Egg Bowl: Stats, Keys to Victory, & Predictions

Here we are guys, one day away from the Battle for the Egg!  So with that, I thought we stayed true to form, with our usual look at stats, predictions, and keys to victory. Ole Miss’ stats show why they are only a 3 loss team, and why they are in the top 25…pretty impressive…still hate them, but still, I give credit when its due. Here’s a look at how these 2 in-state teams match up:

Total YPG: MSU-368 yds (66th) OM-407 yds (42nd)
Rushing YPG: MSU-219 yds (12th) OM-191 yds (23rd)
Passing YPG: MSU-148 yds (109th) OM-216 (62nd)
Scoring PPG: MSU-24 ppg (80th) OM-30 (34th)

Total Def.: MSU-364 yds (62nd) OM-310 yds (19th)
Rushing YPG: MSU-151 yds (69th) OM-124 yds (39th)
Passing YPG: MSU-213 yds (55th) OM-186 yds (20th)
Scoring Def.: MSU- 26 ppg (76th) OM- 14 ppg (16th)

But, as always, you can throw stats, the rankings, and even the kitchen sink out-when its rivalry time. Some years the team having the better year, leaves on the same high that they came in on. While some years, the worse team gets to play the spoiler. And finally, there are years when both teams are terrible, trying to not finish last in the SEC West. Last week’s loss to Arkansas, eliminated the Dawgs from Bowl contention in 2009, but they can still have a say in the quality of bowl game that Ole Miss receives invites for. In order to spoil Ole Miss’ chances, State must follow the keys to victory…

Keys to Victory: (1) Own the line of scrimmage- State’s strength is no doubt running the football, which they must do consistently versus OM, in order to have a successful day. But for that to even happen, the hogg mollie’s up front, will have to push around a fast and physical OM D-Line. State needs a big final game from Anthony Dixon, help from Ducre’, and Elliot. And to make the run more effective, you have to have some kind of passing game. The O-Line will have to fend off those same Rebel D-Linemen, in order to give Relf or Lee time to throw the ball, and let routes develop. Just a reminder, State gave up 11 sacks in last year’s match up. Vice Versa situation on the defensive end for State. The Dawgs must pressure Snead to make poor decisions, and get rid of the ball quickly. Snead and Lee have one thing in common, and that’s throwing some terrible INT’s, when the pressure comes. And then there’s Dexter McCluster… “fast” …enough said. State must penetrate the OM O-Line, in order to allow the LB’s to come up and make plays near the line of scrimmage. Allowing Bolden and McCluster to get it going, could make it a long day for the Maroon Nation. (2) Special Teams- Must play their best game. They must put us in position, and not take us out of position. Heath Huchins, must show up…he has reminded us of Blake McAdams the past few games, but Saturday he must boom punts that have Green on his heels, calling for fair catches. And whoever is kicking off, must kick it deep, and take Gandy out of the game. As for our returners, Berry and Bumphis have to break off some big ones, to shorten the field for the offense. (3) Play calling- Koenning and the Burning Tor-Bush, must call their best games of the year. Call plays that use the strength of the personell on the field, put players in positions to make plays, and my gosh Carl, get us out of zone…Man coverage creates turnovers (at least for us it does). Allow Relf to throw, because otherwise 55,000+ know what he’s in there to do, unless you surprise us…please do.

My Prediction:  MSU  27  TSUN  17…who cares if I’m a homer, its the last game

I just hope Dixon, goes out like Norwood did vs OM, Bring it & Ring it…and GTHOM!!!

Favorite Egg Bowl Moment?

Thanks for stopping by yesterday guys, even though I didn’t have a post up, the faithful showed up-as always, and glad you did. Anyway, this is our biggest rivalry week of the year, but that doesn’t mean it will be the busiest as far the blog , so let’s take it easy today, and reflect on your favorite Egg Bowl, or Egg Bowl moment.

I have a feeling that many around the country, don’t truly understand the way that these two teams traditionally get after it, nor do they give the rivalry it’s respect. But, this is the South, this is the battle for Mississippi, this is bragging rights, this is a rivalry that starts outside the stadium, plays out on the field, and is a part of conversation at church on Sunday…and then there are the next 364 days til the two meet once again.

My favorite Egg Bowl moments…

(1) 1999 Egg Bowl: Down 20-6 to start the 4th quarter, the Dawgs came roaring back to tie the game at 20, after Wayne Madkin found a wide open CJ Sirmone on a deep ball. Looking at overtime, the Dawgs got an early Christmas present from former Ole Miss coach David Cutcliffe, who elected to pass instead of running the final seconds out. What resulted was one of the most exciting interceptions in MSU history, off the leg of Bean, into the hands of Clinton, down the sideline into FG range…and Westerfield did the rest. Snap, kick, camera flash, now its a painting! Dawgs won 23-20.
(2) 2001 Egg Bowl: Kevin Fant!?! Yes, believe or not, Kevin Fant, the Freshman took the field, and defeated Ole Miss and the second coming of a Manning. Eli was picked three times, twice by Corey Banks, after only throwing 3 picks the entire year. Fant, Walker, Miller, Grindle, Jenkins, and Donald Lee, all clicked, to cap off what had been a terrible, program-changing year for State. The future looked bright with Fant returning, but we know how it all turned out…6 years of misery.
(3) 2005 Egg Bowl: Welcome to the Jerious Norwood Show! J-Rock, in his final game as Bulldog, went off for 204 yards, on 34 carries, and scored 4TD’s. One of the best rushing performances we’d ever seen, and it couldn’t have happened against anyone better. This was also after Crxxm said, “we are gonna kick their butt!” The Dawgs stormed to a 35-14 stomping of the Rebs.
(4) 2007 Egg Bowl: Down 14-0 for almost the entire game, State found a way to score 17 points in the last 8 minutes, securing a 7th win, and their first bowl berth in 7 years. Pegues’ punt return, Dixon’s grinding day, the Defense’s 4th and 1 stop, the calm and cool and simple leadership of Wes Carroll, and Adam Carlson making a game winning FG!?! …Great day to be a Bulldog.

Anyway boys, these are mine…feel free to post yours, heck even throw in a youtube clip or pictures…here’s a famous shot from last year’s game

Maybe this year, I’ll make a sign saying  “Hire Monte Kiffin! Fire Torbush!”  I mean, this guys wish came true…

Venting, as usual, on a Monday…State and Arkansas

I guess there is a lot we can talk about on this Monday morning, some football and some basketball, so let’s get to it. State fell to the Hogs on Saturday, which kept MSU’s winless streak alive-in the state of Arkansas. Even though the Dawgs hung 21 points on the score board with relative ease, they were also unable to repeat that process throughout the day, and the defense fell suspect to the  ‘big play’ -time and time again. Ryan Mallet became the first Arkansas QB to throw for more than 3,000 yards, while attacking the State D for scores of 38, 58, and 64 yards. Mallet tied his single season record of 5 TD’s, while also throwing 2 picks in a game, for the first time all year. Those 2 INT’s, belonged to MSU freshman Corey Broomfield, who now has 5 on the year. It was a great day for Anthony Dixon, who had another stellar performance, rushing for 176 yards and 2 TD’s. One thing that hasn’t happened since the first game of the year, was Chris Relf playing for an entire half, but nothing seemed to get the Dawgs’ passing game going. Both Lee and Relf only combined for 49 yards passing, and were sacked 4 times. The Dawgs were given a surprising extra hand, by RB Robert Elliot, who for the first time in 2 years, showed us what we knew he was capable of. In short 3 fumbles cost us the game. One that was a no-call, Tyson’s, and Dixon’s.

Blame Game: I personally thought that Koenning’s play calling, and Mullen not overriding some of them, really hurt our offense’s chances of keeping us in the game. I mean 3rd and 6, 3rd and 5, 3rd and 4, and you continually run the QB draw?!? Or the option?!? I think more than anything, Dan is allowing them to do their job, but he has to eventually pull rank and change the play call. We were way to predictable. Not blaming Tyson (once again), but he costs us field position taking sacks, in situations where its a “must not” to do so. And his fumble at midfield killed yet another opportunity. The officials sucked again, and once again, instant replay hurt us. Who woulda thought that officials actually taking a look at what they missed, would produce the same results?!? Also, our D-Line got held all day. Every time Mallet threw one of his TD’s up, if you looked at the line, you’d have saw one of our guys almost getting to him, with his shoulder pads and jersey re-arranged. Never seen a game with NO holding calls on the lines…I remembered a block in the back, but that’s it. On the flip side, our O-Line let guys go by all day. And 90% of the blame this week goes to Def. Coordinator Carl Torbush. I saw zero adjustments, we completely got burnt in zone coverage, and could not find our way off the field on third downs…and that’s going without mentioning the damage Arky did on 1st and 2nd downs. I personally feel that Mullen and Torbush do not like eachother (see their heated conversations on the headsets). It’s different if you have a guy on staff that you may not like, but if that same person is doing their job, and helps you win, you put personalities aside and hug him after a win. But, its clear that Mullen and Torbush don’t share that relationship. He should be gone after the Ole Miss game. Am I wrong?

Anyway, you get one Christmas wish for next year…
(1) A NEW Def. Coordinator
(2) A bowled in stadium
(3) Cam Newton
Which one would you choose?

*Also, major props to Jarvis Varnado, who became the SEC’s All-Time Leading Shot Blocker, surpassing Shaq.

*And did anyone notice the look that Mullen gave Lee after taking those sacks in the first half ??? Wow, 8 seconds on internal explosion took place inside of Mullen, as he didn’t even say a word-staring at Lee. He may not play another snap…I think we need him for some of the game, but it looked to me like Dan finally realized the truth in his own words…”Tyson gives us all he has.”  That’s true coach.

Anyway, your thoughts on all this?

Friday: Picks & Predictions…Dawgs vs Hogs

Friday is finally here, and when we wake up in the morning, our beloved Dawgs will be awaiting us on the tube. Nice feeling, just hope we are feeling good after. Today is our usual picks, keys to victory, and predictions day, so lets get to it.

Keys To Victory: It’s easy for State…run the ball, and stop the pass. State is the the 15th ranked rushing team in the country, and must perform like it on Saturday. But, in saying that, Dixon can’t do it all by himself, which means Lee and Relf will have to run the read and option plays effectively, and help from Ducre’ and Elliot is essential as well. State has not been an effective passing team this year, or ever, but the Dawgs must also take advantage of the SEC’s worst defense. On D, the Dawgs must not allow Mallet to be in true form on Saturday, as the conference’s leading passer. State’s pass D has suffered at times allowing the deep ball, and showing how porous they can be with broken coverages, but the secondary playing a stellar game is key. Torbush has tried to scheme against opposing offenses this year, with zone play, but against a full throttle Hog’s passing attack, man-to-man might contain the big plays that Arkansas survives on. One other item I mentioned yesterday, is the fact that teams this year, have hit us the hardest with a more unorthodox attack, which means that if the same is to happen tomorrow, watch out for RB’s Green and Smith. And if you have ever seen Smith, he has the accerleration of a player like McCluster. (1) Dawg O-Line must dominate the Hog D-Line. (2) Tyson and Relf must exploit the Hog D. (3) State’s D Line must put pressure on Mallet, because the LB will be needed for coverage purposes. (4) Contain Arky’s RB’s and big plays. (5) Special teams, must represent. In some way, make a play…And that’s my take.

Prediction:  Arky  30  MSU  26…Hope not.

Other Match Ups this Weekend
#8 LSU @ Ole Miss…Hope not, but 28-17 Rebs
#10 OSU @ Michigan…Boring!
#25 Cal @ #17 Stanford…Stanford! Big
#11 Oregon @ Ariz…Ducks by 3
Vandy @ UT…23-10 UT
UK @ UGA…34-31 UK
My hmmmmm game…#16 Wisc @ NW…Chicago boys win

Btw, Dawgs win lastnight, 82-67. And Swat is now only 3 blocks away from breakin Shaq’s SEC record, after blocking 8 shots lastnight. And a much needed Elgin Bailey stepped on the court for the first time since last year…which is big for the Dawgs, who have lacked a bench thus far.

Anyway, your thoughts, keys to victory, predictions, and picks?

And have a good one fellas…keep it gangsta on this Friday…

Dawgs & Hogs, Stat Match Up, and Relf

Well boys, a good Thursday to ya. Figured we’d take a look at the stat match up between these two teams. As hot as Arkansas is, I feel that they are some interesting match ups, that could make this one a lot closer than many think. Anyway, let’s look, then discuss…

Total Offense: MSU-367 (66th)  Ark-450 (10th)
Rush YPG: MSU-208 (15th)  Ark-140 (66th)
Passing YPG: MSU-158 (107th)  Ark-310 (8th)

Total Defense: MSU-361 (64th)  Ark-412 (97)
Rush D YPG: MSU-157 (79th)  Ark-132 (47th)
Passing D YPG: MSU-203 (42nd)  Ark-279 (117th)

A couple of other things you might want to know:
(1) The Hogs are ranked 1st in the SEC and 4th nationally, in Turnover margin.
(2) Arkansas ranks last in D in the SEC, along with any other defensive stat related to pass defense.
(3) Oh, the stat I like the most…The Razorbacks have given up an average of 31.2 ppg versus SEC opponents this year.
(4) The combined record of teams that have beaten MSU…53-9 (by way of BL).

In my honest opinion, if State can hold on to the football, they have a chance. Not picking on Tyson Lee again, but if he can stay away from tipped balls, and trying to force the ball into double coverage, he could have a career day versus the Hogs. That sounds nuts, but it’s more than a possibility. There’s no doubt that the State D has yet to see the likes of a QB like Mallet, but I’m more worried about RB’s Smith and Green…why? It seems that teams always attack State with their weaker focus, or with what’s not actually considered their strength on offense. GT, LSU, Bama, Houston, Auburn, and others, all hit us with big plays, that could be considered  ‘un-orthodox’  as compared to their true styles. Not taking anything away from Mallet, but just keep an eye on what I just mentioned. Also, Arky plays the run well, so we’ll need to have someone else taking the load off of Dixon…that’d be Mr. Chris Relf. Critics can talk about his lack of brains, maybe his lack of  ‘on-target’  throwing ability, but the kid is averaging 6.1 yards a carry, and when used correctly can change a game, add a spark, and at times dominate a defense, even when they know what is coming. Like him or not, admit it or not, but we are better when Relf comes in from time to time. Not for the whole game, I don’t even want that…but we have to have him as a change of pace, and as a wrinkle for opposing D’s. (Story on Relf playing more of a part).

-Here’s an update on MSU Football recruiting.

Anyway, anybody else feeling a little better about this match up now?

Reminder, Basketball tonight vs SELA…

Bulldog Morale: Mullen & Dixon Speak

One thing that I have been thinking about over the past few days is, how is our team’s morale? What’s going through our Bulldog’s minds? Here’s some comments from Dixon and Mullen, on the team’s remaining schedule…

Anthony Dixon’s: “I don’t know how much they believe right now, but I guess we’ll find out these next couple days in practice…But you know I’m going to try to get them to believe 100 percent. I think our team knows that we’re good enough to play with anybody, good enough to beat anybody. But just playing with them isn’t going to get it.”

Mullen’s Comments: “Our team still has a lot to play for this year. We’ve got to come out and try to find a way to play one of our better games this Saturday.”  On Tuesday’s practice: “Good attitude. Our guys worked hard. This time of season it’s a little bit sharper, crisper. There’s not a whole lot of new things going on this time of season.”

You have to feel that this Dan Mullen team, does not have  ‘quit’  in their vocabulary, and will fight for the remainder of the year…just sayin, eventually the losses get frustrating, eventually players start questioning their role and level of participation…like I said, I think this Mullen team is very different to MSU teams of year’s past, but we’ll see. Props to Dixon’s leadership this year, and they way he pushed his teammates.

The Dawgs do travel to Little Rock this week, where they have never escaped with a victory. But, I’m interested in the matchup, the worst D in the league versus State’s running attack and decent offense, and on the flip side, the SEC’s best O versus a decent MSU defense. Should be interesting, Mallet is some kind of impressive, not to mention Michael Smith.

Anyway, your thoughts?

And did anybody hear about the Auburn players beating a fellow student?

Sorry about yesterday guys, and thanks to those of you who said a prayer for my Stepdad and for Nicole. We’ll take a more in depth look at the Hogs tomorrow. I’m wore out and headed to bed, just got home (10 pm Tuesday night).

Dawgs Fall Hard to #2 Tide, My 2 Cents…

<-How do you drop that? Want an easy way to put it? How about outcoached and outplayed. That summed up what I saw with my own eyes Saturday night. MSU squandered excellent opportunities, by way of bad decisions and poor execution. In playing teams like UF and Bama, teams among the nation’s elite, you have to take opportunities away from them, and take advantage of everything they give you. The Bulldogs did neither Saturday night. The two first-half blown possessions in Bama territory, could have resulted anywhere from 6 to 14 points, instead of the goose egg on the board at halftime. Mix that in with 3 drop balls in the endzone, poor offensive line and wide receiver play, and questionable play calling in the second half, and you have a gift-wrapped 31-3 butt whoopin. Anyway, here’s my game observations:

(1) What the heck was Mullen and Tyson Lee thinking on the first possession-4th down play. The play was relayed with 12 seconds on the play clock, the huddle broke under 8 seconds…call a freakin timeout! If Mullen doesn’t do it from the sideline, then Tyson has to see it and make the call on the field. Costly, costly, costly. And personally, this was the first game of the year that I have shaken my head at Mullen’s decisions. In the 3rd Qtr, we pretty much conceded defeat with some running calls on some 3rd and 8’s, not to mention some decisions to punt  instead of going for it in Bama territory. Put way too much on the D, after they had given so much. What’s the worst that could happen, Tyson throws a pick thats as good as a punt?
(2) Tyson Lee is a momentum KILLER. Time and time again, he kills a drive somehow, usually due to mishandling an exchange with the RB’s, overthrowing WR’s, taking sacks, waiting too long to throw, and forcing passes into double coverage on early downs. The opening play of the game, is a 70 yard bomb, if he releases it when he is supposed to. Later on, if he doesn’t force a throw to McCrae in double coverage, on a 2nd down play, we don’t turn it over and waste excellent field position. To Lee’s credit, he threw the short ball well, but who doesn’t? I’m tired of being nice, and personally I don’t think I have ever been so ready for a player to graduate-as much as I want him to. 4 TD’s and 13 INT’s, enough said. If my stats are correct, he is personally responsible for 15 of our 26 turnovers this year. I’m by no means pinning this loss completely on him, by any means, but the guy crushes our momentum, time and time again. Btw, Relf showed great touch on his deep balls.
(3) About %60 of the blame in this game, I put on the WR’s. When I got home at 1 o’clock in the morning, the first thing I did was turn it on ESPN to watch Saturday’s highlights, and what did I see? The Top 10 plays of the day. 5 of which were by WR’s going up and making great grabs in the endzone. The fact is, play makers make plays. And with the exception of Chad Bumphis on Saturday, NONE of our WR’s wanted to be play makers, especially O’Neal Wilder and Brandon McCrae. Berry and Bumphis were beast on special teams. Where is McCrae’s senior leadership? Make a play…21 points left on the field, and not just on the field, in the ENDZONE.
(4) Hats off to the D and AD. Kinda weird saying that after a 31-3 loss, but they played their butts off, til it was evident that our O was finished. And if it weren’t for blown coverages on two TD’s, and Ingrams ‘pad the stats’ TD at the end, we lose by less points, and leave feeling even worse than we did. As far as Dixon, he was held just under a 100 yard night rushing, but fought for every yard he got, on the ground and through the air. He is our play maker.
(5) In the words of Dennis Green: “They are, who we thought they were!” And that’s the #2 team in the country. Bama’s D is superb, and I don’t know if we have seen a more disciplined and fundamental-based D all year. They may not have UF’s speed, but more importantly, they always have someone there, minding their gap, filling a passing lane, and staying at home. On offense, the Tide keeps it simple, they play patient and smart, then they hit you in the mouth, be that by your own hands, or by their domination on a given play. And finally, their punter killed us all night, so major props to Fitzgerald. The upset woulda been nice, but oh well, I think we all new that winning was gonna be tough, but helping teams beat you is not a great feeling.

Anyway, what did yall think of the Black jerseys? I liked them, but we shoulda wore them another night…my pick woulda been the UF game or the Egg Bowl.

Do you think Bama is better than UF? Really put some thought into that…

Like Buzzard said, TERRIBLE weekend for an MSU fan, Basketball loses first game, and prolly their ranking, Ole Miss gets back on track, and we get humiliated on national TV…

Sorry for venting, but now I can move on…

Bama vs MSU: Picks and Predictions

The only way today would be better, was if it was Game Day! But, its not, which gives us one more day to talk about Saturday’s match up. Our beloved MSU Bulldogs play host to the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide, at 6pm, on ESPN. Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge, and Erin Andrews will commentate on the action (notice how I didn’t make any comments about my second wife there…dangit, never mind). Anyway, let’s hear those predictions and keys to victory. I also want to know- how many points will win this one? Here’s what I think…

Keys to Victory: This is the point-where every week we bring up the most famous cliches in football, and reiterate why they are essential in producing wins. Mine this week, control the line of scrimmage. Of course, that means on both sides of the ball. On D, State must contain Mark Ingram, and Trent Richardson when he comes in to spell 22. Taking away Bama’s running game, and forcing Greg McElroy to beat them with his arm, has to be at the heart of the game plan for Carl Torbush (let’s hope so). I do feel that the Dawg’s maturing secondary can contain Maze and Jones, and force McElroy to turn it over. On O, MSU’s O-Line has to knock Bama off the ball, and not only give Tyson Lee time to throw, but for Dixon’s running lanes to develop and open. There are games, when you have to look at the guy across from you, and decide that you are going to dominate him, play in and play out…screw their rankings and accolades, just beat them. That is the kind of game that State is facing tomorrow, and that will have to be their mindset, and that will be how they have to perform. State is more than capable, their previous schedule has prepared them for the magnitude of this game, and more than anything, they are due. If anyone in the country is better than Bama, it’s without a doubt the UF Gators. Compared to Florida’s offense, Bama is a vanilla milkshake, and I think that playing a team with a lot less wrinkles on O, will benefit State.

My Prediction:  MSU 20   Bama  16
Oh yeah, that’s right! Dawgs get the upset. I say Mullen keeps it simple for Tyson, Dixon gets 115 yds on 25+ carries, the D plays lights out, and we get a non-offensive TD. On D, the Dawgs pick McElroy twice, and Ingram gets 85 yds on the ground. This one comes down to the last possession. I seriously think 17 points could win this one.

Projected  “Players of the Game”: Pernell McPhee, Anthony Dixon, Chris White, Marcus Washington, Leon Berry, and possibly Johnthan Banks.

Other Games
UT @ Ole Miss- Stadium implosion please…UT in a close one.
UK @ Vandy- UK sneaks away with a W.
Auby @ UGA- Auby rolls.
UF @ USC- UF wins, but very low scoring game.
Troy @ Arky- Arky takes 1st half lightly, wins it in the 2nd.
Iowa @ OSU- Who cares…oh yeah, a couple of Yankees.
Utah @ TCU- TCU wins big, Utah isn’t last year’s Utah.

Your Thoughts? And have a good one crackas! Speaking of Crackas, check out this Memphis Cracka…

Bama/MSU Matchup…2 Days and Counting

I don’t know about yall, but man I can’t wait to hit the road to Starkville. Probably will be one of those days were the drive time won’t even matter. Anyway, in true Thursday form, we’ll take a look at the stat match ups, and look at what has developed throughout the week. But, I just can’t wrap my head around how I think this game will unfold. Could it turn into a shoot-out, will the D’s dominate, Lee or McElroy, Dixon or Ingram, Berry or Arenas, McPhee or Cody, Chaney or McClain…see what I mean? There’s no doubt that the #2 team in the country is loaded with talent, but on the other side of the ball, State matches up somewhat well. It’s the in-betweens that will make this interesting. Anyway…

Total Offense: MSU-384 (57th) UA-416 (31st)
Rushing YPG: MSU-219 (12th) UA-213 (14th)
Passing YPG: MSU- 165 (105th) UA-201 (76th)

Total Defense: MSU-351 (51st) UA-242 (4th)
Rush Defense: MSU-147 (66th) UA-68 (2nd)
Pass Defense: MSU-204 (40th) UA-174 (17th)
Scoring D: MSU-24.56 (64th) UA-11.8 (6th)

Redzone Troubles: McElroy only completes %27 of his passes in the redzone, and only has 4 passing TD’s inside the 20.

McClain: “Even though we’ve clinched the West, we’ve still got a lot to prove. I think it’s still stuck in our mind when we lost to (Mississippi State) two years ago.”

Saban on Mullen’s offense: “These guys run the football probably as well as anybody we’ve played against this year…Mississippi State is a very good team, a very challenging team, a very different kind of offense to prepare for. Our players are working hard on it, but we have a ways to go.”

Mullen on Saban’s D: “You’re going to have to take advantage of the opportunities you get going against a defense like this.”

Line: State is 12.5 point underdogs…if the UF game was any gauge, State was a 22.5 dog, and only lost by 10.

-Bama is 14-4 in Starkville, State is 3-7 in the last 10, and Saban is 6-1 vs MSU all time.

-Kick off returns: Bama has given up 2 returns for TD’s this year…and Leon Berry has already taken one to the house, 2 minus a Cameron Lawrence holding call.

-Not so  “Mirror Image” - McElroy has thrown 11 TD’s and 4 INT’s, Lee has thrown 4 TD’s and 11 INT’s.

That’s all I’ve got! Have a good Thursday Boys!

Veterans Day…A Day Off for the Blog

Well boys, time to say thank you to all who have served. In defending America, and others around the world. Freedom is not free, even though some think it is. Many have given up their youth, and their lives, for the welfare of mankind, and the spread of democracy. So, to all who have contributed, be that Military, Police, or Firemen…thank you! If you see someone in uniform today, tell them the same. Also, keep the victims of the FT. Hood shootings, in your prayers.

And for the record, its a holiday, and I am taking off as well, so I don’t have anything for you today. If our MSU media friends post stories throughout the day, feel free to share a link and we’ll discuss. I need a day of rest guys, and sometimes that includes the blog, so forgive me.

We’ll get back at it tomorrow, locked and loaded!