MSU’s Problems Continue & Saints Win the Super Bowl (Who Dat)

As by now, you know the Bulldogs fell to the Gators on Saturday. State down as much as 12 with 2:30 left, fought back to make it a 4 point game in the final minutes, only to lose by 7, 69-62. The Dawgs have now loss 4 of their last 5, with a lone win in that stretch to lowly LSU. Even after holding UF’s top 3 scorers to just 21 points, the Dawgs still had no answer for the other Gator players. Vernon Macklin and Chandler Parsons, were two of UF’s unstoppables, both putting up 20 points on the day. I’m frustrated, don’t know about yall, but this team is underachieving and getting outcoached. When’s the last time we saw this team play anywhere near their capabilities, show some grit and guts, and pull one out? And when’s the last time we saw Stans make adjustments, and outcoach someone else? I have the answer for you, Jan.9, at Ole Miss. Stans attacked Ole Miss’s zone D with Dee Bost continually driving to the hole, picking up fouls and scoring. Ray, Barry, Dee, Osby, Kodi, and JV hit the kind of shots you have to hit to win games, the team as a whole did an excellent job rebounding, and we made enough free throws at the end to keep an opponent at arm’s length. Bill Raftery would simply ask, “where are your onions Bulldogs?” And I’m asking the same. So what’s up with this team? Here’s what I think are our problems, and the answer to each…

Bulldog’s Problems?
#1 Need more from Stewart- Barry is by far our best defender, but waiting to the last 4 minutes of a game to turn it on offensively, just won’t cut it. Stans needs to find more ways to get the ball to Stewart off screens, and just basically set up more opportunities for 22. This may also be a case where Barry just needs to be encouraged to do more, take more chances, give him the keys to the vette. I know he’s not our best scorer, but we need more. And if he can get his game total up to 13 every night, with 7 or 8 of those coming in the closing seconds, there is no reason why he can’t do more of that earlier on.
#2 Help out JV down low- As of the first few SEC games, State had one of the most respected paints in all of the SEC, if not around the country. But now, teams can bring a pillow to the fight against us. Why? Well, as of recently, we are gonna get boxed out, out rebounded, and rely way to heavily on JV to do things on both sides of the court, by himself. Dawg defenders guard their players, but don’t follow them into the paint, and Jarvis either has to leave his man, or allow the drive. This presents the chance for foul trouble, and once JV goes to block the shot, allows the opposition to usually claim an easy rebound, and an extra chance to score on offense. Wendell Lewis needs to have more action, I don’t care if he can’t score, he’s there to play D, rebound, and spell JV. I’m proud of Kodi’s efforts to play more team ball as of the past couple of games, hustling and rebounding. On the offensive end, the team just freezes when the ball is passed inside to JV. How about a cut to the hole for a back door layup, or movement behind the arc for a 3? With their feet cemented, JV tries to create in the paint, and ends up turning it over more than you think. He has to average 4 turns a game, but like I said, no help. Also on D, we need to play some type of zone to help JV, I don’t care if they are not good at it in practice…a one dimensional D, will make you predictable and beatable. Btw, JV is 26 blocks away from the record.
#3 What’s up with Dee? Or better yet, where is Dee?
Over the last 4 games, Dee is averaging  only 6.5 points. He has 21 assists, with 16 turnovers. We need more out of the man, that gave us 20 ppg in our first 3 SEC games. Dee has it in him, but we need to see it. Why do I get the feeling he is either gonna tank or transfer? That’s pure speculation, I just wonder. Dee’s gotta turn it around, if State’s gonna get back on track.
#4 Make adjustments- This always my area of concern when it comes to Stans. For instance, Macklin exploded on State in the opening minutes after the half. Made 7 of his first 8 shots, and score 8 straight UF points…but what did Stans do? Nothing. Instead of making an adjustment, which you can do with a simple timeout, or even a stoppage of play, but Rick sat back and allowed a much smaller framed Phil Turner (6-3), be dominated by Macklin (6-10), and before you know it, our halftime lead was swallowed up. Other teams make adjustments (see UF on Saturday), why can’t we? Gotta have more from Stans,  and my gosh do we need a new offensive bench coach who can draw up some plays, because stand around-pass inside-shoot the 3, doesn’t work.

With all this, State’s upcoming schedule includes match ups with Ole Miss (Thursday), Auburn (Saturday), and UK (next Tuesday). Not an easy stretch. State can’t afford to lose more than 3 more games.

In more pleasant news, How about those Saints!!! What a game, especially when you consider that the match up ‘truly’ included the two best teams in the NFL (Sometimes that’s not the case). After week 8 this was the game that most wanted to see, and I got my wish. Drew Brees outplayed one of the NFL’s greatest minds and QB’s in Peyton Manning, completing 32 of 39 passes, for 288 yds, and 2 TD’s. Reggie Bush averaged 5 ypc, and caught 4 passes for 28 yds. Pierre Thomas ran for 30 yds, and another 66 receiving. But more importantly, the play of Lance Moore , Devri Henderson, and Marcus Colston, was excellent, and essential for a Saint victory. I know Manning watches film like crazy, can usually predict a play before it happens, but hats off to Tracy Porter-who did just the same, and scored on a 74 yd  INT return, to seal up a 43 year drought. I’m sure the confetti rain was enough to quench it all. Congrats to the Saints, and I don’t know if I have been more moved by a moment between an athlete and his child, than I was when Brees was holding his little boy, kissing his hands, and fighting back tears before the post game ceremony. Pretty awesome moment. New Orleans deserves it. Proud of my NFL  team. Now that hell has frozen over, maybe my Cubs will make it to the World Series.

Have a good Monday…

Bulldogs & Gators, SEC Recruiting, & a 13 Year Old USC Commit?

Well guys, this week we’ve dissected a basketball loss, taken an in-depth look at Mullen’s 2010 signing class, and now, we pretty much find ourselves back on the hardwood. State will play their 2nd straight SEC East opponent, when they take on the UF Gators on Saturday. After falling 75-72 to Vandy, and losing 3 of their last 4, the Dawgs are trying to find their way back to the winning path. UF has had an interesting year, cracking the national rankings at one point, experiencing a 3 game slump at another, and recently, winning 2 of their last 4 games in the final seconds. The Gators are 5-3 in SEC play, and 16-6 overall. The Bulldogs are also 16-6, but only 4-3 in conference. UF’s 3 conference losses, have come against who else, but the league’s top 3 teams. UK, Vandy, and UT. Whereas State, has less impressive losses to Arkansas and Alabama, even though both teams seem to be finding a competitive streak. To me, this could be the game that makes or breaks the season for State. What I mean by that, is that this is the game where the Dawgs can show the rest of the SEC, that they are still in the race, and not falling out of it. Beating the Gators, would be one of only a few quality wins that State could add to their post season resume’. To do that though, MSU will have to get by Kenny Boynton (14 ppg), Erving Walker (13ppg), Alex Tyus (12ppg), and Chandler Parsons (10ppg). Boynton is really impressive, quick to the basket, and a decent passer. Tyus should keep Kodi and JV busy, and Walker can be a challenge to guard. We’ll see…Your prediction?

-Mr. SEC’s rankings of which SEC coaches did the best on Signing Day 2010.

-Parrish Alford wonders if Nutt took a jab at  Mullen yesterday…I didn’t see it. You? I know one thing, his comments were lame…as for the Cotton Bowl, that was the worst pregame speech I have ever heard in my life.

-Mullen was blunt about the in-state success he has had in recruiting,and he did it with the Golden Egg in plain view…love this guy’s swagger. Thanks for passing it on Urban.

-Here’s Mr. SEC’s 2010 rankings  per signee, within the conference.

-A 13 yr old commits to USC…yes, a 13 yr old. Too young?

Have a good Friday boys…

Recapping MSU’s Signing Class, Dawgs Fall to #18 Vandy

Well with signing day over and in the past, let’s recap what Mullen has brought within the confines of MSU: 6 of Mississippi’s Dandy Dozen, 12 of the Best players in the State, 4 of the 10 on the Most Wanted List, 5 of the Rivals.com Top 10, 9 of the Top 20 from Scouts.com’s list. State’s 2010 class, included 26 signees, 18 from within Mississippi’s borders. Just a glance at the in-state dominance that Mullen wanted to bring to MSU-[his first two MSU classes he has signed 37 of the total 53 recruits from within the state’s borders (per SCOUT)]. All though many look to Texas and Florida as major talent states, many also forget the number of Mississippi players that go on to the NFL and fill the rosters of major universities around the country. If I’m not mistaken, MS is in the top 3 (if not higher), when it comes to the most NFL players per capita (players per state population). So say what you will, but MS is rich in talent, and talent that can be built upon. The Bulldogs’s signing class is ranked 38th nationally, which was a let down to some due to last year’s Top 20 class, but in my opinion, this year’s was about filling our needs, and Mullen did just that.

-Anyway, the Nation’s Top 10 classes, are as follows: (1) UF  (2) OKL  (3) Texas  (4) Bama  (5) Auburn  (6) UCLA  (7) USC  (8) LSU  (9) PSU  (10) FSU.

-The SEC made a statement, boasting the following rankings: (1) UF  (4) Bama  (5) Auburn  (8) LSU  (14) UM  (15) UT  (21) UGA  (34) South Car  (36) Ark (38) MSU  (47) UK  and (53) Vandy.

In other news, State fell last night by 3, 75-72, to #18 Vandy. The Dawgs were down 14 with 4:40 left, but got it back to a 1 point game with just seconds  to play, but Dee Bost failed to make the tying shot. The game included 6 ties and 6 lead changes. State had their chances, but carelessness with the ball throughout the game, and the inability to capitalize on second chance points, and keeping the Dores from benefiting from the latter, cost MSU dearly, in what could have been an excellent conference road win. I scratch my head over games like this, because (1) either our players were too lazy for the majority of the night, and could have simply flipped the switch they did with 4 minutes left-at any point they wanted too, or (2) coaching held us back. I’d say a little of both, but more on the players last night. How many freakin times, did we here Jack describe a long pass down the court, for a dunk or lay up?!? That’s a result of NOT protecting the ball, and taking TOO MANY 3 point shots before your rebounders get back down court…which is stupid, selfish, and street-ballish. With that said, Vandy is an excellent team, they are a dangerous tourney team, and in the long run, if we can shoot ourselves in the foot and still hang with some of the SEC’s best, that proves what we all know, which is that this team is better than they are playing.

Hats Off…Varnad0-12 pts, 14 rebs, 9 blocks. Kodi with 15 pts, Barry with 13, Bost (a spotty) 12 pts.

Keys to Getting Back on Track: (1) Stop fouling so much. The officials haven’t helped, but ever since the Bama game, this MSU team who was ranked 4th in the country in the least fouls per game, has given opposing teams 25+ free throw opportunities a night. We are committing way to many offensive fouls as well. (2) Work on our free throw shooting. How many games have we added up the totals at the end, and if we would have just made our free throws, we would have won comfortably? (3) If all we are gonna do is shoot the 3, just let Ray, Dee, Barry, Ro, and Kodi shoot 3’s at practice…because as my dad says, “we couldn’t hit a bull in the butt with a bass fiddle!” 9 of 34 (26%) isn’t gonna cut it. We have to find ways to get Ray, Dee, and Kodi some mid range jumpers, or screens where they can drive.

Anyway, your opinions on the game and recruiting?

National Signing Day: Miss. State & Hoops vs Vandy Tonight

Well, let the madness begin. I for one, am not home in my boxers watchin the scouting sites today, so feel free to post as they sign, because I will be away for most of the day. Big day for our future Bulldogs, and good luck to all. Here’s a look at what MSU to be adding to their arsenal today (some have signed already), and the overall 2010 Class. Keep in mind, there is still room for a few to sign, 2 to be exact. Robinson and Sanders??? We’ll see…I know one thing, I don’t see how State fell all the way to 44th in the rankings just because of Neal dropping off. But whatever. Robinson and Sanders could easily put us back in the top 30.

Kaleb Eulls (pictured), is just one future Bulldog, that’s headed to Starkville.                                                                                                                            

LB ** Chrisitan Holmes- 6-2, 235lbs
CB ** Jeremy Lee- 5-10, 170lbs
DE * Paul Crawford- 6-8, 230lbs, Offers from Arkansas and Baylor.
OT *** Archie Muniz-6-6, 260lb hoss, rated as the #120th O-Lineman nationally. Chose State over Utah
DT *** JC Jeffrey Howie- 6-4, 330lb DT/NG, chose State over USM and USF
LB ***  Chris Hughes-#79 ranked  OLB, from Mobile. Chose State over Clemson, Arkansas, South Carolina, K-State
RB *** Nick Griffin-#84 ranked RB, 5-11, 195lbs. 1st Team All-State. Chose State over Stanford and Vandy
RB **** Matthew Wells- #17 ranked RB, 6-1, 205lbs. MS Dandy Dozen. Chose State over UT, Ole Miss, and Stanford
QB ** Dylan Favre-Mr. Mississippi, Not Ranked, 1st Team All State, MS Gatorade Player of the Yr, O/D Nat’l POY
RB *** Jay Hughes-#88 ranked RB, 5-10, 180lbs, 2nd Team All-State. Chose State over UT, WVU, and Auburn
WR *** Robert Johnson-#67 ranked WR, 6-0, 200lbs, Dandy Dozen. Chose State over WVU, Auburn, and Louisville
LB ** Corvell Harrison-#56 ranked LB, 6-3, 220lbs, 2nd Team All-State
DT *** JC James Carmon-6-7, 370lbs, JC transfer. Chose State over UT, Penn State, and Bama
LB *** Ferlando Bohanna- #28 LB, 6-0, 235lbs. Chose State over NC, MTSU, and Clemson
CB ** Jamerson Love- 1st Team All-State, 5-10, 175lbs
RB *** JC Vick Ballard- 6-0, 225lbs, JC transfer
DE **** Kaleb Eulls-#21 DE, 6-4, 250lbs, 1st Team All-State, Dandy Dozen. Chose State over Bama, UGA, LSU, UT
WR/TE ** Malcom Johnson- #169 ranked WR, 6-2, 205lbs
OT ** Blaine Clausell-#101 ranked OT, 6-6, 295lbs
DT *** Curtis Virges-#71 ranked DT, 6-3, 275lbs, 1st Team All-State 
CB ** Jameon Lewis-#140 ranked CB, 5-8, 170lbs, 1st Team All-State
LB *** Cordell Giles-#101 ranked LB, 6-4, 220lbs. Chose State over Ole Miss.
S *** Michael Carr-#50 ranked S, 6-1, 205lbs, 1st Team All-State, Dandy Dozen
S ** Brandon Hill-#108 ranked S, 6-2, 202lbs. Chose State over Arkansas.

I’m not trying to build these guys up, or boast over the schools they chose State over, but rather to give yall some insight into how prized some of these kids were. Yall have a good one, and remember, State and Vandy (7pm ESPN). I’ve been to Vandy once for basketball, twice for football. Weird place to play basketball at, let’s just hope this is a season-changing game. What’s your prediction for tonight’s final score? Mine: State 62  Vandy 57…we catch Vandy cold, after long layoff. Ole Miss fell to #3 UK last night, and a Bulldog win, could boast for a controlling lead in the West.

And for some icing on the cake, here’s Brian Harbach’s 13 SEC Predictions for 2010.

One again, yall have a good one…

MSU Basketball & Football, And SEC News

Basketball
Well guys, the Bulldogs are back in 1st place in the SEC West, after Ole Miss fell to Arkansas on Sunday night, 80-73. State turns their attention East, for Wednesday’s match up in Nashville, against Vanderbilt. State is 3-3 on the road this year, and Vandy is a stout 10-0 when protecting the home wood. MSU’s competition stays in the East this weekend as well, when State takes on UF in Gainesville.
Football
If you are like me, you have been keeping an eye on the recruiting sites here recently. Signing Day is Wednesday, State has 22 commitments thus far, and the Bulldog Nation has their fingers crossed on a couple of studs who are yet to make their decision. Even if you don’t have your fingers crossed, you actually did this whole time and didn’t know it. The studs that I just mentioned are Olive Branch’s Damien Robinson (OL) and Noxubee County’s Vincent Sanders (ATH). Earlier this month, RB Rajion Neal decommitted from State, and now is expected to sign with UT…which I don’t understand, considering their coaching carousel, but oh well.

Around the SEC
I’m sure that yall have heard by now, but apparently there’s a lil friction between Calipari and Mr. “One and Done”  John Wall. Here’s a link on the dialogue that transpired. Ole Miss just found Kent Austin’s replacement, naming Dave Rader as their new Off. Coordinator. Former MSU coach by the way. And did yall hear about UT’s commitment Markeith Ambles making some very ‘forward’ comments towards a local Knoxville radio host…let’s just say he used the word “bone.” Real classy. Man, you couldn’t give UT’s football program $100 million to stay out of the news. Auburn is kicking some butt in recruiting, here’s a story to prove it. They have nabbed the top player like in 5 southern states, including Arkansas’s, South Carolina’s, and Louisiana’s (forgot other 2).

Sorry guys, not a lot to chat about today…maybe we’ll have some developments…

MSU Tops Struggling LSU, Chaney Honored, & Miss. State Recruiting

Well, after falling victim to an 0-2 slump, against some of the worst teams in the SEC, MSU made sure to stop their slide versus the SEC’s worst team on Saturday, against LSU. Even though the Dawgs started off hot, sprinting to a 10-2 lead in the opening minutes, State would only lead 23-15 at the half. State pushed that lead out to 37-21 in the second half, and never looked back-thanks to a double digit lead, that lasted to the final horn. State’s poor shooting in the 1st half (8-24), got drastically better in the 2nd though, allowing the Dawgs to break the 40% mark (42%) for the first time in 3 games. The other two games resulted in embarassing losses, where MSU shot a poor 31% in both. Though we are able to boast in the light of that improvement, sloppy play continued for State. MSU was out-rebounded by a much smaller LSU team, poor passing, dribbling, and shot decisions were common, not to mention the continual inability to finish around the rim. I’m glad we won, but one has to admit, that if State would have been facing a team such as Vandy or UF, which we will see this weekend, State would more than likely, not have escaped with. The fact is LSU is one of the worst teams in the SEC, if not the country, and MSU can’t afford to continue to play down to the level of lesser opponents. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, put the team name aside, because you are still playing against SEC talent. Tasmin Mitchell is without a doubt LSU’s best player, but in playing a decent team who has more weapons than the Tigers do, State will be in a lot of trouble when allowing a single player to put up 20 plus points (See Arkansas and Forston, Bama and Torrence, etc.). Anyway, I’ll take it, but I still don’t think this team has had their annual wake-up call, unless it happened during halftime on Saturday.

Unable to Finish: Not just the deep shots have been a problem for State, but the short ones as well. I don’t understand, how Kodi, Romero, Turner, and even JV can’t finish around the rim sometimes. They do all the work to get there, but can’t finish. Gotta have those. We leave 8-10 points a night on the rim. Our guys should take a note from Ravern, who either stuffs it with authority, or uses the glass with a soft touch. And if Romero Osby could finish his dunks and lay ups, he would have a HUGE highlight resume’, but instead he returns to the bench unnoticed at times. We improve there, might not need all those 3’s.

Hats Off to…Ravern Johnson, Ray only hit 1 of 4 from down town, but for the third game in a row, has found a way to score. 15 for Ray on the day. Stewart, 12 points, 2 steals. Phil Turner, with a strong 12 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. And JV, who surpassed 500 blocks in his career. He’s under 40 from the record.

Tough Road Ahead: State faces Vandy (5-1) on Wednesday night, then the Gators (4-2) on Saturday. Time to find out what we are made of.

Stans: I really like Rick, sure hope he can turn things around and prove some of us wrong. He usually does, just ready for it to happen. In this coming week, We’ll out not only what our boys are made of, but Rick is as well.

Senior Bowl MVP?: MSU’s Jamar Chaney, led the South Team with eight tackles and a fumble recovery- was named defensive MVP, of the 2010 Senior Bowl.

Here’s an article on Dan recruiting all of Mississippi.

And speaking of recruiting, State grabbed Chrisitan Holmes, a 2 star, 6-2 235lb Line Backer from Puckett. Here’s some of his own words about the visit: “They made me feel like I was at home…All of the players were great, the coaches were great and atmosphere was great. It’s like a bigger Puckett. I just felt at home there…(as for MSU fans) They can expect me to always hustle and give 100%…I am always going to be pursuing the ball and making the play. That’s what I am about and I can’t wait to get started. Go Dogs!” Sounds good to me Christian. Glad you are a Bulldog. My Opinion: This kid might be a surprise pick up before he leaves. He pursues the ball well, reminds me a lot of KJ Wright and Jamar Chaney in the way that he pursues the ball, and may have more speed than both. On roll out plays, he appears to be the guy, that knows when to leave his guy and attack the passer before he can run or extend the play, and his awareness on rushing plays will help us. Good pick up, and we got a kid who wanted to be a Bulldog. Also, Mullen is attempting to sway big ol’ James Polk, who is a 6-7 290lb, Offensive Lineman from Houston, TX. He is a 2 Star stud, and ranked #116th nationally, at his position. He has been committed to TTU for awhile, but has dropped Kansas from his considerations, and added MSU. Only time will tell, if Polk will choose to become a Bulldog or stay true to the Red Raiders.

Bulldogs “Let” Hogs Slip Away 67-62

To put it lightly, the MSU players and coaches were humiliated by Arkansas last night. Up 50-38, with 8:11 to play, Rick Stansbury and his squad, yet again displayed the fact-that they are unable to hold a lead. Just weeks ago, State was up 21 at the half, against the same Razorback team, only to win by two. This time, it was an eight point advantage at the half, that at one time grew to 12, only to result in a 5 point MSU loss. State looked completely lost, on both sides of the court, for the second game in a row. How bad have the Dawgs looked lately? State has only hit 7 three’s in their last 2 outings (7 of 44, 16%)…they average 10 a game, 3rd best in the country (prolly not anymore). Also, for the second game in a row, Stansbury has had NO CLUE as to solving what other teams are doing effectively against us. With Bama, it was the inability to adjust to getting the ball in Dee Bost’s hands, and preventing the Tide from shooting 3’s over the zone. With Arkansas, the only game plan that seemed to be in place was guarding Rotnei Clarke, meanwhile letting Courtney Fortson drive the paint for the entire second half, with ease, and to have wide open three’s when he wanted them. If you were to add up Arkansas’s scoring possessions in the second half, you’d find that they scored 28 times, be that by free throw or field goals. How many of those were Fortson scores? How about…21 of those. Still, no answer, no adjustment, nothing was put in place to stop what was frequently working for the other team. Not only did Stansbury not follow through in making even the most  ‘minimal’  adjustments, but he also, for the first time ever (that I’ve seen), he did not protect and fight for his players. Stansbury is usually pretty close to getting a tech maybe once a game, or he at least has that one heated conversation with an official that makes the refs aware of something they are missing, or to even out the calls. The fact is, the officiating was pretty much was deserving of an ejection if you ask me. The kind of game that was so poorly called, you send the game tape in for Slive to review. We couldn’t buy a foul driving in the lane, and every time a Hog player got touched, or NOT touched for that matter, a whistle was blown. I really think that as a visiting coach, you have to stand up for your boys, and I didn’t see that last night. Bost and Turner, got fouled all night in the paint, Barry had two cheap ones called on him, and I could go on. Either way, if I couldn’t keep my mouth shut on the couch, I definitely would have had one tech to my name, by about the 9 minute mark in the 2nd half. The players would have seen me fighting for them, I would have the refs complete attention, and a call here and there would go State’s way, just for the simple action. Didn’t happen. I’m not saying get tossed, or actually get a tech, but dang, pull a ref aside for a sec.

Magic # to Avoid: That would be 62. In 3 of MSU’s 5 losses this year, State has scored 62 points.

Hats Off To: Kodi Augustus, who didn’t play the prettiest game, but made free throws, and kept us in the lead in the 1st. 10pts, 10 Rebs. Ravern Johnson, who put up 19 in a very non traditional fashion for himself, but good players can make the necessary changes when their strengths aren’t coming through for them. Major props to the defense State got from Stewart and Benock, both were lights out.

Turner/Augustus Issue: Yes, we got more Turner, but please, not while Kodi is on the court at the same time. These two should spell each other, plain and simple. Two different styles and rhythms, need to be used like they were before last night, but with more Turner.

Missed Opportunities/Advantages: State had a +15 shot attempt advantage in the game, and at one point in the first half alone, that number was at +17. The fact is, you can’t waste that many opportunities. And, in State’s case, you put an opponent away in the first half with that kind of number. The Dawgs also failed to take advantage of the weakest atmosphere that has ever filled the Bud Walton Arena. Only about 3,500 were able to attend, due to the winter storm that was hitting Fayetteville during the game, but you know the outcome

Street Ball Doesn’t Work: Anybody else getting tired of this? I mean, if I wanted to watch a terrible NBA matchup, I’d flip over to TNT and make fun of Charles Barkley, but this is college. Getting really tired of us going down the court, one pass and bombing it away. That, or watching guys who don’t need to take certain shots, take them. Or putting the ball on the floor and dribbling when we don’t have to, etc, etc, etc. Stans has a hand signal where he touches his chest with all 5 fingers pointing to his chest, and we run it about twenty times a game. And from what I can tell, it’s-whoever gets the ball and feels comfortable with it, just shoot it. I kid you not. Just watch.

Anyway, I’m not really happy (if you can’t tell) with our play, or lack thereof, but more so, with Stans. We usually have 5 losses we shouldn’t have, and I’ve talked about that before, but is it just me, or has this season not been one of the most boring to watch? I mean, even when we were 3-0 in SEC play, it still felt that way. If we go up 10, or 15, get out your pillow and alarm clock…set it for when you think the final 2 minutes of the game will be, and rest up. You might want to set it for the 5 minute mark though, so you can see how we lose that lead. We’ve just had some stinker wins and losses, and something has to change with this team, or they can forget about post season play, because we don’t have the resume’. My pick of going 14-2, was based off of last year’s performance, a veteran team returning, and our ability to shoot the 3, but now 8-8 looks more probable. I still have faith, but not enough to be disappointed.

All I know, is that a scrappy LSU team comes to Starkville on Saturday, and we can’t overlook them, or anyone else for that fact.

That’s all I got for ya, have a good Friday, let’s hope we pull out a recruit or two over the next few days.

Dixon, Chaney, Tebow, Downey Downs #1 UK, John Wall, Austin Leaves Ole Miss, and Miss. State Recruiting

-As I am sure yall have heard by now, Anthony Dixon is getting some love at the Senior Bowl, from numerous sources. Here’s what one synopsis had to say about MSU’s all-time rusher: ”Dixon displays good footwork and balance for a back his size. Does a nice job picking his way through the line of scrimmage. He’s patient through the hole and has the lateral mobility to reach the cutback lane and square his shoulders into the open field. Possesses a strong lower body and seemingly always drives his legs through contact. Consistently is able to step through would-be tacklers at the line of scrimmage. Possesses the short-area quickness to make a man miss behind the line and create on his own play. He doesn’t display an elite burst to his game, but he plays a lot faster than given credit for. He has the ability to shed a tackle and reach top-end speed quickly. But he lacks a second gear to his game and isn’t a big-play threat at the second level. Possesses a strong base and displays the ability to drop his pad level in pass protection and jar a defender on contact. Looks natural in the receiving game. Adjusts quickly to the football and displays the wiggle to make a man miss in the open field. Is a physical, instinctive runner who displays impressive lateral ability for his size. Looks like a guy who could become a team’s featured running back.”-NFP (Nat’l Football Post) Director of College Scouting Wes Bunting. There has also been some rumors that the KC Cheifs are seriously considering Anthony, but we’ll see, there’s no telling how many different teams he has talk to. Here’s what AD told the Cheifs, about what he wants to accomplish this weekend: “I want to show the coaches that I’m worthy of being one of the top picks in the draft…to show them that I’m versatile and that I’ve got dimensions to my game…I think that I’m the kind of back that can be out on the field all three downs and I want to just come out here and prove it.” Apparently Dixon will see some action at FB as well this weekend. So, remember to tune in on Saturday, and cheer on ol’ #24, and ol #22 for that matter. Jamar Chaney decided to skip the Shrine Bowl for the Senior Bowl, and here’s why? “The Senior Bowl is the best one and the best seniors from every college get to play in the game…I wanted to compete against the best, so I came here.” Btw, Chaney is currently rated as the #8 Inside LB in the 2010 draft.

-One of the main questions that scouts want answered this weekend, is whether or not Tim Tebow is an NFL style QB? I know Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have their doubts, but what do yall think? Give me Tebow’s NFL career in a nutshell…

-Don’t know if yall watched it or not, but USC and #1 ranked UK, was one of the better games that I have seen in a while. Looks like Calipari’s ”youngsters/one and done boys” got introduced to SEC Basketball, thanks to Mr. Downey and Company. I, like many of yall, never got to see Pete Maravich play, but from the stories that I have heard, he threw up the ball fearlessly, and dominated games, and I think Devan Downey shares both of those characteristics. For his size, he does amazing things on the court, plays great defense, and is the kind of player coaches dream of having as a leader. I’ve never seen a player of his stature, play so well within his abilities and limitations. Great awareness as to ‘when’ to release a shot, and does a great job getting the space he needs to create. Anyway, maybe UK will have the same fate, when they visit StarkVegas on Feb.16.

-Anyway, while we are on the subject, what do yall think of UK’s John Wall so far? Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have him for a year, but I can’t figure out if he gets ‘easy’ shots, or is he just making them look easy? In watching the UF and USC games, I have noticed that he is their 5-0 run kinda guy, that hushes the crowd. After UK calls a timeout and needs to get back in a game, its seems to always be Wall, who hits a 3 and drives in for a lay up. I guess his style will translate well to the NBA, I don’t know. I guess players who just find a way to score, just have a knack for it, and he is one of them. I mean, the guy gets points throughout the majority of the game-pretty quietly, and at the end, you realize that that was the quietest 13 or 18 points you’d ever watched someone score. Your Thoughts?

-Yall hear about Ole Miss Off. Coordinator Ken Austin leaving for Cornell? WOW, first McCluster graduates, Snead leaves as if everyone and their mama wants him, and now what was a ‘coordinator on the rise’ leaves UM…I don’t know about yall, but I sure am looking forward to the future of Ole Miss football…Nutt’s head will be on a pole in 2 yrs. I guess he’ll resort to chewing his toe nails next year.

-In the final stretch of recruiting, Dan Mullen is weighing his options, trying to fill some positions. Right now, State is planning on hosting Jeremy Lee, Christian Holmes, and Rodney Young. All are 1 stars, but Mullen is still trying to decide whether all deserve an offer or not. Holmes officially received and offer yesterday. State is currently #34 in recruiting, right behind Ole Miss…but we have already discussed the quality of player-by average, is better than Ole Miss’s pickings. If you missed Monday’s headliner, Barry Brunetti decided to stay faithful to his original committment to West Virginia. Both Mullen and the Mountaineer’s Bill Stewart, were supposed to make in home visits to Memphis, but Brunetti decided to kill the suspense that was going to insue til weeks end, and made his decision final. (Mullen is still coming to Memphis though, to take me out to Texas de Brazi, just to pick my brain…not really). I can’t blame the kid, he will probably find his way on the field earlier at WV, and won’t have to battle a kid of Russell’s ability. With that said, I still think Brad Locke and other writers are freakin out a little too much, over the fact that Mullen had originally wanted to sign 2 QB’s, and that the pickin’s are gettin slim. But, I think we’ll be fine for this year. I know, I know, QB’s are like O-Lineman, you can’t ever have enough, but Russell, Relf, and Favre will get us through the year, even through the worst scenarios. I know if I had my choice of an extra QB, I’d take Brandon Doughty (2*,6-3, 183 lbs, Miami) or David Bell (2*, 6-3, 210 lbs, Watson, LA). Both have decent height, mobility, and can throw more than the typical 7yd high school slant. Look strong rolling out, and hitting the 15-20 yd outs.

Share your thoughts?

#23 MSU Falls to Bama, Mullen Winning In-State Recruiting, & Who Dat?

Well, as always, following a win or loss, all of yall and myself have to put what we saw into typing…call it venting, rejoicing, complaining, whatever. Anyway, I’m sure you, just as myself, sat  down and pulled your hair out for most, if not all, of Saturday’s match up with Bama. MSU, who just found their way into the national rankings earlier last week, found their way out just days later in Tuscaloosa. State fell 62-57, in a hard fought, scrappy, physical, unorganized, and at times, sloppy battle. The Bulldogs who are known for their national dominance from 3 pt land (3rd nationally in made 3 pointers per game), hit only 2 of 18 from down town, and pretty much searched for some type of alternate, offensive identity, for much of Saturday. If you add up the Dawgs scoring droughts from the 1st and 2nd half, State went scoreless %25 of the game. Enough said. And drive to the basket after drive, and missed 3 after missed 3, and missed free throw after missed free throw, equals our first loss to a middle level, under-talented, Alabama team. Like I said, “it’s always tougher than it needs to be, every time we visit Coleman Coliseum.” Anyway, here are some quotes from the game, and my reaction to them, maybe yours is the same or different…we’ll see. And after these, I’ll give my diagnosis as to what I feel is this team’s problem.

-Stans: ”They’re a good defensive team. They sped us up, took the ball out of Dee’s hands a whole lot.” My Response: This wasn’t something Bama did for the final 5 minutes of the game, or just one half, rather they did this for the whole game, and we did absolutely nothing to adjust to this…why? It usually ended up with Kodi or Ravern getting the ball across the half court line at about 8 or 9 every time, then finally getting it to Dee, after our entire rhythm was disrupted. No adjustments. Coaching advantage> Anthony Grant.
-(After going on a 14-0 run, and taking a 48-46 lead) “Right there is where you’ve got to finish a team. We had three trips in a row where we had opportunities to finish some things, and we don’t finish it in the half court offense.” My Response: Even though it was a lack of execution on the player’s parts, on all 3 of those possessions, if my memory serves me right, the results were- 2 passes stolen from JV down low, and on third trip, we got really creative and passed to JV again inside, after which he was fouled driving in. A little more creativity would help. Anyway, isn’t the definition of insanity along the lines of doing something over and over again expecting different results. Even if I’m wrong on the exact timing of those blown opportunities, it was still 3 consecutive terrible possessions.
Other Things: (1) I think Turner needs to start over Kodi. He is an excellent rebounder, he can shoot it deep, has a decent mid range jumper, and can drive it and finish, if he needs to. Everything Kodi is giving us, with the exception of a bigger body, Phil Turner can give us. And maybe if Turner was awarded with more playing time, he wouldn’t be so trigger happy. As big as his 3 was Saturday, his return trip down the floor and effort to do the same, killed our run, rather than resulting in that one possession where you take the game over. With that said, we are a better team with him on the floor. (2) I think our defensive game plan for every game, is to put Barry on one of, or the best player,  on the opposing team. We all know that, but that’s really all I see. Whereas, great game planning was exemplified by Anthony Grant on Saturday. Bost’s strengths were taken out of the game, and so was our entire team’s strength, on just about every possession on the offensive end of the court. (3) Anybody notice what the Bama student section did after JV fouled out? They did a re-mix of our “Go-State, Go-State!” cheer, using the words “State-Sucks, State-Sucks!” Just another reason to hate em’, and I sure hope we do something special for them, when they visit the Hump. (4) Why is Varnado calling for the ball, 10 to 12 feet out? I know last year was his year to improve his jump shot, but he’s not taking the looks now, and that means he has to put the ball on the floor, which = 3 or 4 turnovers a game.

The PROBLEM with this team? Quite simple, and this can sound arrogant and as biased as you want it too, but the truth is…For about the last decade, we have pretty much been the team to beat in the West. The record, the titles, the championships, all that proves this point. The funny thing is, we are either picked to win the West-with a strong veteran bunch coming back, or picked to finish near the bottom-with a young and inexperienced bunch, but what almost always happens? We still usually find ourselves in the driver’s seat, or competing for that seat, year in and year out. And I think that Stansbury and our Bulldogs forget that fact, and have to be reminded of that fact, every year. They have to remind themselves that one-we are the ones with a target on our back, two-that other teams within our conference are gunning for us, and three-that they are gonna gameplan and scheme like crazy against us. Instead, it seems our boys just walk out on the court and just want a good, clean fight, like a boxing referee who doesn’t even want to have to wash his shirt after the match. But what are we starting to see? Teams like Bama and UGA, literal bottom dwellers, forcing us to play their types of games, thanks to good game planning and schemes, while at the same time going for our throats like Bama did Saturday, with a 12-2 run to start the game. I’m not calling this team soft, but rather unaware, as to how they are viewed by opposing coaches and players. Hopefully now that we have one of our typical, annual losses that we shouldn’t have under our belts, maybe now we can play some basketball. I think that some, imagine smoke coming out of my ears as I type this, while buildings crumble in the background, but no, that’s not the case. Just casual observations, that could hurt or help in the long run. As for the answer to this problem, earlier I mentioned Turner starting, I really think that the tenacity he plays with, the energy he brings to the court, and the leadership he displays, would make us better all the way around. I think rather than being the guy we bring in to clean up our desperation/panic moments in games, why not play him more, so that maybe we find ourselves in less situations of panic and desperation? Turner is the kind of that guy that plays hard every minute he is in, and our team responds to him. So to me, Turner, through his tenacious play, could be that reminder on the court, to not let down our guard and get after it.

Anyone else feeling that? Or am I on an island? Thought, comments on the game? More of Turner?

Here’s an article on Mullen’s success in the state of MS thus far, as far as recruiting is concerned, which you may have already read, if not enjoy. State has 15 MS player commits, as compared to Ole Miss’s 6. 16 of Mullen’s 22 recruits are from MS high schools or JUCO colleges.

As for Brunetti, he has in-home visits from Mullen and WVU’s Bill Stewart this week, after which he’ll make his final choice.

And how bout them Saints baby!!! Let’s see, Favre, throwing game changing INT, 3 years in a row…usually followed by media carousel of whether or not to come back, very probable again I’d say. How arrogant was Brad Childress? Let’s just say that, “the Saints were the better team last night, and they showed it between those white lines.” Pride before the fall. Eaten your words is never fun. Huge win, and being a MS boy, your heart goes out to Favre, but the Saints existed before him, and my alliance lies therein. For many of you like me, you pull for heroes growing up, but in the long run, cling to the nearest big pro team, and that’s the Saints for me.

Should Favre call it quits now? 3 strikes you’re out? Great QB though…

Anyway, have a good Monday boys…

WHO DAT?

Miss. State’s Football Recruiting, Brunetti Rumors, & Bama

Dan Mullen is currently going through his second recruiting season as MSU’s head coach, but when you look at his results, it’s hard to believe it’s only his second rodeo. As of right now, Mullen has the Bulldog recruiting class ranked 35th nationally, and if things go State’s way in the next few weeks, an even higher ranking is probable. As we all know, one can’t and shouldn’t put too much of an emphasis on rankings, but the numbers are evidence that MSU is headed in the right direction. For those of you who missed it yesterday, Mullen apparently impressed Archie Muniz enough, to change his commitment from Utah to MSU. Muniz is 2 star OL (ranked 3 stars by some), from Houston, Tx, standing in at 6-6, 260lbs. Muniz is just one Mullen’s big pick ups, for what’s shaking up to be an excellent 2010 class. I thought for those of you who don’t have access to recruiting websites and info, that I would give you a look at the 2010 class, thus far. So enjoy…[Key- *=star value of recruit, # ranking=player's rank per position, NR=Not Ranked, JC=JUCO Transfer]
OT *** #122 Archie Muniz
DT *** JC Jeffrey Howie
LB *** #78 Chris Hughes
RB *** #84 Nick Griffin
RB **** #17 Matthew Wells
QB ** NR Dylan Favre
RB *** #88 Jay Hughes
WR *** #66 Robert Johnson
LB ** #54 Corvell Harrison
DT *** JC James Carmon
LB *** Ferlando Bohanna
CB ** JC Jamerson Love
RB *** JC Vick Ballard
RB *** #31 Rajion Neal
DE **** #21 Kaleb Eulls
WR ** #160 Malcom Johnson
OT ** #102 Blaine Clausell
DT *** #72 Curtis Virges
CB ** #139 Jameon Lewis
LB *** #99 Cordell Giles
S *** #50 Michael Carr
S ** #107 Brandon Hill
Anyway, hope this gives yall an idea of how Mullen is doing. Also, MUS (Memphis Univ. School) QB  Barry Brunetti, who is ranked #20th in the country, has been committed to West Virginia since June, but local word is that the Star QB is heavily considering STATE. Brunetti has told people now after visiting, that he “loved” MSU, Mullen, and Starkville, and felt that West Virginia, was “too far from his family.”  So take it or leave it, that’s the local word here in Memphis. As of January 9th, Brunetti had this to say about his dedication to the Mountaineers, “Ive been thinking about it a little bit but I’m solid to West Virginia right now.”  Keep in mind that was before his visit this past weekend. We may not get him, but you have to admit that Mullen is doing a heck of a job, and those of you like me, are getting every bit of our money’s worth.

As for Basketball, State takes on Bama (11-7) who fell to UT earlier this week. Bama has had trouble defending their home court, boasting only a 7-5 record at home. The Tide is also only 1-3 in SEC play. Look out for Mikhail Torrance (15.2 pts), JaMychal Green (15.0 pts), and Tony Mitchell (9.4 pts). For some reason, it always has to be more difficult then it needs to be when we travel to Tuscaloosa, let’s just hope that isn’t the case on Saturday.

Happy Friday Boys! Thoughts, comments…