Start Us Up!

 START US UP!

Okay, Mick and Keith, kick it! [click here Start Me Up ] If you read the initial blog entry, you're probably asking, "What the hell?!? You were all down on the 'Dogs this football season. Now Start Me Up?!?" Fair questions. Part of me is like, "Come on, let's get this season over with."  But, like many of you have probably done, I've been reading Dawgs Bite and Six Pack Speak, listening to MSU podcasters, and feeling a little tingly with the local buzz as State students have returned to Starkvegas for the start of fall semester. Plus for most of my life at this time of the year I've been getting fired up for the start of football season. It began in my early years before I'd ever heard of Miss. State as a dedicated fan of the hometown Jones County Jr. College Bobcats, who had spoiled me by winning the MS Jr. College state championship and going to the Jr. Rose Bowl in Pasadena when I was in the 2nd grade. (They introduced me to humility, however, by losing that game.😞)

And in my psychology classes I learned that intermittent reinforcement, i.e., getting a reward randomly rather than regularly or on a schedule, makes a response more persistent (more difficult to extinguish). Think slot machines. And since I began my life as a Miss. State fan in 1957, they've had just enough winning seasons -- 1957, 1963, 1974, 1976, 1980, several Jackie and Dan seasons, and 2022 -- to keep me hooked. That old Maroon habit of feeling optimistic because it's "next year" is just hard to kick. As the late, great Otis Redding sang in his classic ballad, "I've been loving you too long ... can't stop now!" From the aforesaid podcasts and message boards, I see that I'm not alone. Even those paid or habitual Bulldog fans, who had been whupped down by the last 2 seasons and avoided talking or writing -- or even thinking  -- about the upcoming season had turned their attention from the critical issues that had been holding our team back, e.g., the logo, colors of uniforms, and stadium lights, etc. As it has drawn nearer, however, they have bravely begun  to acknowledge the upcoming season, some daring even to pump a little sunshine. The "if only ..." season has begun. I'm desperately trying to cautiously buy in. 

So here we are on the precipice, peering into chasm I expect and dread, as I described in the last edition, but still yearning for a reason to keep hope alive. Unfortunately those damn troubling realities keep popping up: We were a team that won only 2 games last season, none in the SEC. This year's team will be made up of a mostly new cast of characters, unknown to us and unproven in the SEC. The schedule is still terrifying. I've laughed as I've read and listened to the incongruously optimistic predictions of a possible winning season and bowl game as the season opener draws closer. I have exhibited the same symptoms almost every year of my life since 1957. If you too are suffering from the signs of WOBE (Wildly Optimist Bulldog Expectations), I recommend that you take deep cleansing breaths, pre-purchase ample quantities of Jim Beam whiskey and Cathead vodka, and acknowledge the following:

• The expectations of allegedly objective "experts" for our team are universally very low. Judging from the handful of pickers who have even bothered to list us in their preseason SEC overview, the over/under on our win total is 3.5. So the professional forecasters think we'll win 3, or perhaps 4 if we're lucky. And I am not dismayed by that; it seems like they're giving us the benefit of the doubt. Those win numbers, after all, are > 2.
• MSU is unanimously predicted to again finish 16th of the 16 SEC teams. We (and Diego Pavia) have nudged Vandy from their once tenured cellar spot.
• State's schedule is unanimously picked as one of (in many cases the) toughest in the nation. Of the teams on our schedule, 7 are consensus Top 20 picks, and 2 are Top 5. The encouraging news is that we play every one of those teams at home. So State fans will see 7 really good teams play on Scott Field this season.

Let's go ahead and look a bit more at the big picture before shifting our attention to the USM Golden Eagles. 

The 2025 Miss. State Bulldogs

[Note: The depth chart of our projected 2-deep roster, such as it is, has just been released by Lebby and the staff. I've done some deciphering and am denoting alleged starters by highlights below.]

Offense

QB - Blake Shapen is returning. He has been injury-prone, but he has played well at both Baylor and MSU when he has been able to play. He's backed by 2 youngsters who were rated as 5 and 4 stars in high school, Luke Kromenhoek, a true sophomore transfer from FSU who, like Shapen, started a few games on really weak team, and Komario Taylor, a highly touted freshman from Noxubee Co., MS. Both the reserves are big guys and dual threats; their only known downside to date is lack of experience

RB - This is considered the strongest position group [Note: I hate the term "room" when describing players who play a position and promise not to use it in this blog.] Devon Booth, a senior transfer from Utah State a year ago, returns as our best back and looked good as a runner and receiver despite our notoriously poor blocking. Fluff Bothwell, a highly regarded, bruising transfer from South AL, is a sophomore who was very productive, especially in short yardage and goal line situations, as a true freshman at USA last year. Johnnie Daniels, Xavier Gayten, and Seth Davis all return and have had some productive moments in their MSU careers.

Receivers - Kevin Coleman and Mario Craver to the portal and Kelly Akharaiyi to the draft were big losses, but returning WR Jordan Mosley and TE Seydou Traore, were among the top 4 receivers last season. WR's Brenen Thompson (Okla.) and Anthony Evans (UGA) are considered 2 of our most talented transfers. Redshirt freshman receivers Ricky Johnson and Sanfrisco Magee are expected to contribute, as are transfers Ayden Williams (TSUN), Jaron Glover (Mich. State), Markus Allen (Eastern Mich.), and Cam Thompson (Northern Ill.), along with TE transfers Max Reese (Eastern Mich.) and Sam West (Indiana).

OL - Although the OL was a weak link on the team last year, returner Albert Reese won the Kent Hull Award as the best OL in MS. He'll be joined by experienced returners Luke Work, Jimothy Lewis, Canon Boone, and Jacoby Jackson, and touted transfers Blake Steen (UVA),  Zack Owens (Colorado), Brennan Smith (UTEP), Jaekwon Bouldin (Purdue), and Koby Keenum (UK). As these guys go, so goes the offense.

Defense

DL - The most glaring weakness for the team last year has ostensibly been shored up with massive transfers Jamil Burroughs (Alabama via Miami), Jaray Bledsoe (Texas), Red Hibbler (NC State), and Will Whitson (Coastal Carolina), and returners Kedrick Bingley-Jones, Deonte Anderson, Kalvin Dinkins, Trevion Williams, Joseph Head, and Ashun Shepphard. This group, along with their counterparts on the OL, have certainly added bulk and depth, so could probably hold their own in a tug o' war contest. Theoretically these attributes will help us win football games too.

LB - Losing Stone Blanton to the draft hurt, but experienced LB's Zakari Tillman, Nic Mitchell, Branden Jennings, all of whom showed flashes playing behind a weak DL last season, return. They have been supplemented by what seems to be the most impressive group of new blood of any position with transfers Jalen Smith (Tennessee), Malick Sylla (Texas A&M), Derion Gullette (Texas), and Nevaeh Sanders (Northern Ill.), as well as juco newcomers Montrell Chapman and Ja'Bryis Stewart, 2 gems of the freshman class, Tyler Lockhart and Tyshun Willis, and redshirt freshman Fatt Forrest. This group of LB's has been "talked up" so much that I have to feel that we have at least 3 quality players among them. We'll see.

DB - Cornerback was seen as one of the weakest positions on the defense last year, while safety was generally seen as a strength. Two occasional starters, Kelly Jones and DeAgo Brumfield, return at cornerback, and team star Isaac Smith and occasional starter Hunter Washington return at safety. Juco transfer Jett Jefferson has also impressed at CB, while transfer Jahron Manning, juco transfer Tony Mitchell, and returners Brylan Lanier, Cyrus Reyes, and Stonka Burnside (moved from offense) will compete for playing time at safety. Perhaps an improved pass rush will make the jobs of the secondary, particularly cornerbacks, easier this season. 

Special Teams 

PK - Kyle Ferrie returns for his 3rd year as a kicker. He has proven to be reliable from under 50 yds. Marlon Hauck has handled some kickoffs the past couple of years, and it's hoped that he can consistently nail touchbacks, as the departed Nick Barr-Mira did. 

Punter - Former MSU baseball player and impressive high school punter Ethan Pulliam is expected to win the job as the punter.

Returners - After several years of having speedy, elusive returners like Tulu Griffin, Zavion Thomas, and Kevin Coleman, only Devon Booth has demonstrated ability among kickoff returners. Transfer receivers Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans are expected to handle punt returns.

The Schedule

Another formidable schedule awaits the Bulldogs. The SEC opponents are the same as last year with the home and away flipped. We play the elite SEC teams at home and ones against whom we might expect to be more competitive on the road. CFP playoff team Arizona State returns, but at least is at home. Other nonconference games include USM on the road along with home games versus FCS team Alcorn State and MAC foe Northern Michigan (conqueror of Notre Dame in South Bend last season). Broken down by our chances of wins, from prognosticators ranging from those with thick maroon-tinted glasses to traditional naysayers, the slate looks something like this:

Should Be Favored to Win

USM, Alcorn State, Northern Illinois - all but USM at home

Little to No Chance

Tennessee, Texas, UGA - all CFP Playoff teams last year

Perhaps a Fighting Chance

Arizona State, aTm, Florida, Arkansas, Missouri, TSUN 

It should be noted that of that last category, only ASU and TSUN are at home. Also, although the expectations for this group are generally a little lower than for the 3 who were Playoff teams last year, A&M, Florida, and TSUN have all been ranked in the Top 20 or even higher by some preseason polls. Missouri has one of the SEC's easiest schedules and has surprised in recent years. Arkansas, who looked before the game to have been our most likely conference win last year, gave us our worst beating of the year.

MSU vs. USM

This is an interesting way to start the season ... one that has State fans divided pretty much by age. Younger fans have never known a Golden Eagle team to win many games, but we old Bulldog fans have had a different experience. A quick look back at the gridiron history of the Southerners/Golden Eagles: 

• Late 1950's - USM, which began as Miss. Normal College (normal having been the designation for teachers' colleges) was considered a "Small College" power, playing for (but losing) consecutive championship games in the Tangerine Bowl. They were voted (the way D-I college championships were chosen before 1998) College Division national champions in 1958 and 1962.
• 1960's - USM moved to the university division and consistently had winning seasons under Coach Pie Vann. MSU began playing USM consistently in 1964 after only having played them twice before. USM notched its first win over State in 1967, when a Bulldog kickoff returner muffed a kickoff, walked away and let it roll into the end zone, where USM recovered for the winning score. The following year Southern demolished a State team that didn't win a game that season.
• 1970's - After a couple of MSU wins and a tie in the early 70's, USM won 9 straight against the 'Dogs, the first 2 by forfeit.
• 1980's - USM under Coach Bobby Collins, a former MSU player, recruited successfully (though illegally, resulting in NCAA sanctions) during the early 80's and had corresponding success on the field. They played in bowl games and were  ranked in the Top 20 in 3 seasons during the decade. MSU played USM annually during the 80's and to 1990, with most neutral site games in Jackson. USM dominated the series then, winning 7 of the 11 games. During this period opposing teams played USM at their own peril, and the Golden Eagles adopted the mantra "anyone, anytime, anywhere" ... and delivered on it.
• Since 1990 - After the annual rivalry ended with MSU wins in 1989 and 1990, State and USM have played only 4 games, with the Bulldogs winning all handily. USM joined CUSA in the 90's and had several seasons when they were nationally ranked and earned bowl bids. They began a downward trajectory in football fortunes in 2012, going winless, followed by a 1-win season in 2013. Our last meeting with them was one of our 4 wins in the abortive Arnett season of 2023.
• 2024 - As bad as MSU was last season, USM was worse. They won only 1 game and finished last out of 130 teams in points allowed, giving up 40.3 PPG (compared to State's woeful D, which yielded a mere 36.5 PPG, good for 123rd out of 130).

So yes, there was a time in my lifetime when we rightly dreaded playing Southern Miss. Back then the financial disparity in teams in the SEC and USM's CUSA (and now Sun Belt) was not enormous, and Southern could attract talent. Playing in a less competitive conference, they could point to games against State and other SEC and power conference teams on their schedule. TSUN quickly backed out of playing them, but it took State a while longer to see the light. We'll see Saturday if it is wise to take them on as infrequent nonconference foes, or if it's better to stick to playing ... I don't know ... maybe Toledo???

MSU vs. USM 2025 

[Last reminder of this season: SOS = Same Old State; DOS = Dear Ole State]

The SOS View

• As the above retrospective indicates, in my lifetime playing USM has been neither particularly pleasant nor productive. We're 14 - 14 - 1 against them.
• Yes, USM won only half the number of games that MSU won last season, but they have had a complete turnover of coaches and players.
• Charles Hough, the new Golden Eagle coach, led Marshall to the Sun Belt Conference championship last season. He's bringing with him 21 of his former players from that team.

The DOS View

• Again, referring to the recent history of USM, the only game USM won last year was against Southeastern LA. They were the worst defensive team in the CFP. 
• Of the many members of the Marshall Thundering Herd that the new coach is bringing with him, only 6 were starters, and 5 others were 2nd teamers. Only 1, a kick returner, was All-SBC, although the QB transferring in was the SBC Newcomer of the Year (but not All-SBC).
• Marshall wasn't exactly Texas or Georgia last season; in their only games against Power 4 teams they were trampled by both National Champion Ohio State and a🥱6 - 7 Va. Tech team. Sun Belt teams as a whole were 3 - 16 vs. Power 4 conference teams.

My Take

Although I'd feel lots better if we were playing in Davis Wade instead of M. M. Roberts on Saturday, I believe State is a slightly better team. I think we'll win ... and I certainly hope we'll win ... but I wouldn't bet on it. There's just so much unknown about both teams (as will be the case for many teams with the near wholesale turnover in rosters each year via the portal.) I think State has bigger and presumably somewhat better athletes, but both teams will be playing together for the first time. The home field and the proven head coach favor USM. And we know every Group of 5 team would like nothing better than to beat an SEC team. USM made a living for decades beating teams which according to their coaches thought the USM players weren't good enough to recruit for their programs. At the end of the day, however, assuming injuries, mistakes, penalties, and officiating balance out, the team with the best players should win.

I know this: Saturday's game is important to USM, but it's absolutely critical to MSU. The implications for State this season and the future -- for the coaching staff, fan support, player transition, and recruiting if State does not win -- are simply too horrible to imagine. I'm sure the Bulldog players know this, and for damn sure the coaching staff does. A road win, particularly a convincing one, in Game 1 gives the team some much-needed confidence and leaves the door cracked for some hope that is for now just "pie in the sky." Lose, and numbing gloom and doom immediately greet players, coaches, donors, and fans. An improved record moves from difficult to impossible. Do your jobs, Bulldogs.

Let's team up with Jr. Walker and the All-Stars and get ready for opening day of Golden Eagle season at M.M. Roberts Stadium this Saturday! https://youtu.be/6FgO2Hs4t_4?si=UQowW_OGYylJqzkg&t=9

Opening Day 8/30/25

Hail, State!!!