Nine days to football. Time for links...
Scout.com: Mullen Shifts Practice Tone To Game Prep
Meanwhile, the rest of the roster was having their August attitudes adjusted. Surviving another training camp, then having a whole two-day break, was bound to produce some degree of letdown. Compared to other lapses in practice intensity Mullen seemed much less concerned with this case. He figures that with the prospect of a real game to get ready for, the Bulldogs will get back on practice track in time when given a first good look at Memphis.
"And sometimes it takes a day or two to get used to that. Really, today, tomorrow, Wednesday is that transition and then really gameplan after that. I think just the exact attention to details that need to go on. Instead of thinking about the whole offense and the whole defense, it’s specifically what you’re using for each game."
BulldawgJunction.com - Game prep begins for Bulldogs
Now, practice changes from big picture to specific prep as MSU gets ready to face Memphis. "I just think the exact attention to details that needs to go on," Mullen said. "Instead of thinking about the whole offense or the whole defense, kind of the specific of what you're using each game." The other change? Mullen isn't trying to figure out who can play anymore. He's not looking for the freshman who could make an immediate impact. Everyone got equal time in training camp, and sometimes the backups got more. Now, however, opportunities are slim.
"Reps are going to start getting cut down for the younger guys more and more," Mullen said. "So on their reps they better be that much better. That's important."
Mullen: Bulldogs in game mode | The Clarion-Ledger | clarionledger.com
In The Clarion Ledger's notes column, Memphis officials are asking Bulldog fans not to bring in their cowbells when MSU plays at the Liberty Bowl next Thursday.
(Insert joke about Memphis fans shouldn't be allowed to bring in switch blades)
Keep your cowbells at home, MSU fans. That's the message from Memphis officials, who will stand by the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium's ban on artificial noisemakers for the season opener between the two teams Sept. 1. A spokesperson at Memphis said Monday a reminder of the rule would be posted on its website "in the coming days."
BlogPoll Countdown, 21-25: The Outsiders - Dr. Saturday - NCAAF Blog - Yahoo! Sports
Dr. Saturday, probably the best college football blog out there, has Mississippi State at No. 24 in his Top 25 poll. Southern Miss falls one spot below at 25.
24. MISSISSIPPI STATE
2010 stands proudly alongside just about any season in Mississippi State history — nine-win campaigns with triumphs over Georgia, Florida and Michigan in a New Year's Day bowl aren't exactly annual rites here — and it could have been even better if close calls against BCS-bound Auburn and Arkansas hadn't gone the wrong way at the end. On paper, 2011 looks even better still, buoyed by a nearly intact offense that will count anything less than the highest-scoring season in school history as a disappointment. But: The Bulldogs play in a division with four other teams that won at least ten games last year — against whom MSU was 0-4 — and get Georgia and South Carolina in the cross-divisional exchange. If that half of the schedule plays up to its potential, the first back-to-back nine-win seasons in school history is probably a pipe dream.
Newcomer Maye looking to cook at LB for Bulldogs | The Clarion-Ledger | clarionledger.com
The CL continues its position-by-position breakdown. The linebackers, the offseason's biggest question mark, are featured today.
The depth chart is in flux, and it's not a certainty Maye will remain at one position. Penciled in as a starter by fans before the start of fall camp, Maye might not even crack the top five linebackers.
"He's adapting to a new defense and a new program," MSU coach Dan Mullen said. "In this program, you conform to the program, the program doesn't conform to you."
A look at potential impact SEC newcomers - SEC Blog - ESPN
Brandon Maye, LB: Maye transferred from Clemson and with the Bulldogs looking to replace three starters at linebacker, Maye is expected to make an immediate impact at middle linebacker. He had a slow start to fall camp, but improved throughout.
Gameday is getting closer... The OFFICIAL Mississippi State site hooks you up.
Mississippi State University would like to provide everyone attending games on campus and on the road this season with pertinent information to make their gameday experience an enjoyable, memorable and safe one. Information relative to the Bulldogs' next game can be found on this page each week and you can find additional information related to State home games - including a weekend calendar of events, information on The Junction, contact points and a complete A-Z MSU Gameday guide.
Key stretch: Alabama - SEC Blog - ESPN
Mississippi State, along with LSU, makes up Alabama's key stretch. Chris Low doesn't believe it'll end well for the Bulldogs.
This should be Dan Mullen’s best team at Mississippi State, but the Crimson Tide have had the Bulldogs’ number the last three years, winning by a combined 93-20 margin. In the end, I’m just not sure Mississippi State will be able to block Alabama. Nothing will come easy during either game, but I see the Crimson Tide getting through unscathed with a 2-0 record and remaining in the thick of the national championship race.