Hello. Welcome. Watch this and then come back...
Outstanding work, no? Now then... Congratulations are in order as the Bulldogs managed to pull their collective act together and come away from a potential let-down game with a W. UAB proved to be almost more than MSU could handle, but the Bulldogs came away with a win thanks to some really solid work in the kicking game.
This week is special, not just because the Bulldogs are 6-2 in October and bowl eligible with 4 games left to improve their bowl stock, but because it's also Halloween! This is probably my favorite holiday... it started when I was a kid ("Wait... everyone we know is just GIVING AWAY CANDY?!") but now it's more about dressing up as someone completely different, or not even real, and stepping outside yourself for a night. People tend to relax a little more, let their guard down, and just generally have a good time.
So in honor of Halloween and all the ZombieDawgs that will be at the game this weekend, this week's song is...
BREAKING BENJAMIN - PHASE
Out of the ground I rise to grace.
Nobody knows it's just a phase.
Help me I'm out of breath again,
Nobody knows somewhere to make it go away...
It's just a phase,
And I can't wait...
Phase,
Phase,
Phase,
Phase.
I know, I know, I know...
iI's just a fucking phase!
IM DRAINED TIME TO FAKE AND DELAY!
WATCH THE PENNY DROP,
LET IT GO UP AND IN DROP,
THEN WATCH IT ROLL LET’S
ALL MOURN TILL I SURVIVE INSIDE YOU!
The opponent this week is a surly Kentucky Wildcats team that knocked off a talented South Carolina team a week after they defeated #1 Alabama. The 'Cats are sitting at 4-4 (1-4) and look to grab a much needed win to keep heading towards bowl eligibility. If the Bulldogs want to win this one they will need to stay focused for the entire game, because these 'Cats have some talents that could surprise you. That wasn't one of them, though...
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE - Part of the Bulldogs' lack-luster performance last week can be attributed to missing some key players. Center J.C. Brignone missed the first half, while top RB Vick Ballard was held out of the entire game due to a sprained ankle sustained the week before. In Ballard's absence LaDarius Perkins pulled the majority of the running duties and performed admirably. Derek DePasquale's five field goals in last week's win over UAB gives MSU some confidence in their kicking game, as well.
Most, if not all, of the missing players last week will return to see playing time this week, so the key here is execution. Kentucky's running defense is weak to say the least, so look for MSU to pound the ball early and often.
DEFENSE - The offensive threat from Kentucky will mostly be in the air this week, especially with news that top Wildcats running back Derrick Locke will not make the trip this weekend due to a nagging shoulder injury. The problem is if the Bulldogs are susceptible to an offensive attack, it's through the air. The UAB QB lit the MSU secondary up pretty much all night. Our secondary must be up to the challenge if they want to keep the game in hand.
BOTTOM LINE -
On paper it looks like a fairly favorable match-up, but will the Bulldogs remain focused now that they know they're bowl-bound? A slip up here, loss of concentration there, and there could be some unhappy Dogs in Starkville. MSU must stay focused, and continue their outstanding streak of not turning the ball over to win this battle.
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 41 UK 21
REALISTIC PREDICTION -
MSU 28 UK 24
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Keep on Rollin'
Congratulations are in order... The Bulldogs of Mississippi State University are ranked #24 in both the AP and Coaches polls for the first time in just under a decade. If you remember my pre-game blog for the Florida game last week, you'll see I gave the Bulldogs a fighting chance to come away with the win, which they did.
Now comes relatively unknown territory for MSU, as they are in the midst of their longest winning streak since 1999. This calls for some special attention from the coaches in order to keep the players' heads on straight. To take a page from Vince Lombardi, we need to act like we've been here before. So with that in mind, Mississippi State needs to keep on rollin' and keep up the momentum.
REO Speedwagon - Roll With the Changes
I knew it had to happen
Felt the tables turning
Got me through my darkest hour
I heard the thunder clapping
Felt the desert burning
Until you poured on me
Like a sweet sun-shower
So if you`re tired
Of the same old story
Oh, turn some pages
I`ll be here when you are ready
To roll with the changes
Ohhhhh, yeah....
The now 5-2 Bulldogs are playing for the opportunity to become bowl-eligible in October, which is a great feeling for the coaches, players and fans. But if ever there was a trap game, it's... NEXT WEEK! I'm serious, I just can't imagine Dan Mullen letting these Dawgs get so lazy that a team like UAB sneaks up and takes one from them. We will leave that to the Ole Miss Rebel Black Bears Country Jamboree and Petting Zoo's of the world. That being said, let's take a look at it anyway...
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE - Facing the final non-conference opponent of the season the Bulldogs will likely look to jump out to an early lead, which would allow Dan Mullen to sub in several second and third string players. The benefits are two-fold. First off taking our starting lineup out of the game early keeps them from being injured and keeps them fresh for the upcoming games. Furthermore, the extra game-time snaps give much needed experience to the players in backup positions.
If MSU jumps out to a solid lead in the first half don't be surprised to see Tyler Russell in mop-up duty for much of the game. Russell needs these reps to become further acclimated to the speed of the game at the college level, as he will likely be the projected starter at QB next season.
DEFENSE - For the defense, Manny Diaz will probably not show a lot that we haven't seen yet. That's not to say the defense won't be blitzing a healthy amount of the time, but Diaz and Wilson will likely be rotating a lot of guys out on the Defensive side of the ball as well, so their main focus here will be getting game reps to backup players.
The defensive line has been more than satisfactory during this four game win streak, and the secondary has done their share as well. Any time you rotate newer players into the mix you will have some mistakes. The key for these young guys is to bounce back and make the stops.
BOTTOM LINE -
KEEP ON ROLLIN' - Mississippi State will become bowl eligible with a win this weekend. After that they face a Kentucky team on Halloween Eve that has been hot and cold this season. A win there and the Bulldogs will have a 6 game win streak and improve their bowl stock with each successive win. The end of the season is never easy, with games against Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss yet to come. When common sense dictates that the Bama and Arkansas games could very well be losses, racking up as many W's as possible is key to landing a desirable bowl berth.
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 47 UAB 13
REALISTIC PREDICTION -
MSU 35 UAB 14
Now comes relatively unknown territory for MSU, as they are in the midst of their longest winning streak since 1999. This calls for some special attention from the coaches in order to keep the players' heads on straight. To take a page from Vince Lombardi, we need to act like we've been here before. So with that in mind, Mississippi State needs to keep on rollin' and keep up the momentum.
REO Speedwagon - Roll With the Changes
I knew it had to happen
Felt the tables turning
Got me through my darkest hour
I heard the thunder clapping
Felt the desert burning
Until you poured on me
Like a sweet sun-shower
So if you`re tired
Of the same old story
Oh, turn some pages
I`ll be here when you are ready
To roll with the changes
Ohhhhh, yeah....
The now 5-2 Bulldogs are playing for the opportunity to become bowl-eligible in October, which is a great feeling for the coaches, players and fans. But if ever there was a trap game, it's... NEXT WEEK! I'm serious, I just can't imagine Dan Mullen letting these Dawgs get so lazy that a team like UAB sneaks up and takes one from them. We will leave that to the Ole Miss Rebel Black Bears Country Jamboree and Petting Zoo's of the world. That being said, let's take a look at it anyway...
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE - Facing the final non-conference opponent of the season the Bulldogs will likely look to jump out to an early lead, which would allow Dan Mullen to sub in several second and third string players. The benefits are two-fold. First off taking our starting lineup out of the game early keeps them from being injured and keeps them fresh for the upcoming games. Furthermore, the extra game-time snaps give much needed experience to the players in backup positions.
If MSU jumps out to a solid lead in the first half don't be surprised to see Tyler Russell in mop-up duty for much of the game. Russell needs these reps to become further acclimated to the speed of the game at the college level, as he will likely be the projected starter at QB next season.
DEFENSE - For the defense, Manny Diaz will probably not show a lot that we haven't seen yet. That's not to say the defense won't be blitzing a healthy amount of the time, but Diaz and Wilson will likely be rotating a lot of guys out on the Defensive side of the ball as well, so their main focus here will be getting game reps to backup players.
The defensive line has been more than satisfactory during this four game win streak, and the secondary has done their share as well. Any time you rotate newer players into the mix you will have some mistakes. The key for these young guys is to bounce back and make the stops.
BOTTOM LINE -
KEEP ON ROLLIN' - Mississippi State will become bowl eligible with a win this weekend. After that they face a Kentucky team on Halloween Eve that has been hot and cold this season. A win there and the Bulldogs will have a 6 game win streak and improve their bowl stock with each successive win. The end of the season is never easy, with games against Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss yet to come. When common sense dictates that the Bama and Arkansas games could very well be losses, racking up as many W's as possible is key to landing a desirable bowl berth.
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 47 UAB 13
REALISTIC PREDICTION -
MSU 35 UAB 14
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Know Your Enemy
The Bulldogs did what was expected of them last Saturday with a solid win over a depleted Houston team. That win gave MSU it's first 3-game win streak since 2007... Meanwhile the upcoming Gators are experiencing some history of their own, but not the good kind, like you want. It seems Florida has lost back-to-back games for the first time since... 2007. So this match-up has some big-time implications for both schools.
Much has been made of the fact that Dan Mullen was the offensive coordinator for Florida during the 06 and 08 National Championship seasons. Mullen knows Urban Meyer and the much maligned Steve Addazio, who has replaced Mullen as OC for the Gators. Now obviously that works both ways, as the Florida staff is familiar with Mullen as well, but the bottom line is this knowledge could provide advantages to whomever makes the most of it... and so I give you:
Know Your Enemy
Hey yo, and get with this...uggh!
Word is born
Fight the war, fuck the norm
Now I got no patience
So sick of complacence
With the D the E the F the I the A the N the C the E
Mind of a revolutionary
So clear the lane
The finger to the land of the chains
What?
The land of the free?
Whoever told you that is your enemy
Now something must be done
About vengeance, a badge and a gun
So rip the mike, rip the stage, rip the system
I was born to rage against 'em
Now action must be taken!
We don't need the key,
We'll break in!
I've got no patience now,
So sick of complacence now.
I've got no patience now,
So sick of complacence now.
Sick of sick of sick of sick of you...
Time has come to pay...
Know your enemy!
Somewhere Zach de la Rocha's skin is crawling as I redefine his lyrics to describe college football instead of political revolution. So be it.
The Bulldogs enter this game in good position to keep their hopes of a bowl game alive, sitting at 4-2 on the season with 6 games left to play. Of those six, three are widely considered winnable, namely UAB, Kentucky and The Ole Miss Rebel Black Bears Jamboree and Petting Zoo.
That leaves games against Florida, Alabama and Arkansas, three perennial powerhouses of recent history in the SEC. Of these three, Florida looks to be the most winnable, and even beating a "bad" Florida team will improve post-season bowl stock for the Bulldogs.
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE - The MSU offense appears to be firing on all cylinders after a rough start to the season. Chris Relf has improved his passing, leading to fewer INT's, and appears to have rediscovered his ability to run the ball when plays and pockets collapse. The key here is to continue the accuracy in the passing game. Florida's secondary is very talented and highly athletic, and sloppy passing is an open invitation to the pick-6 party.
Vick Ballard and the O-line will try to establish the running game, and have done so quite well in recent weeks, albeit against non-SEC competition. They must continue to refine their ground game and bust Florida in the chops in order to open up enough room for the passing game.
DEFENSE - Manny Diaz has the defense performing admirably, but that won't be enough to keep the Gators off the scoreboard this weekend. Even a Florida team sans Tebow and Harvin is still a legitimate scoring threat, and they are very fast at every position. It will be up to Diaz and the D to keep their heads on straight and focus on every play... go to sleep on one play and you'll wake up with a Gator in the end-zone.
John Brantley has been serviceable as a QB, however during the LSU game last week I noticed he spent an inordinant amount of time in the pocket on several plays, many of which resulted in lost yardage, lost downs or lost footballs. MSU will be blitzing from all sides, trying to get to Brantley and pressure him into making poor decisions with the ball.
BOTTOM LINE -
QB PRESSURE - Getting to Brantley is the key to winning this game. In the seconds or even milliseconds it takes for Brantley to recognize where the pressure is coming from, make a decision and move the ball the MSU secondary must lock down his options down the field. Show him a wall of Maroon and the Bulldogs have a fighting chance to saunter out of the Swamp winners. Show him swiss cheese and watch him shred it all day long.
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 27 UF 21
REALISTIC PREDICITON -
MSU 17 UF 27
Much has been made of the fact that Dan Mullen was the offensive coordinator for Florida during the 06 and 08 National Championship seasons. Mullen knows Urban Meyer and the much maligned Steve Addazio, who has replaced Mullen as OC for the Gators. Now obviously that works both ways, as the Florida staff is familiar with Mullen as well, but the bottom line is this knowledge could provide advantages to whomever makes the most of it... and so I give you:
Know Your Enemy
Hey yo, and get with this...uggh!
Word is born
Fight the war, fuck the norm
Now I got no patience
So sick of complacence
With the D the E the F the I the A the N the C the E
Mind of a revolutionary
So clear the lane
The finger to the land of the chains
What?
The land of the free?
Whoever told you that is your enemy
Now something must be done
About vengeance, a badge and a gun
So rip the mike, rip the stage, rip the system
I was born to rage against 'em
Now action must be taken!
We don't need the key,
We'll break in!
I've got no patience now,
So sick of complacence now.
I've got no patience now,
So sick of complacence now.
Sick of sick of sick of sick of you...
Time has come to pay...
Know your enemy!
Somewhere Zach de la Rocha's skin is crawling as I redefine his lyrics to describe college football instead of political revolution. So be it.
The Bulldogs enter this game in good position to keep their hopes of a bowl game alive, sitting at 4-2 on the season with 6 games left to play. Of those six, three are widely considered winnable, namely UAB, Kentucky and The Ole Miss Rebel Black Bears Jamboree and Petting Zoo.
That leaves games against Florida, Alabama and Arkansas, three perennial powerhouses of recent history in the SEC. Of these three, Florida looks to be the most winnable, and even beating a "bad" Florida team will improve post-season bowl stock for the Bulldogs.
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE - The MSU offense appears to be firing on all cylinders after a rough start to the season. Chris Relf has improved his passing, leading to fewer INT's, and appears to have rediscovered his ability to run the ball when plays and pockets collapse. The key here is to continue the accuracy in the passing game. Florida's secondary is very talented and highly athletic, and sloppy passing is an open invitation to the pick-6 party.
Vick Ballard and the O-line will try to establish the running game, and have done so quite well in recent weeks, albeit against non-SEC competition. They must continue to refine their ground game and bust Florida in the chops in order to open up enough room for the passing game.
DEFENSE - Manny Diaz has the defense performing admirably, but that won't be enough to keep the Gators off the scoreboard this weekend. Even a Florida team sans Tebow and Harvin is still a legitimate scoring threat, and they are very fast at every position. It will be up to Diaz and the D to keep their heads on straight and focus on every play... go to sleep on one play and you'll wake up with a Gator in the end-zone.
John Brantley has been serviceable as a QB, however during the LSU game last week I noticed he spent an inordinant amount of time in the pocket on several plays, many of which resulted in lost yardage, lost downs or lost footballs. MSU will be blitzing from all sides, trying to get to Brantley and pressure him into making poor decisions with the ball.
BOTTOM LINE -
QB PRESSURE - Getting to Brantley is the key to winning this game. In the seconds or even milliseconds it takes for Brantley to recognize where the pressure is coming from, make a decision and move the ball the MSU secondary must lock down his options down the field. Show him a wall of Maroon and the Bulldogs have a fighting chance to saunter out of the Swamp winners. Show him swiss cheese and watch him shred it all day long.
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 27 UF 21
REALISTIC PREDICITON -
MSU 17 UF 27
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Spotlight is On...
The Bulldogs take on the Houston Cougars this Saturday, and it's fair to say the spotlight is on this game. The game has big implications on both sides of the ball, as Houston looks to defend the fourth longest home-winning-streak in the NCAA at 18 wins, and the Bulldogs look to grab a win that would have a definite impact on their hopes for a post-season game in Dec/Jan.
So yes, The Spotlight is On...
You know the one thing you're fighting to hold,
Will be the one thing you've got to let go.
And when you feel the wall cannot be burned,
You're gonna die to try what can't be done.
Gonna say stay out but you don't care.
Now is there nothing like that inside of you anywhere?
Oh just take the fall...
You're one of us.
The spotlight is on!
As I mentioned last week, MSU can ill afford to give up a game during this stretch if they intend to go Bowling for Dollars this year. This game has been circled on the calendar since some suspicious officiating and costly turnovers lost the game for the Bulldogs last year. At the start of the season this looked to be a great 'acid test' for MSU facing off against Case Keenum and the high-powered Houston offense. But unfortunately for the Cougars both Keenum and their 2nd string QB Cotton Turner were injured against the Bruins earlier in the season, leaving Houston to start their true freshman QB Terrance Broadway. And the hits just keep on comin', as Houston also loses top receiver James Clevleand for "a violation of team rules." (don't you just love obscure sports-speak? reminds me of Press-Hop...)
MSU looks to be relatively healthy on both sides of the ball this week with the exception of Nick Bell (brain mass, removed) and Marcus Green (torn ACL). Expect the Bulldogs to keep their fingers crossed, knock on wood, and maybe sacrifice a live chicken or two to keep the winning streak alive.
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE -
Mississippi State must move the chains and take care of the ball. Simple and straight forward, nothing fancy needed to walk away with the win here. Limit turnovers and get some consistent production from Relf (or Russell, if you're feeling lucky, Dan) and the O-line. Relf should be able to tuck the ball and run to pick up a few first downs if the pocket collapses, and if he can connect on a deep ball or two to keep the D honest then things will be going the Bulldogs' way. It also wouldn't hurt if Ballard broke a run or two like Dixon did last season.
DEFENSE -
Control the corners! MSU has done an admirable job of stopping the run this season, especially up the middle, but they are soft around the edges. The Bulldogs must tighten down on the ends and hold their own in the secondary if they are to control the flow of this game. Are Keenum and Cleveland big losses for Houston's offense? Sure. Does that mean the Houston won't be able to move the ball? Don't count on it. Bryce Beall will carry a large portion of the load, and he is a quality running back. If MSU cannot lock down the edges Beall could break for a couple of game-changing runs.
BOTTOM LINE -
EXECUTION. No, not that kind of execution, the kind that allows MSU to move the chains and hang on to the ball. Relf cannot loft airy passes out over the center of the field. Ballard, Perkins, et al must hold on to the football. The O and D lines must make all of their assignments properly. Do these things and MSU walks away winning handily. Fail to execute at key times and the Bulldogs will drop a costly win to an out-of-conference team and make their up-hill climb to the postseason that much more difficult. The spotlight is on!
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 45 UH 27
REALISTIC PREDICTION -
MSU 30 UH 27
So yes, The Spotlight is On...
You know the one thing you're fighting to hold,
Will be the one thing you've got to let go.
And when you feel the wall cannot be burned,
You're gonna die to try what can't be done.
Gonna say stay out but you don't care.
Now is there nothing like that inside of you anywhere?
Oh just take the fall...
You're one of us.
The spotlight is on!
As I mentioned last week, MSU can ill afford to give up a game during this stretch if they intend to go Bowling for Dollars this year. This game has been circled on the calendar since some suspicious officiating and costly turnovers lost the game for the Bulldogs last year. At the start of the season this looked to be a great 'acid test' for MSU facing off against Case Keenum and the high-powered Houston offense. But unfortunately for the Cougars both Keenum and their 2nd string QB Cotton Turner were injured against the Bruins earlier in the season, leaving Houston to start their true freshman QB Terrance Broadway. And the hits just keep on comin', as Houston also loses top receiver James Clevleand for "a violation of team rules." (don't you just love obscure sports-speak? reminds me of Press-Hop...)
MSU looks to be relatively healthy on both sides of the ball this week with the exception of Nick Bell (brain mass, removed) and Marcus Green (torn ACL). Expect the Bulldogs to keep their fingers crossed, knock on wood, and maybe sacrifice a live chicken or two to keep the winning streak alive.
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE -
Mississippi State must move the chains and take care of the ball. Simple and straight forward, nothing fancy needed to walk away with the win here. Limit turnovers and get some consistent production from Relf (or Russell, if you're feeling lucky, Dan) and the O-line. Relf should be able to tuck the ball and run to pick up a few first downs if the pocket collapses, and if he can connect on a deep ball or two to keep the D honest then things will be going the Bulldogs' way. It also wouldn't hurt if Ballard broke a run or two like Dixon did last season.
DEFENSE -
Control the corners! MSU has done an admirable job of stopping the run this season, especially up the middle, but they are soft around the edges. The Bulldogs must tighten down on the ends and hold their own in the secondary if they are to control the flow of this game. Are Keenum and Cleveland big losses for Houston's offense? Sure. Does that mean the Houston won't be able to move the ball? Don't count on it. Bryce Beall will carry a large portion of the load, and he is a quality running back. If MSU cannot lock down the edges Beall could break for a couple of game-changing runs.
BOTTOM LINE -
EXECUTION. No, not that kind of execution, the kind that allows MSU to move the chains and hang on to the ball. Relf cannot loft airy passes out over the center of the field. Ballard, Perkins, et al must hold on to the football. The O and D lines must make all of their assignments properly. Do these things and MSU walks away winning handily. Fail to execute at key times and the Bulldogs will drop a costly win to an out-of-conference team and make their up-hill climb to the postseason that much more difficult. The spotlight is on!
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 45 UH 27
REALISTIC PREDICTION -
MSU 30 UH 27
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Day After: Alcorn
So there's not much to say here, since I did not have the benefit of recording the game Saturday (thanks Fox, you money-grubbing whores). However good friend and contributor to the House of Hooch, KOMSCUBFAN, has informed me I can catch a replay on CSS tomorrow, so I may say "I was wrong...this changes everything" but let's be honest, that's not likely to happen, now is it?
The general consensus is that we did what we were expected to do, and I agree with that to some extent. We won handily, and I don't think any but the most paranoid of fans in the stadium ever thought we were in danger of losing. We tried to give Tyler Russell of few reps, and although he connected with a couple of 20+ yard passes his performance was, on the whole, not impressive. Granted he's a red-shirt freshman and he will improve with time, but he's not as physical of shifty as Relf, so when the pocket collapses he's not going to pick up as many yards with his feet.
My disappointment in the defense really stems from vanity. I WANTED a shutout. I predicted 7-10 points. We gave them 16. A lot of credit goes to Alcorn's QB Brandon Bridge, who broke a 78 yard run on the Bulldog's D. I believe I "suggested" that Relf should be taking notes directly following that play. I will say Relf has gotten better as the season has progressed about knowing when to tuck the ball and run, but he'll never be on the level of the Michael Vick's and Tim Tebow's of the world (then again, not many of us are, for better or worse, right Vicky, you puppy-pounder? Karma is a bitch, ain't it...).
After I review the game I may amend this entry, or I may just leave it... it is, after all, just like the win. It'll do.
The general consensus is that we did what we were expected to do, and I agree with that to some extent. We won handily, and I don't think any but the most paranoid of fans in the stadium ever thought we were in danger of losing. We tried to give Tyler Russell of few reps, and although he connected with a couple of 20+ yard passes his performance was, on the whole, not impressive. Granted he's a red-shirt freshman and he will improve with time, but he's not as physical of shifty as Relf, so when the pocket collapses he's not going to pick up as many yards with his feet.
My disappointment in the defense really stems from vanity. I WANTED a shutout. I predicted 7-10 points. We gave them 16. A lot of credit goes to Alcorn's QB Brandon Bridge, who broke a 78 yard run on the Bulldog's D. I believe I "suggested" that Relf should be taking notes directly following that play. I will say Relf has gotten better as the season has progressed about knowing when to tuck the ball and run, but he'll never be on the level of the Michael Vick's and Tim Tebow's of the world (then again, not many of us are, for better or worse, right Vicky, you puppy-pounder? Karma is a bitch, ain't it...).
After I review the game I may amend this entry, or I may just leave it... it is, after all, just like the win. It'll do.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Knee-Jerk Reaction: Alcorn
Meh.
A guy a few rows behind us took a survey late in the third quarter to ask if anyone else felt like our 35-16 lead felt more like a loss than a win. Most folks said 'push' and I agree.
Tyler Russell either had a bad game or is NOT as good as advertised. Relf made some mistakes but kept his composure. The D was disappointing. Refer to my score predictions to see why.
The Day After comes tomorrow... but thanks to the Fox/DishNetwork debacle, I do not have the benefit of watching a recording of the game. So we'll just see what happens...
A guy a few rows behind us took a survey late in the third quarter to ask if anyone else felt like our 35-16 lead felt more like a loss than a win. Most folks said 'push' and I agree.
Tyler Russell either had a bad game or is NOT as good as advertised. Relf made some mistakes but kept his composure. The D was disappointing. Refer to my score predictions to see why.
The Day After comes tomorrow... but thanks to the Fox/DishNetwork debacle, I do not have the benefit of watching a recording of the game. So we'll just see what happens...
Friday, October 1, 2010
All I Want is a Win...
Just keep the ball rollin, baby! There's nothing like a win to cure what ails ya...
After the lack-luster performance in Death Valley the Bulldogs rallied to take care of business in the Bone Yard (that's my thing, I'm starting it... you heard it here first) against those back-of-the-pack Dawgs from the East.
This week the Bulldogs face a foe from SWAC in Alcorn State. So that means it's time for another theme song...
All I Do Is Win
All I Do is win win win no matter what.
got money on mind can never get enough,
and everytime I step up in the building...
everybody hands go UP!
and they stay there!
and they say yeah!
and they stay there!
Up down, up down, up down...
cause all I do is win win win...
and if you goin’ in put your hands in the air,
Make 'em stay there!
Now I know what you're thinking... Mr. Hooch, aren't you kinda "phoning it in" with this song? The answer may surprise you...
Yes. Yes I am. I am phoning it in by using the team's theme song for this week's theme song, but there is a very good reason. You see this is a preemptive "phone in" I am delivering with the hopes that the team won't do the same on the field Saturday.
MSU faces an undefeated opponent Saturday in Alcorn State, and even the lesser SEC teams often find themselves lacking the same emotion and intensity they have when facing other SEC schools as opposed to members of CUSA, SWAC, etc. You had better believe the Braves are planning on walking out of Starkville undefeated.
On the other side of the coin, MSU absolutely NEEDS this win. Don't believe me? Look at the rest of the schedule...
Houston, Florida, UAB, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss.
How many of those are YOU counting as wins? A realistic/conservative estimate would be 3-4. Florida, Bama and OM are road games, and any SEC team can tell you that's never an easy task. Sure the Rebel's season looks to be circling the bowl already with loses to Vandy and Jacksonville State, but anyone can tell you when it comes to the Egg Bowl, throw the records out and get ready for some smash-mouth football.
If MSU gives up even one game among Alcorn, Houston, UAB, Kentucky or OM it could end up preventing them from going bowling in the post season. So let's get to the nitty-gritty.
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE - Chris Relf took all the snaps against Georgia, but Coach Dan Mullen claims that Tyler Russell will see action this weekend and the 2 QB rotation is still in full effect. The game had to be a great confidence boost for Relf and the rest of the offense, even if Georgia did gift-wrap the game for us with some major penalties at bad times. The offense must carry that momentum forward and stay fired up. Anything less than 30 points will be unsatisfactory considering the level of competition we're facing. There's a lot riding on it...
DEFENSE - The Bulldog Defense did a decent job of keeping the other BulldAWGS out of the endzone until a late score in the 4th. Manny Diaz continues to improve and refine his schemes, seeming like a mad scientist with his constant tinkering, but hey, if it works, do it. But did it really work, or did we get a helping hand from the Georgia penalties? It's a very chickeny-eggy question.
BOTTOM LINE -
FOCUS - This will be the deciding factor in Saturday's contest. If the Bulldogs stay focused and keep their eyes on the prize, they walk away winning handily. Lose focus and the Braves could snatch a win from MSU before they know what hit them.
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION:
MSU 35 ASU 6
REALISTIC PREDICITION:
MSU 30 ASU 13
And I'll leave you with another quote from this week's theme song... Al Davis said it best, just win, baby, win!
Snoop:
I hung with the worst of them,
bust till I burst on em,
floss em up, toss em up, Hardaway, boss em up.
pardon me I bossing the pressure up, bless ya bruh.
don’t wanna mess with us,
we like the U in the 80’s.
back to back set a trap,
hit the lick, hit it back,
hit the trick, jump the track,
bitch I want my money back!
time and time again while I’m sippin on this gin...
Al Davis said it best, just win baby win!
After the lack-luster performance in Death Valley the Bulldogs rallied to take care of business in the Bone Yard (that's my thing, I'm starting it... you heard it here first) against those back-of-the-pack Dawgs from the East.
This week the Bulldogs face a foe from SWAC in Alcorn State. So that means it's time for another theme song...
All I Do Is Win
All I Do is win win win no matter what.
got money on mind can never get enough,
and everytime I step up in the building...
everybody hands go UP!
and they stay there!
and they say yeah!
and they stay there!
Up down, up down, up down...
cause all I do is win win win...
and if you goin’ in put your hands in the air,
Make 'em stay there!
Now I know what you're thinking... Mr. Hooch, aren't you kinda "phoning it in" with this song? The answer may surprise you...
Yes. Yes I am. I am phoning it in by using the team's theme song for this week's theme song, but there is a very good reason. You see this is a preemptive "phone in" I am delivering with the hopes that the team won't do the same on the field Saturday.
MSU faces an undefeated opponent Saturday in Alcorn State, and even the lesser SEC teams often find themselves lacking the same emotion and intensity they have when facing other SEC schools as opposed to members of CUSA, SWAC, etc. You had better believe the Braves are planning on walking out of Starkville undefeated.
On the other side of the coin, MSU absolutely NEEDS this win. Don't believe me? Look at the rest of the schedule...
Houston, Florida, UAB, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss.
How many of those are YOU counting as wins? A realistic/conservative estimate would be 3-4. Florida, Bama and OM are road games, and any SEC team can tell you that's never an easy task. Sure the Rebel's season looks to be circling the bowl already with loses to Vandy and Jacksonville State, but anyone can tell you when it comes to the Egg Bowl, throw the records out and get ready for some smash-mouth football.
If MSU gives up even one game among Alcorn, Houston, UAB, Kentucky or OM it could end up preventing them from going bowling in the post season. So let's get to the nitty-gritty.
KEYS TO THE GAME -
OFFENSE - Chris Relf took all the snaps against Georgia, but Coach Dan Mullen claims that Tyler Russell will see action this weekend and the 2 QB rotation is still in full effect. The game had to be a great confidence boost for Relf and the rest of the offense, even if Georgia did gift-wrap the game for us with some major penalties at bad times. The offense must carry that momentum forward and stay fired up. Anything less than 30 points will be unsatisfactory considering the level of competition we're facing. There's a lot riding on it...
DEFENSE - The Bulldog Defense did a decent job of keeping the other BulldAWGS out of the endzone until a late score in the 4th. Manny Diaz continues to improve and refine his schemes, seeming like a mad scientist with his constant tinkering, but hey, if it works, do it. But did it really work, or did we get a helping hand from the Georgia penalties? It's a very chickeny-eggy question.
BOTTOM LINE -
FOCUS - This will be the deciding factor in Saturday's contest. If the Bulldogs stay focused and keep their eyes on the prize, they walk away winning handily. Lose focus and the Braves could snatch a win from MSU before they know what hit them.
WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION:
MSU 35 ASU 6
REALISTIC PREDICITION:
MSU 30 ASU 13
And I'll leave you with another quote from this week's theme song... Al Davis said it best, just win, baby, win!
Snoop:
I hung with the worst of them,
bust till I burst on em,
floss em up, toss em up, Hardaway, boss em up.
pardon me I bossing the pressure up, bless ya bruh.
don’t wanna mess with us,
we like the U in the 80’s.
back to back set a trap,
hit the lick, hit it back,
hit the trick, jump the track,
bitch I want my money back!
time and time again while I’m sippin on this gin...
Al Davis said it best, just win baby win!
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