Dawgs Out-Shoot Wright State, Manny Diaz, & Bowl Pick em’s

Wright State Game Recap: (1) State shot 63% from the field. (2) The Dawgs were 12-25 from 3 pt land. (3) State blocked 13 shots (5 by Varnado). (4) After State went up 43-31 at the half, the Raiders never pulled closer than 9 points.

-Barry Stewart: 21 pts
-Jarvis Varnado: 17 pts 8 Rebs 5 Blk
-Ravern Johnson: 13 pts 5 Rebs
-Romero Osby: 10 pts
-Dee Bost: 11 assists 6 Rebs 7 pts
-Kodi- 5 pts 4 Rebs 5 Blk 2 Stl

Positives: State shot the ball very well. Players on offense moved around, got open, and helped on trap plays. State only committed 12 fouls, and showed why they are #1 in the country in the ‘fouls called against’ category.

Negatives: (1) The Dawgs have to learn how to defend a motion offense. Wright State lacked size, but made up for it with screens and picks. One of the things that bothered me, was about 12-15 points State gave up on plays where they followed the ball, rather than defending their man, leaving Wright State open on 3’s or easy baskets. SEC teams will be even stronger, even bigger, more physical, and faster than these early season opponents. (2) State must hold on to the ball. 18 turnovers, killed the momentum, made the game boring at times, and kept the Raiders in the game, much longer than they should have been. JV doesn’t get a lot of calls down low, but he turns it over about 4 times per game, and so does Bost, and bench players like Osby. We put up 80 with ease, but could have scored 100, it was that kind of shooting night. Turnovers=missed opportunities, it’s that simple.

The Truth: You could tell our guys knew they were better from the tip against Wright State, and they were. Sometimes it hard to get up for early season opponents, especially the ones that no one has heard of, but the Bulldogs could take some major notes and hints, from the discipline and fundamental type of basketball that Wright State played.

For those of you interested in about the ‘only’ guy being rumored to become the new Def. Coordinator at State, here’s a look at the man and coach, Manny Diaz.
Manny Diaz Bio: Is finishing his first year as Def. Coordinator at MTSU, who will take on USM in the New Orleans Bowl this weekend. The previous 6 years have been at NC State. This year his Blue Raiders, ranked first in the Sunbelt Confernce, in rush defense and tackles for loss (96). His D also set a school record with 33 sacks. Diaz has coached in 8 bowl games, in his 9 years of coaching. In his duties at NC State, he aided the defense and special teams, to be some of the best in the country. In 2004, he was the safeties coach, for a Wolfpack D that would finish 1st in total Defense. In 2005, NC State finished 8th nationally in Total D, 12th in scoring D, and his kickoff return team finished 5th in the country. Also his special teams work boast of years with multiple punt blocks, and punt returns for TD’s. Diaz graduated from FSU with a Communications degree. He is currently the 10th youngest coordinator in College Football.

My Opinion on Diaz: Imagine what he can do with an SEC talent Defense and personel. This guy seems ready for a Coordinator position in the SEC, he’s young, has learned from some great coaches, and is someone the players can relate to. Mullen made the comment that he has not ruled out-promoting from within, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Mullen on the Recruiting Trail: Yesterday, as yall already know, State picked up 2 Oak Grove studs, in WR Robert Johnson and RB Jay Hughes. And earlier this week, got another verbal from LB Corvell Harrison, from Northeast Jones. All players rank atleast 3 Stars or higher. State now has 18 verbal commits, and if all 18 sign, Mullen will only need 7 more to fill his 25 slots.

And we will have an Allthingsmaroon, Bowl Pick em’s Group!
Group ID#: 36650
Password:41-27GTHOM

Enjoy, invite a friend…just know that I am back! And in it to win it, just like I was til I forgot to save my picks during the regular season.

Riek vs Wright State, Coach Needed, & Football Recruiting

Guess there’s nothing like Basketball at the Hump, especially on Hump day. Yes indeed, the Bulldogs return home tonight, to face Wright State, at 6pm on ESPN 2. The Raiders are 6-3 this year, with wins coming against Portland State, Belmont, Central Michigan, Cleveland State, Youngstown State, and Toledo. Wright State is coming off a 1 point loss to Miami Ohio, and earlier this year, only fell by 5 at Washington. For those of us who know nothing about the Raiders, just keep an eye on Todd Brown. Anyway, the story of the night, will be the introduction of John Riek to the Maroon Nation. Tune in…

Ole Miss jumped from #25 to #20 in the basketball polls, which means the voters are officially smoking crack. Not saying that they are not good, but I can make a list of 25 better teams than them, and we are one of them. Lookin’ forward to our 2 match ups this year. Mainly so we can pop their “happy” bubble. Giving out $5 tickets to try and fill the “Sad Pad”, officially known as the Tad Pad…makes it officially SAD. Or you can refer to it as the Giant Popcorn Popper.

In football, Dan Mullen is starting his search for a new Defensive Coordinator, but I personally think deep down Torbush was gonna be shown the door after Christmas, and Mullen probably already has a list of candidates he’d liked to offer the job to. I also think Torbush ripped away MSU’s identity as a Defensive force, and is a far cry from Ellis Johnson or even a Charlie Harbison. He did not show me that he still has the ability to scheme or make essential in-game adjustments. Most Big 12 D’s give up 30-40 a game, but the Jayhawks can look forward to giving up 40-50 with the Stache’ there. But, enough on him…in other news, Mark Hudspeth will not be taking the ULM job, so Mullen will continue to benefit from his presence.

As of yesterday, before State signed a 3* and 4* WR, State ranked 8th in the SEC in recruiting for its 2010 signing class, above Vandy, UK, Arky, and USC. Sure that number has gone up some with those new additions. As of now State has signed 4-4 Stars, 11-3 Stars, 0-2 stars, and 2-1 stars. Average star per player, just over 3…not bad, especially early on.

How long til teams start coming after John Hevesy? Prolly not too much longer…

Anyhow, thoughts opinions, share something new…

Dawgs Romp UCLA & DePaul…Torbush Out

Monday…Monday…Monday…But, what a weekend for MSU Basketball. If you are like me, maybe you go ahead and throw Thursday into the weekend mix as well (maybe not).Anyway, the Dawgs went on the road starting Thursday night, versus DePaul-in Tampa.Fl. Then Saturday, at the Wooden Classic-in Anaheim, Ca. Both games resulted in much needed W’s for MSU, who have now won 4 in a row, and improved to 7-2 on the young season. Many, such as I, scratched their heads at early season losses to Rider and Richmond, but as we all know, early season losses have become a common occurence for Rick Stansbury teams. This year, more than ever, I am cutting Stans and the Bulldogs some slack, due to injuries, and two “up in the air” suspensions, to John Riek and Renardo Sidney. Riek’s suspension is now over, and we should see him in action, when State takes on Wright State, Wed. night on ESPN 2. Due to those afore mentioned absences, State was slow to develop a rythym, substitution plans, and being short on players, had its effects on State’s in-game stamina. But, State has used those early misfortunes to learn more about themselves, and how to utilize the talent that is available. And with Riek’s addition on Wednesday, the Dawgs will only get better.

Defense!- State held DePaul to 18 FG’s, and UCLA to 22 FG’s

3 Ball- State is at 45% over last 3 games from DOWNTOWN

DePaul Recap: Ravern Johnson- 14 pts; Varnado- 12 pts 14 Rebs; Osby- 13 pts; Stewart- 12 pts; Augustus- 11 pts

UCLA Recap: Ravern Johnson- 29 pts; Varnado- 13 pts 7 blocks 11 Rebs

Anyway,as yall know by now, we need a new Def. Coordinator…some have thrown Brick Haley’s name out there. I personally worked under Haley for a year, when he coached the Bulldog D-Line. Who is he? How is he, as a coach? First of all, his D-Linemen respond great to him, and I can easily see him building that same relationship with an entire Defense. He keeps tabs on all his boys, from the weight room to adjustments he notices that need to be made-from the day before’s practice tape. He takes the time to have fun, but screw up and he will have your butt. Pays major attention to detail, can set you straight without even saying a word, but at the end of the day, is cool as a cucumber. And he dips Copenhagen like there is no tomorrow.

Anyway, who would be yall’s choice? Who’s available? I just know I’m so glad that Torbush is gone…it’s a Christmas miracle!

Also, Mark Husdpeth has shown interest in the UL-Monroe job, but I sure hope he stays. We’ll see how it all unfolds.

Your thoughts?

A Busy week in College Football

Thursday is here, one more day til the weekend!

First of all, congrats to Dixon, Sherrod, and McPhee, for earning all SEC honors from the SEC Coaches. The same players made the AP’s all SEC list just days before, for their play in 2009.

Couple of things we found out yesterday: (1) Apparently UT has the “Hostesses with Mostest”. Lane Kiffin,is once again being investigated by the NCAA. Some think that a student organization, known as Orange Pride, is responsible for possible recruiting violations, such as showing up for high school recruit’s football games, with signs saying ‘Come to UT.” The females, which act as hostesses, were said to have even shown up to summer football camps as well, to let the recruits know that they would be on hand, for games later in the year. So, I guess that’s what it takes to have the #6 recruiting class in the country as of right now…resurrect the Bulldog Belles I say!(2) ND is not just looking to Cincy’s Brian Kelly, but UCONN’s Randy Edsall as well. Imagine if that guy can field a decent team at UCONN, what he could do with ND’s resources. (3) Charlie Strong is indeed the new coach at Louisville, and I sure wish our SEC brother from another mother, the best. He should do well.Btw, he will coach the Sugar Bowl, in his words, he didn’t want to leave Florida “a coach short.”(4) Bowden says he feels that he needs to ’separate’ himself from FSU, and promised Jimbo Fisher that his desked will be cleaned out before the team returns from their Bowl match up vs WVU. Bowden, said that after being asked if he’d stick around as a fundraiser for the university. (5) A House subcommittee ok’d a college football playoff bill, but as we all know, the process has a ways to go. The bill would negate the BCS title game, unless the winner was by way of playoff. (6) By some stat research, Dixon was the 2nd best rusher to Ingram, as far as best SEC rushers-versus SEC opponents. Btw, Dixon’s average ypg is still higher than Ingram, which could result in him receiving the SEC rushing crown. (7) Nutt didn’t use the Kansas job as leverage for a raise, but rather more control over Ole Miss’s football academic issues. Which Nutt will now oversee…don’t like the sound of that.(8) Alabama’s football revenues for 2008, came in at 38 Million…not bad, but Texas pulled in 87.5 Million in 2007. (9) Last and not least, we found out that Croom’s buyout, at the end of the 2008 season, was 3.5 Million…and in my honest opinion, worth every penny…I know it was worth my 2008 donations. I think we can all agree, that we are better off with Mullen, and headed in the right direction.(10) Not necessarily something we learned about, but just a reminder. Tuberville and Fulmer are still available for hire…do you think they would fit at one of the school’s in need?

Keep in mind that we have Basketball tonight…Mississippi State style! 5:30pm on ESPN 2, versus DePaul. Both teams are 5-2, and the Blue Demons are coming of a 13 pt loss at Vandy.

2009 MSU M.V.P’s…Your Thoughts?

With Dan Mullen’s first year under his belt, I couldn’t help but think back on some terrific play, by certain players, who made even a 5-7 season special. So with that, its time for the first ever, and hopefully many more to come, “All Things Maroon Football Awards.” Here’s a list of those that I thought, earned special honors in 2009.

Overall MVP: RB Anthony Dixon

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Anthony Dixon-257 Att 1,391 yds 12 TD’s 126.5 ypg 5.4ypc 18 Rec 123 yds

Defensive Player of the Year: LB Jamar Chaney-90 Tkl 51 Solo 4.5 TFL 2 Sacks 2 INT’s 2 FF
2 FRecv

Special Teams Players of the Year: (1) KR Leon Berry-38 Ret 1,015 yds 26.7 Avg 1TD (2) PK Derek DePasquale- 10/12 %83.3 Long:48

Offensive Freshman of the Year: WR/KR Chad Bumphis-32 Rec 375 yds 11.7 Avg 4 TD’s Long of 69

Defensive Freshman Players of the Year: (1) DB Corey Broomfield- 19 Tkl 6 INT’s 2 TD’s 4 Pass Break Ups (2) S Johnthan Banks- 33Tkl 4 INT’s 2 TD’s 3 Pass Break Ups

Newcomer of the Year: DE Pernell McPhee-56 Tkl 12.0 TFL 5 Sacks 8 QB Hits 1 FF 4 Pass Break Ups

Most Improved Players: (1) QB Chris Relf- 22/41 283 yds 5 TD’s 137.2 Passing Eff 76 Att 500 yds 2 TD’s 6.6 Avg 50.0 YPG (2) S Charles Mitchell-64 Tkl 4 INT’s(131 Ret Yds) 1 TD 1 FF 2 Pass Break Ups

Behind the Scenes Player of the Year: FB Patrick Hanrahan

Anyway, figured you guys could give me yours, if perhaps you disagree on my selections. These are the guys that did their job when called on to do so. Please share your thoughts.

Btw, the rumors out of Kansas were not true, I heard Jimmy Sexton on the radio here in Memphis, who represents Nutt, and he said no such meeting has taken place.

Brian Kelly will meet with ND officials, and Jim Harbough, is currently distancing himself from the discussion. Charlie Strong will more than likely except the Louisevill job, but after the Nat’l Asst. Coach’s Awards Ceremony in Little Rock. Cardinal officials were in Gainesville Saunday morning, after UF’s loss to Bama, in the SEC Championship.

The BCS Survives…Good/Bad Bowls…Basketball

Well boys, we were literally one second away from the BCS having a nervous breakdown, which would have made my day, and probably yalls’ as well. What did happen though, resulted in 2 of college football’s most historic teams, earning a spot for the Nation Title. The now #1 Alabama Crimson Tide and the #2 Texas Longhorns, advanced by way of their conference championship victories, one a manhandling, the other a possible robbery/escape (respectively). I hate the BCS, and I still don’t understand WHY every major college sport has a playoff system, EXCEPT the BEST one. I have NO respect for Boise State’s conference, but I do respect TCU’s. Anyone can play 10 cupcakes, and get up for 2 big games a year. TCU doesn’t do that, and Boise does. The stupid blue field, and watching them run up the score on their terrible conference foes, is getting old, and makes my stomach turn. 7 of the top 10 teams in the country would probably run from the Horned Frogs, and I have not one doubt that they would beat Texas. Anyway, tune in for Grown Men vs Little Boys, on January the 7th. This one should be over by halftime, and McCoy should be on a strecher about the same time.

So, with the Bowl Season just weeks away, I thought we could discuss the best and worst match ups, that will entertain us or put us to sleep during the holidays. So here’s my early list of both…

Best Match Ups

#18 Org State vs BYU

#11 VT vs UT

#13 PSU vs #12 LSU

#8 Ohio State vs #7 Oregon

Northwestern vs Auburn

UK vs Clemson

T A&M vs UGA…no D, all O.

#3 Cincy vs #5 UF…Kelly vs Meyer

#21 Stan vs Okl

Worst Match Ups

Ole Miss vs #19 Okl State (Ole Miss should KILL OSU…if they don’t Houston we have a problem, how is OSU still ranked?).

BC vs #24 USC…yawning already

#16 WVU vs FSU…really?

#15 Tha U vs #25 Wisc…just not appealing

Navy vs Mizzou…Not interesting

Minn vs Iowa St…Nyquil

UCF vs Rutger…Over by 1st Qtr

Anyway, I’ll probably still watch some of the snoozers, just because I am a man, and I LOVE college football.

In B-Ball, the Dawgs put a whoopin’ on St. Bonaventure, 105-53, and are now 5-2 on the year. Still don’t see how Stans loses to Richmond and Rider…I mean, it’s not like they are going out and beating other BIG schools. State does have 2 big ones coming up, in DePaul (Dec.10 on ESPN2), and @ UCLA (Dec.12 on FSN). On Dec. 16, we will finally see John Reik take the court, the 7-2 beast from the Sudan.

As of now, here are the Stat Leaders…

Varnado-14.4ppg 5.3 blkspg 9.7 Reb

Bost- 13.4ppg 4.6 Reb

Ray Johnson- 12.4ppg 3.3 Reb

Augustus-11.6ppg 6.2 Reb

Stewart- 11.1ppg 2.7 Reb

Turner- 6.1ppg 6.0 Reb

Anyway boys, enjoy…</p>

Mullen vs Croom…What the Stats Say

Well boys, I got to thinking about possible improvements that have come by way of Dan Mullen. When you think of it, Crxxm was supposed to bring the West Coast Offense to MSU, but in retrospect, as we know now, it might as well have been called the West Joke Offense. And, because Crxxm failed to bring Offense to MSU, and more importantly W’s, Dan Mullen was brought in to produce both. Here is a look at some stat research that I have done, all of which relating to moving the football, scoring points, and special teams. For Crxxm’s sake, I only took into account his last 3 years (06, 07, and 08). Let’s dive in…off the Right Tackle that is…sorry, last jab at Crxxm I promise.

Points Per Game: Crxxm-18.3 Dan-25.6
Total Points Per Year Avg: Crxxm- 227 Dan-307
Avg First Downs per Year: Crxxm-197 Dan-229
Rushing Yds: Crxxm-1,382 Dan-2,731
Total Off. per Year: Crxxm-3,539 Dan-4,463
Kick Return Yds per season: Crxxm-934 Dan-1,514
FG %: Crxxm-59.6 Dan-75
Dixon’s Yearly Rush Production: Crxxm-929 Dan-1,391
Dixon’s Yards Per Carry: Crxxm-4.o Dan-5.4

Wow, that’s a big difference. Like I said, I did give Crxxm a chance-as far as which years I included to break down, because we all know, that if I went all the way back to the start of his stay in Starkville, it would be even more embarassing for him. Dan the Man, brought change, and thank the Lord we have a coach who cares about Special Teams, and not one that hands it to a Grad Asst., which is what Crxxm pretty much did. Your thoughts? Happy with the 2009 improvements?

Your thoughts? Happy with the 2009 improvements?

Anyway, we are one day away from Championship Saturday! So it’s pick time boys…Here are mine…

#1 UF  27  #2 Bama  12
#3 Tex 31  #22 Neb 14
Clem 28  #10 GT 27
#21 UH 38  ECU 28

Non Champ. Games
#5 Cincy 35  #15 Pitt 21
Ariz  17  #18 USC 14
Rut 28  #23 WVU 21

Over the last fews days: (1) What a game Oregon and Oregon State gave us! I for one was glad to see the Blount kid back on the field, and have a few big runs and a TD. (2) So glad that FAT Mangini is out at Kansas. (3) Allen Iverson’s speech at Philly presser was a joke, and as fake as a $3 bill.

Notre Dame & FSU, blah, blah, blah

Hey guys, that same wifi connection, was non-existent last night as well, which makes me think that it’s gone for good. So, I’ll post at work if I have to. Anyway…

Is it just me, or do you think that Notre Dame job isn’t all that special? I mean, let’s get for real about ND. It’s the school that’s been on TV since forever ago, and became a school that people identified with- as College Football, just due to the fact that they were so few games televised back then. Kind of like the Cardinals and Yankees, back in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Whether you had a team or not, you could always pick up their radio stations around the country, and their legacy has continued (anyone else get the same stories from the grandparents?).But to me, the ND job is a terrible job, especially for coaches. The expectations are way too high, too many big time boosters, no conference affiliation-which in my opinion kills their reputation, and credibility come bowl or championship time.

I think the funny thing is, is that ND fans have brainwashed themselves and created such a utopia, that they can’t understand why anyone would not take the job. And I am sorry, but ND isn’t the Mecca of College Football anymore. If anything, it’s a historic part of America’s sporting past, that has simply lost its appeal…and unless you are a ND fan, you could care less. 

Question: But, let’s pretend you are the AD at ND, you just forked out 18 million to get rid of Charlie, and now in your mind, because you are ND, you can get WHOEVER you want…who do you go get? (Urban Meyer not available). Who in your opinion is the best coach out there?

Your thoughts on Bowden at FSU? How it was handled? To me, it was time. And if I was the university, they had to have realized that-that was the only way change was going to take place. He’d become a figure head, and Jimbo needed him out of the way to do his job to the fullest. Keeping old friends like Chuck Amato around…not a good choice. And that’s what woulda went on for another year at FSU. It would have been a bandaid on a major situation. 

On another note: Congrats to Anthony Dixon for winning the Connerly trophy, and rightly so, because he is by far the best player in the state of MS. We wish you the best at the next level. 

Got a cool topic coming up, and hopefully I’ll post it tomorrow.

Dawgs Ride Relf and Dixon to Victory over Ole Miss

In front of the 4th largest crowd in MSU history, the Bulldogs stormed over the Ole Miss Rebels, to the tune of 41-27. After a tight first half, which ended in a 13-10 edge for Ole Miss, the Bulldogs exploded for a 31 point second half, that left Rebel fans wondering how they had won 8 games previously. MSU fans have witnessed QB Chris Relf take over games in spurts, and provide much needed sparks to the Bulldog offense at times this season, but were yet to see him take over a game. After the 7 minute mark, in the 2nd quarter, Relf was brought in and would stay in for almost every snap that remained. How big of an impact did he have? Relf racked up 131 yards and a TD on the ground, and added 2 more TD’s through the air. But, Relf’s presence and threat as a runner, also opened things up for RB Anthony Dixon, who eclipsed the 100 yd mark once again, with 133 yds and a TD. In short, Relf and Dixon combined for %64 of State’s offensive output. Ole Miss continually loaded the line of scrimmage, but simply had no answer. The Rebel D, which leads the SEC in getting off the field in 3rd down situations, failed on 9 of 13 tries.
Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead, was picked off 3 times, twice by MSU’s Charles Mitchell, and once on a 64 yd pick 6, by Freshman Corey Broomfield. Snead finished with 3 TD’s, but only one was the result of a great throw, which was a 48 yarder to Markeith Summers. The others were thanks to Dexter McCluster’s feet, and a pass deflection by MSU’s Marcus Washington. Speaking of McCluster, MSU held the Rebel speedster to 82 yds rushing, bringing his streak of 4 straight 100 yd rushing games to a hault.
For the Bulldog faithful, who’d sat through 5 straight home losses to Top 25 teams this season, and the toughest schedule in the country, this one was sweet. As hard fought as the game was on the grass of Scott Field, the maroon and white clad in the seats-did their part as well. An atmosphere that has visited Davis Wade Stadium at times in the late 90’s, has appeared to have been resurrected by Dan Mullen, in his first year as MSU’s head coach. Let’s just hope it stays for 2010, and for years to come.

Major Props: (1) WR Chad Bumphis, what a day. A 34 yd TD reception, with a great run after the catch, which was a complete momentum changer. 3 catches for 52 yds, a couple of good rushes, and a great return to set us up at midfield. (2) QB Tyson Lee, even though I’ve picked on you all year, and even though you made about 3 mistakes on Saturday…after you were pretty much pulled for the game, you came in on 3rd and 11, and completed a first down pass to Dixon, to keep a scoring drive alive. Also, nice run in the first to set up the field goal. (3) PK Derek DePasquale, who hit a 48 yd field goal, to help us match OM blow-for-blow early on. (4) CB Corey Broomfield- Your pick, was your 6th of the year, and the 6th pick 6 for State in 2009…Nat’l leaders in that category. (5) CB Damien Anderson- lost your starting position earlier in the year, but rebounded Saturday for 2 pass break ups, one in the endzone, the other on a deep ball.

The Truth: To start the 2009 season-(1) Snead was a Heisman candidate, (2) Ole Miss was picked to win the SEC West, (3) maybe the SEC as a whole, and (4) there was some Nat’l Title talk wasn’t there? Anyway, none of that came true, and Houston Nutt is what I said he was, and that is “better as the Hunter, rather than the Hunted.” They thought they were gonna waltz into Starkville, walk out with the Egg, and rub a big-time bowl in our faces…and, none of that happened either. Too bad, sooo sad. Got an issue, grab a tissue.

Take a Bow: Mr. Anthony Dixon, what a season, what a career, what heart, and what leadership you have shown us. AD leaves as the leader in the following statistical categories: Rushing yards, Rushing yards in a season, 100 yard games, TD’s, Scoring, and Rushing attempts. I have to hand you you the crown, as the BEST Running Back in MSU history my friend. You will be missed.

Anyway, your thoughts on the game, the atmosphere, possible recruiting impacts? And is it just me, or did this feel like a ‘Rivalry’ game for the first time in a long time, or is it just me?

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!!!