfer in and join him. I can't say who, but He-is-man enough to admit that his current school just can't get him to the level that he feels that he can reach. OM can. Expect a transfer. Thinking Late February. Will also get a hardship waiver. His "grandfather" (winks rather obviously) owns a shop in Batesville and is sick. John-he gonna come on in, help out old grandpa, and wear the powder blue proudly. I've said too much.
And finally, I'm here to say that there is no need to worry about TC and Alabama. Although I can confirm ~~by being in the vehicle's trunk~~ that Tony was in Tuscaloosa last weekend, I can also report that he was only there to flip Alabama recruits. And it's working, I hear. Expect several players to come forward on NSD and help the Rebels orchestrate a Coup d'état for the ages. NC - here we come!

NOTE: this report features no factual information. It is assumed to be the exact same as a usual report on a site we all know.

Basketball Team is all Heart

2013-01-10T04:09:13Z

Those guy's spilled their guts on that floor tonight. If Rick's team last year worked half as hard as this team, they would have won the SEC or come close to doing it. It is being reported that an EMT had four of our players hooked up to IVs after this game because of cramping.

I tell you another thing. Rick Ray can flat out coach. Recruiting will be what determines his long term future here, but this guy can flat out coach and has a coaching staff that can coach. The way he mixed up the defenses against South Carolina tonight, even Frank Martin said that his team was not prepared to see the mix of man to man and zone, particularly the 1-3-1 zone. Rick Ray is squeezing juice from a turnip right now, and Mississippi State is sitting at 1-0 in the conference. This team will have its let downs, but these guys are getting better.

The transformation in Roquez Johnson's game from last year to this year has been amazing. If Craig Sword and Fred Thomas start hitting their jump shots, then this team may upset a few teams in the conference.

Calculating Mullen's Coaching GPA

2013-01-07T20:17:02Z

Most people in college take 4 years, give or take a semester or two, to complete their degree program. I think it is only fitting that we start to figure out the job that Mullen has done in the time here. I'm going to calculate using the +/- system. For instance, an A+ would be 4.3 points, and an A- would be 3.7 points. Let's start with each season.

2009

Record: 5-7 Overall, 3-5 SEC

Grade B- (3.3 points)

Reasoning: This was a losing season and the only one in which State has not gone to a bowl under Mullen, but the fact that they got more than two wins is a monumental accomplishment. Tyson Lee only threw four touchdowns all year, Relf threw a few in limited action, the defense gave up big play after big play, and had it not been for a monster season by Dixon, we probably would have only had two wins. What's even more remarkable, had we been able to close the game ending drive out against LSU, we would have had six wins and would have gone bowling.

2010

Record: 9-4 Overall, 4-4 SEC

Grade A- (3.7 points)

Reasoning: While many around the program thought a good season was possible, most outside it thought 6 wins would have been the ceiling. Give Mullen and company a lot of credit, they revamped the defense, saw what they did well and focused on that, and got everything out of all of their players. They surprised a number of people, took advantage of a few programs that had seasons they weren't used to, and finished it with one of the most impressive performances in a bowl game that I have seen

2011

Record: 7-6 Overall, 2-6 SEC

Grade C- (1.7 points)

Reasoning: A lot was expected of this team, mostly hinged on the supposed improvement of Relf as a thrower. That didn't happen. They were able to stay in most games, but the season never materialized like many had hoped. Most saw a team that could win around 8 games, but it took a win over rival Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl just to get bowl eligibility.

2012

Record 8-5 Overall, 4-4 SEC

Grade C+ (2.3 points)

Reasoning: Possibly the hardest season to grade because 8 wins at State is not a common occurrence, but it could have been so much more. After a promising 7-0 start, the Dawgs limped to a 1-5 finish. What made it worse, the losses were just flat out ugly. A lot of the enthusiasm and energy was changed to fans bloodthirsty for some of the assistant coaches.

Recruiting

Grade B (3.0 points)

Reasoning: The 2010 and 2011 classes were, at best average, and at worst poor. The 2012 class was a huge swing in the other direction and despite the recent coaching changes, 2013 looks to be stacking up well. It's headed in the right direction, so I think a solid B is about right.

Selling the Program

Grade A- (3.7 points)

Reasoning: This would have been an A+ had it not been for the waning enthusiasm at the end of this year, but otherwise, he has hit a homerun. He embraced the disdain of Ole Miss, he has taken on a role of confidence, and he has the fanbase believing that brighter days and more can come of this program.

Overall GPA

2.95

Just below a B which I think is appropriate. He has done a good job, but there is still definitely room for improvement. While there have been impressive wins, there isn't really a signature win for Mullen. The closest thing he has is the 2009 win over Ole Miss or the 2010 win over Florida. Neither are similar to the 200 win over Florida or the 1998 win over Arkansas that all but sealed our Western Division champion. He also needs to get some more elite level talent on the team to compete with the upper echelon in the SEC.

Long Term Outlook

Here is where the rubber meets the road for Mullen and this program. If he averages 8 wins over the next two years, I think that is all he will be here for. Either he will leave for another job because he doesn't think he will be able to accomplish more than that here, or the fanbase's expectations will be built up so much that they will start to call for his head. I posted a poll the other day about how most would grade the season. Most have voted for C but more than half have been for C or lower. Expectations are rising in Starkville, all of which can be attributed to Mullen. Those elevated expectations may end up causing him to leave or get him canned.

2009

Record: 5-7 Overall, 3-5 SEC

Grade B- (3.3 points)

2010

Record: 9-4 Overall, 4-4 SEC

Grade A- (3.7 points)

2011

Record: 7-6 Overall, 2-6 SEC

Grade C- (1.7 points)

2012

Record 8-5 Overall, 4-4 SEC

Grade C+ (2.3 points)

Recruiting

Grade B (3.0 points)

Selling the Program

Grade A- (3.7 points)

Overall GPA

2.95

Long Term Outlook

Grading the 2012 Season

2013-01-03T17:38:33Z

Well, it's over. The 2012 season has come to an end, and it is about as Jekyll and Hyde of a season that I have ever seen. It ended poorly, and it is often easy to make your assessment based off of what you have just seen, but there were some good moments this season, too bad they all happened in September and October. I'm curious to know what other Bulldog fans thought of the season. Vote the grade you would give the 2012 campaign and tell us why. It is easy to just give a grade but if you can't explain why you are giving the grade, you may be letting emotions get the best of you. My grade: C. It had its good moments, and might have been worthy of a B had the losses not been so lopsided and embarassing. Also, a win over a good team without a directional term in it would have helped bump it up to a B as well. I'd love to know what you think. I plan to use this in something else I write a few days down the road.

Poll

How would you grade the 2012 season?

A Lot has Changed in Two Years

2012-12-09T05:04:57Z

Bulldogs vs Wildcats coverage

So we have all heard that FIU is interested in Geoff Collins and Manny Diaz as their new Head Coach. It is so very bizarre how one of the men who helped lead State back to respectability, and one of the guys trying to keep us there are being mentioned as candidates for this job. The more interesting question is how much the stock of the two guys who resurrected our defense from the dead, that being Manny Diaz and Chris Wilson.

Let's all take a trip back in time to 2010. State was coming off a surprising 5-7 season. We had a losing record, but no one thought that we would have come close to 5 wins. The missing component was a decent defense. Mullen brought in a former Head Coach to run his defense when Mullen first arrived in Carl Torbush. At the time, it seemed like a home run hire. He was a successful head coach at both Louisiana Tech and North Carolina. The results were slightly less than a home run. State showed signs of life on the offensive side of the ball for the first time since the year 2000, but the defense gave up big play after big play. The only real bright spots were the play of Johnthan Banks, Corey Broomfield, and Pernell McPhee. Torbush knew he wasn't going to be welcomed back, so he took another position, Defensive Coordinator at Kansas if I am not mistaken.

Enter stage right Manny Diaz, Defensive Coordinator at Middle Tennessee State and Chris Wilson, Defensive Ends Coach at Oklahoma. Diaz was the coordinator and Wilson was name Co-coordinator. Together, they helped transform the "Bend but don't break" defense that took State from an SEC also ran to the Gator Bowl in 2010. State on many occasions gave up a lot of yards, but rarely a lot of points. They had a knack for creating turnovers and making the play when they needed to. If the offense didn't have it going, they stepped up and only rarely kept the Dogs out of a game. They effectively contained eventual Heisman winner Cam Newton better than any other team that year. It was a good, solid defense that was a lot of fun to watch.

It was so much fun to watch, it caught the attention of Mack Brown. Urban Meyer decided to follow through on a retirement pledge he made to his daughter for the 2011 season, (which he went back on in 2012) so Will Muschamp decided to stop waiting on Brown to retire and took over at Florida. Diaz left State for the supposed greener pastures of Austin, and seemed to be righting the ship as a bad 2010 Texas team that was putrid on defense showed a lot of improvement in 2011. Things looked to be good for Diaz.

As for Wilson, with Diaz gone, Mullen promptly promoted Wilson to Defensive Coordinator and brought in Collins to be Co-coordinator. The defense got off to a rough start in the Auburn game, but eventually settled into a group of players that was very similar to the group in 2010. The defense kept the team in a lot of games that we might could have won if we could have ever found some offensive consistency that year. Wilson's stock seemed to be on the rise.

But one year later, both Diaz and Wilson have the targets of their schools' fanbases squarely on their back. At Texas, the one thing that Diaz improved on in his only year at State and first year at Texas was one of the worst things the Texas defense did in 2012: allow big plays. Texas got to a point where they had to outscore the other team this year. That's not what Texas fans are accustomed to. They finished 8-4, but the defense was a non factor in almost every loss.

Over here in Starkville, State's defense looked like it was going to be one of the best in the league after they shelled Auburn. Turns out, Auburn was just an awful team. The following week, State went to Troy and looked awful defensively. Most of us just assumed it was a trap game, but we were wrong. As State built up a 7-0 record against average at best competition, poor at its worst, we didn't realize just how bad our defense could be. Alabama, Texas A&M, LSU, and Ole Miss showed us how poor it was. We couldn't stop the run to save our lives, and our stellar talent in the secondary was wasted because of poor communication, but mostly due to a nonexistent pass rush. The one thing State fans have been able to count is a defense that competes, and the only competing going on was which player was going to miss the most tackles. Many of us State fans have been calling for changes at Wilson's position.

So why the sudden change? I am less sure of what has gone on at Texas because the only game I saw them play was against Ole Miss. Here at State, Wilson made no adjustments at all throughout the year. As we got gashed on the ground repeatedly, there was never a change in scheme or personnel. I know it's difficult to change things in the middle of the season, but it isn't impossible. To make matters worse for Wilson, the defense looked like it was playing in the FCS against those teams. From what I read, Texas had similar problems. they kept doing the same thing over and over.

If I am Diaz, I take the first job I can get. I don't think Brown is ready to retire (not sure he ever will be). If Brown needs a scapegoat, I think Diaz becomes the sacrificial lamb. As for Wilson, I'm not sure he was ready for the DC position. I think he could be good at that job, but Mullen has to reign him in, and make it clear what he expects of the defense next year. If we were going to make a change there, I think we would have seen it by now.

There is good news and bad news for Wilson. The bad news: State is facing a spread, run oriented offense in Northwestern in the Gator Bowl. The good news: If State can shut down, or at the very least slow down, the Northwestern offense, the Bulldog faithful might restore some trust in their DC. I honestly hope that is what happens. A change now or the perception that Wilson is fighting for his job could hurt recruiting. The defense has to get better and Wilson knows that, and let's all hope that he spends the extra weeks of bowl practice getting the guys ready.

Bulldogs vs Wildcats coverage

Poll

What do you want to happen to the Defensive Coordinator Position at Mississippi State?

The Gator Bowl: Exactly What Both Teams Needed

2012-12-05T18:58:20Z

Bulldogs vs Wildcats coverage

After all the hand wringing, we ended up exactly where we were probably headed before our dismal showing in the Egg Bowl, Jacksonville. Even though this bowl isn't going to get a ton of media attention, it's a matchup of two teams that should find a lot of similarities.

The disrespect angle

I expect to see a lot of posts on message boards and in the comments sections of each schools' beat writer about how no one outside either fan base respects them. Are they wrong? Not necessarily. If either school plays another "traditional powerhouse" they will not likely be favored and they will most likely be picked against. So, there's one thing we have in common.

Breaking through

Both schools want to make the leap from middle of the pack to conference contenders. Northwestern probably got closer to that than State did this year. They could have easily won every game they played. There were times for State that we didn't look like we belonged on the same field as the team we were playing. A win in the bowl might provide the momentum that either school needs to make the leap they want to make.

Taking care of business

Both teams did a great job of winning the games they were supposed to. It's pulling the upset that they both struggle with. State's resume includes a 6-0 record against bad teams, a1-1 record against decent/good teams (MTSU is not a bad team guys), and an 0-3 record against the Big Boys. I don't know the breakdown of NU's records but I know they were 0-3 against Michigan, Nebraska, and Penn State. They had double digit leads in all three of those games during the4th quarters. They have to learn to seal the deal.

Glaring weaknesses

Both teams should see areas that they can take advantage of. State has been gashed on the ground at times, and has absolutely no pass rush which hurts their otherwise talented secondary. Northwestern has run the ball as well as they ever have under their current head coach so it is a big concern for State fans. On the otherside, Northwestern has been hurt by teams with effective passing attacks. I would not be surprised to see Tyler Russell, Chad Bumphis, Chris Smith, and the rest of the Bulldog receiving corps have a big game.

I think it will be a good game against schools that have a lot in common when it comes to football. It won't attract a lot of attention, but the nice thing about that is it might cut down on the trolls from other fan bases. Not confident enough to make a prediction at this point, that may come at a later time after I have had a chance to research the teams and matchups a little more.

Bulldogs vs Wildcats coverage

The disrespect angle

Breaking through

Taking care of business

Glaring weaknesses

Egg Bowl Myths

2012-11-21T03:33:29Z

Bulldogs vs Rebels coverage

Egg Bowl Week 2012 is upon us. It's a unique game because there is more on the line this time than just bragging rights. State has a chance at achieving 10 wins this year, but those dreams die if they lose Saturday. Ole Miss would inexplicably make it to a bowl this year when no one thought they would if they win. Lots of stuff out there in the Social Media ranks about the two teams and how they feel about each other, so let me give credence to or lay to rest some of the biggest myths about one of the most unappreciated rivalries in the country.

Myth #1 Mississippi State fans only care about the Egg Bowl

False. If you don't believe this is false, then you should have seen the reaction to Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU games. State fans were ticked and thought the season was a waste. Faith was then restored with the drubbing that Arkansas took from us. Call us POTMs (learned that meant Prisoners of the Moment from Metal Building Dawg over the weekend through Twitter) but most fanbases are.

If it's false, where did it orginate? Easy. State historically has not been very good, and that isn't news to anyone. They have been to sixteen bowls, this year will make 17, and ten of them will have been since 1991 counting this year. When you're a bad team, beating your rival makes that bitter pill a little easier to swallow. Any school's fans will talk lots of trash about beating their rival (that's why they are called bragging rights) but it can come across as being the only thing you care about when your team is bad. State was really bad from 2001 - 2008, with the one exception being 2007. 2009, we weren't great but we were better than most thought we would be, kind of like Ole Miss this year.

Myth #2 LSU is the real rival for Ole Miss

False, but may not have always been. Ole Miss had some great years back in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I don't know that I could call them a powerhouse, but from anything i have ever read, they were a lot like Georgia. Always a contender and loaded with talent. During those times, State wasn't. Starting in 1947 and going to 1963, State didn't win a game and was only capable of getting a few ties. If you extend that time frame to 1973, State only won twice. Over 26 years, State only beat Ole Miss twice. My guess is that Ole Miss fans didn't think much about the State game during this time because they felt like they knew it was going to be a win. The LSU game was probably far more important to them. So, I can see this as having been true in the past.

Now then, if Ole Miss thinks State fans only view this as a game between two main rivals, they probably ought to realize LSU thinks the same way about them. LSU gets more hyped up for their games against Alabama now than they do any other. After years of trying to have the Arkansas game being forced on them as a rivalry, it has actually taken on a lot of meaning recently. LSU may be the real rival for Ole Miss, but the feeling is not mutual.

Myth #3 This is a one sided series

Somewhat true. Ole Miss fans love to point to the overall series record, and even if State won the next eighteen Egg Bowls, it would only then be tied. Seems pretty one sided. However, most of that lead got built up during the stretch that was mentioned in Myth #2. As a matter of fact, this series has been a run of dominant streaks by both teams. From 1911 to 1925, State won every game. From 1926 to 1935, Ole Miss won all but one game. from 1936 to 1946, State won 7 of 10. I mentioned the streak from 1947 to 1973. From 1974 to 1990, Ole Miss won 11 to State's 6, but State had to vacate two of those wins. From 1991 to 2008, is the only time period where one team did not dominate. The Egg bowl record in that time period is 9-9, and if you add the last three years, State has a 12-9 advantage over the last 21 years.

This reflects both teams standing among the rest of the SEC. We have programs that can do well, but can't seem to consistently compete for SEC championships. Since the divisional format began, only Mississippi State has made the championship game, and it was just the one time in 1998. State and Ole Miss at times in the past 21 years given teams fits and pulled upsets, but consistently challenging for the SEC crown has not been in the cards for either school. And if either fanbase thinks that is changing any time soon, well, you have probably already heard about that ocean front property in Arizona that people are always talking about selling.

Myth #4 The Egg Bowl plays a huge impact on recruiting

False, and heavily so. Let's start with the Orgeron years at Ole Miss. He went 1-2 in the Egg Bowl and still had tremendous recruiting classes. Croom brought in the best recruiting class he had in 2009 and Mullen held that class together after one of the most lopsided Egg Bowls in the history of the series went the way of Ole Miss 45-0. Ole Miss had a great recruiting class in 2011 after a very disappointing 4-8 season and State had a mediocre recruiting class at best after their surprising 9-4 season. This game may have some influence, but not to the level that most think it does.

Myth #5 The rivalry was boring until Mullen showed up

Again, Somewhat true. If you think these two schools only started hating each other, then you haven't heard the history of the cowbell. You also haven't seen this incident from the 1997 Egg Bowl

Fight between Ole Miss and Mississippi State (via craigclarke)

Not pretty stuff. It got boring after Sherrill left because their was a consensus among a lot of Ole Miss fans that Croom didn't say much about Ole Miss, but that would be wrong. A lot of people think Mullen was extremely brash for saying that they would never lose to that team again at the end of the 2010 Egg Bowl, but Croom actually once said to a local Bulldog Club that he didn't think State should ever lose to Ole Miss. He was a little more select about what he said but Croom also had things to say about the rivalry. The only problem is that you didn't have social media, camera phones, and whtever else to blow things way out of proportion like you do now.It's always been heated, but Mullen has just made an effort to fan the flames.

I'm sure there are other myths out there that I can't think of, but none are coming to mind right now. That's my take on how true they are. What do you think? Which myth is the most believable to you?

Bulldogs vs Rebels coverage

Myth #1 Mississippi State fans only care about the Egg Bowl

Myth #2 LSU is the real rival for Ole Miss

Myth #3 This is a one sided series

Myth #4 The Egg Bowl plays a huge impact on recruiting

Myth #5 The rivalry was boring until Mullen showed up

Again, Somewhat true. If you think these two schools only started hating each other, then you haven't heard the history of the cowbell. You also haven't seen this incident from the 1997 Egg Bowl

Fight between Ole Miss and Mississippi State (via craigclarke)

Poll

Which myth is the most believable to you?

Myth 1

2 votes

Myth 2

3 votes

Myth 3

5 votes

Myth 4

1 votes

Myth 5

3 votes

14 votes | Poll has closed

Why All Miss State Fans Need to Be Pulling for the Gator Bowl over the Peach Bowl

2012-11-18T22:21:34Z

I realize I used the old name for the bowl, but I did it for space reasons since the title was long. However Miss State fans really need to get behind the idea of the Gator bowl as the bowl we need to get into. The Peach Bowl would match us against the ACC and the Gator Bowl would match us against the Big 10.

As it stands right now, the ACC only has 3 teams that for sure will finish the season with a winning record, yes and if you don't believe me check out the current ACC standings. FSU and Clemson will be headed to BCS games more than likely, which means UNC will get the #2 ACC Bowl Bid. Right now GA Tech, Duke, Miami, and NC State are bowl eligble and they are all 6-5 and out of those teams only Miami or Duke is assured of getting the 7th win, as they play each other Saturday. GA Tech isn't beating UGA this year and NC State isn't going to beat SC, so they both will finish at 6-6. VA Tech and Wake Forrest are playing Saturday to get bowl eligible. Wake plays Vandy so they aren't going bowling. Va Tech finishes with VA so they will become bowl eligible. Bottom line is we will be more than likely facing a 6-6 team which does nothing to further the our national credibility.

When it comes the Big Ten, we are guaranteed to meet a team with at leat 7 wins and more than likely 8 wins. So we will be playing a better team. Nebraska will end up facing Penn State or Wisconsin in their championship game and more than likely lock up the BCS bid. Michigan and Northwestern have 8 victories already. Penn State and Wisconsin have 7 Ws and face each other to determine who will play Nebraska in the Big 10 Title Game. Minn plays Mich State this coming saturday looking to get to 7-5. Ohio State is ineligble. So the worse record team we might face would be 7-5. More than likely given the BCS choices available we would end up facing an 8-4 Big 10 team. Playing the Big 10 would enhance our national credibility. Miss State needs to go bowling where it helps the team nationally, not where it makes it easier for fans to travel.

Bottom line for Miss State football - The Gator Bowl is the better bowl for the team.

Bama back in the National Title Picture

2012-11-18T05:08:41Z

Baylor spanks KSU so #1 is out and should drop out of the top 5 because of the blow-out by a 5-5 football team. KSU takes on Texas next Sat...depending on which Texas team shows up, the Big 12 Title could go to Oklahoma.

#2 Oregon gets beat by a 2 loss Stanford team...but the score is deceiving...Stanford had 3 turn overs while driving on the Ducks near the red zone...Stanford owned time of possession and yardage stats as well. Oregon still has to play Ore St so they may not escape Corvallis with a W. So Standford and UCLA may get to play each other 2 weeks in a row...yes, you heard me right. UCLA beat USC today, so they are the PAC 12 South rep in the Championship game. Stanford now has the lead in the PAC 12 North. A win next Saturday and no matter what Oregon does, Stanford goes to the title. Stanford closes out PAC 12 play next Sat against...you guessed it...UCLA.

#3 Notre Dame is the worst of the remaining unbeatens and by default goes to #1 for a week. They needed the refs to hand them the Stanford game. Struggled with BYU, Purdue, Pitt, BC, Michigan...with only 2 of those teams having a winning records (BYU could end up being 6-6)...and one of which got its doors blown off by Bammer. Notre Dame will stumble next Saturday at USC and Bammer will be at #1 and back in control of their destiny.

LSV vs TSUN:

2012-11-18T00:53:13Z

The Game was over when Hugh Freeze wouldn't use the remaining 2 time outs to save clock as LSU was driving for the go ahead TD...followed by putting in Brunetti to close out the final :18 seconds of the game. Really, Coach Freeze...you went with your less accurate and capable QB to try to get the miracle. Final 2 plays TSUN players step out of bounds all on their own. So TSUN Black Bears enter the Egg Bowl on a 3 game loosing stretch.