NCAA FB09: Mississippi State Dynasty (EBFL)

[PurdueBrad]

Hey guys,

I haven't done a dynasty over here before but I have done a couple over at OOTP, most notably "The Rudy Cox Diary" which was based on my USBA team the San Diego Surf. I have found that I'm enjoying my on-line NCAA leagues a ton and, with some inspiration from reading Jets' Rutgers dynasty, I thought I would produce one for my team.

My plan is to take on several narrative voices and points-of-view through out the dynasty. My post schedule will be mostly dictated by the EBFL schedule, which seems to be about a game every four or five days. I'll fill in the gaps with some other flavor.

My team is the Mississippi State Bulldogs. We held a draft and, due to vacation, I had the last pick. My choices, I believe, were Vanderbilt or Mississippi State. I know very little of either but chose the Bulldogs because I respect what Croom did with the program since taking over.

The Bulldogs are rated a 74 overall but have a slightly stronger defense than offense and special teams. This was important to me as I believe offense is much easier in this game than defense so I wanted to be more talented on D for the boost.

[Radii]

Excellent. I've been debating doing either an EBFL or single player dynasty, definitely looking forward to this :D

[PurdueBrad]

Pre-Season-

Rivals.com has published their 1-120 rankings and we're listed at 48. The article is linked here: Rivals.com College Football - Preseason Countdown: No. 48 Mississippi St. (http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=817067)

The Mississippi Bulldog offense is in the midst of a change from a run-focused team to developing a balanced attack. This means that quarterback Wesley Carroll is going to be key to our success. All I'll ask of Carroll is that he be accurate. Ideally I won't have to call on him to try and win games but that's not likely given a tough SEC schedule. He's definitely a servicable QB and, honestly, a bit under-rated in real life I believe.

At the running back spot, we're deep. I feel like we have three running backs that could be first string. Anthony Dixon, the junior starter, is a strong runner who tends to pick up an extra yard or two on every tackle. Christian Ducre' is a tempting wild-card as he is fast and really looks like a game-breaker when he gets outside as opposed to the plodding, middle-runner that Dixon is. Finally, redshirt freshman Robert Elliot is going to have to get on the field.

The receiving corps is lean, particularly after this season. There is a lot of promise here but we need to get some bang out of it. Jamayel Smith is the team's top receiver but I do find myself looking to Co-Eric Riley often. Without a strong-armed QB, I also think that the tight end group will be important to bail us out of trouble.

The defensive side of the ball is talented. The secondary is led by three seniors that can really change the game. Corners Jasper O'Quinn and Keith Fitzhugh each are fast and dynamic but both are sub-6'0". They aren't going to make big tackles or hits but should be able to force turnovers. Free safety Derek Pegues is probably the team's star. He is a huge hitter, sure-handed, and a special teams monster. It'll be a surprise if he doesn't find the endzone three times over the course of the year between defense and special teams.

From a recruiting standpoint, we're definitely going to have to add some wide receivers, we'll be losing both our fullbacks which will be an important part of our running game early, and I definitely will want to upgrade the front seven defensively. In fact, seven of our eleven defensive starters are seniors. Five of our offensive starters are seniors, but only two of them are on the line. The other three are at the receiver positions and fullback. I will definitely be able to put my stamp on the defense sooner than the offense probably.

Our schedule:

@ Louisiana Tech
Syracuse (we dropped the I-AA game for this)
Auburn
@ Georgia Tech
@ LSU
Vanderbilt
@ Tennessee
Middle Tennessee State
Kentucky
@ Alabama
Arkansas
@ Ole Miss

We're built for a good start and possibly a strong finish. What will be brutal are the LSU and Tennessee games on the road. However, I can't complain as we miss, from the SEC, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.

[PurdueBrad]

The Reflector (MSU's school paper)

A Dogfight: Bulldogs vs. Bulldogs; Mississippi State at Louisiana Tech

It was a battle between Bulldogs as Mississippi State rolled to Reston, Louisiana and Joe Aillett Stadium. Heavily favored State started slowly, making little offensive progress as the team posted a trio of three and outs. On the plus side, the defense, with some special teams help, held Louisiana Tech to several three and outs as well.

"I'll be honest, up until our first score, Blake McAdams, our punter, was looking like our Most Valuable Player," joked coach Vest.

Fortunately things would not stay like this the whole game for State. On the team's fourth drive, ten minutes into the game, Wesley Carroll and company got things going. State abandoned their ground game and turned things over to the air attack. Carroll would ultimately hook up with running back Anthony Dixon for six.

From there, things only got better for Mississippi State. Carroll would post three second quarter passing touchdowns, giving him a school record four for the half. In fact, the second quarter may have given rise to two new offensive stars for the State Bulldogs: fullback Brandon Hart and freshman tight end Kendrick Cook. Hart made two big catches, including a one yard touchdown reception on a play action pass. Cook would catch Carroll's two other touchdown strikes, one for fifteen yards and another for one yard.

Lousiana Tech's lone bright spot for the day was running back Patrick Johnson who helped Tech put up fourteen first half points, leaving the game at 35-14 Mississippi State at the halfway point.

"A three score lead felt good but we still were being a bit sloppy with missed tackles against the run and not doing anything with our own rushing attack. Our goal was to work on fixing those things in the second half," explained Vest.

Mississippi State came out to fix both of those problems in the last two quarters. In fact, State posted twenty-four unanswered points. Despite Anthony Dixon's struggles on the ground, he broke out a sixty-two yard screen pass for a touchdown. He would later add a running touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

As great as things went for Mississippi State, the ending was a bit ugly. Cornerback Tay Bowser intercepted a pass with three seconds on the clock at Mississippi State's eleven yard line. As he made the play for the ball, he tweaked his hamstring, but chose to attempt to return the pick despite both the injury and a huge lead. Bowser gimped down the sideline as many Tech players failed to give chase and scored as the clock read zero. Tech fans were upset by what they viewed as show-boating and littered the field with bottles, cups, and other garbage.

"It was never our intention to run up the score and I do feel bad about Tay (Bowser)'s score but the game isn't over until that final tackle. He saw a chance to score and took it. I would rather that than perhaps a guy that is too afraid of hurting someone's feelings to take it to the house when he gets the chance," said an unapologetic Coach Vest.

On the day, Carroll threw 5 touchdowns against 1 interception. Anthony Dixon ran for 90 yards and had another 70 in receiving during his three touchdown performance. The defense held strong against the pass, giving up just 150 yards, but did allow 170 yards rushing on just twenty carries. State posted their first win in the season opener by beating Tech 59-14.

"I think we saw some good and some bad, but we're going to have to get much better if we're to perform well against the schedule we've got. We definitely will be looking at our running game this week," said Coach Vest as the press conference came to a close.

[PurdueBrad]

The Reflector

Controversy Brewing Over Starting Spot

It looks as though, despite a strong opening day win, things are not ducky in Starkville. With the Bulldogs' match-up with the Syracuse Orange just days away, there seems to be debate about whether or not Anthony Dixon should remain the team's starting running back.

The first hint of a competition came in last week's game when Christian Ducre' came off the bench to post a solid forty yard performance. Since then, Ducre' has been getting more reps in practice.

"This is not a situation where Anthony [Dixon] is losing anything but Christian is actually playing well enough to gain some time," said Coach Vest.

However, for Ducre' to see the field, those plays and that time have to come from somewhere.

"Don't tell me that this isn't eating into my playing time. I have been a starter since halfway through my freshman year and now, after I play a solid game, I face losing carries and time? This makes no sense," said an obviously frustrated Dixon.

On the flip side, Christian Ducre' is happy to be given the opportunity.

"Like any player on this team, I want to play. I didn't come to State to play second fiddle my whole career, so I'm working hard to get time," said Ducre'.

Even the team is split on what should happen. One player, on the condition of anonymity, explains, "A.D. is a solid runner who posts the same numbers regardless of who we're playing. He's dependable. But Christian is the x-factor. He can bounce the ball outside and take off. He can be electric."

Another player, also requesting to remain anonymous, explains it in a slightly different fashion, "Anthony is kind of like your wife. Reliable, dependable, and you know what you're getting. Christian is like the sexy, recently divorced neighbor-woman who is spontaneous, fun and wild. I think we could use a little bit of both, maybe at the same time."

Whatever happens, look to see the team try to come to a resolution prior to the start of the SEC schedule. If all this talk is true, then the Syracuse game will be an important audition for both Christian Ducre' and Anthony Dixon.

[PurdueBrad]

Syracuse @ Mississippi State

The most talked about facet of this game on campus all week was whether or not starting tailback Anthony Dixon would be able to hold off his back-up Christian Ducre' for the job of starting running back. In fact, the first half of the game would see the players split carries and post nearly identical numbers...with one big exception. When Anthony Dixon was on the field, the Bulldogs found the endzone.

The Bulldogs struck on the game's opening possession, demonstrating a fairly efficient combination of medium length passes and inside runs. Facing first and ten at the Syracuse thirteen, Dixon broke through the line and the second level, only to be stopped at the half yard line. Coach Vest considered challenging the spot, but thought better of it.

"If we couldn't punch it in from there with four chances, we didn't deserve it," said the coach.

It would only take one chance as Dixon notched his first touchdown of the game.

"That was me sending a message. I belong on the field and today, I proved it not once, not twice, but three times," explained Dixon.

Syracuse's first play was an interception by cornerback Tay Bowser. State would capitalize on their second play, a quick strike to Co-Eric Riley who would shed two would-be tacklers and drag another into the endzone.

The defense bent some, allowing a thirty-four yard field goal but the offense answered in a hurry. And again it was the legs of Anthony Dixon, posting an important eleven yard carry to set up first and goal from the two. He would plunge through for his second score of the half.

Quarterback Wesley Carroll seemed a touch off on passes over the middle today, highlighted by a mid-second quarter interception when he threw seven feet behind a wide open Co-Eric Riley. The interception would allow Syracuse to drive for a fifty-one yard field goal.

Carroll would add a second touchdown pass before the half ended, making it a 28-6 lead as the student section went crazy.

The third quarter was an odd one. The Bulldogs dominated the quarter by grinding the game out and yet scored less points in the third than their opponents. The Orange put together a nearly five minute drive (I multiply the actual drive time of the seven minute quarters by two to reflect what actual game time would be) that ultimately ended with a touchdown run by Curtis Brinkley. The two point conversion would fail but Syracuse seemed to be closing the gap at 28-12.

The Bulldogs displayed their ability to put the ball to the turf rather than the air the rest of the way. Last week's air show now gave way to this week's ground assault. An eight play drive, with six runs, ended with a short field goal. Another rush-based drive would open the fourth and lead to another field goal, making the score 34-12 and essentially ending the game.

Wesley Carroll would add one late passing touchdown and Anthony Dixon would take yet another endzone plunge, giving the Bulldogs a final 48-12 victory and a 2-0 start leading to the team's game with the Auburn Tigers.

Wesley Carroll: 18-24, 230 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Anthony Dixon: 25 carries, 103 yards, 3 tds
Christian Ducre'- 12 carries, 49 yards
Co-Eric Riley- 3 catches, 57 yards, 1 td
Tim Bailey- 6 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FFL
Keith Fitzhugh- 3 tackles, 1 int
Tay Bowser- 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 int
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[PurdueBrad]

Stark-Naked on AM 820

Jimmy D- Alright folks, so we come and out smoke Syracuse amid some controversy at running back. I think that this game should've proved something, as Anthony Dixon goes so go the Bulldogs. In fact, I really have to ask myself what the coaching staff was thinking by flirting with giving Christian Ducre' a dozen carries. You take eight or ten of those and give them to A.D., Anthony Dixon, and he puts together a monster day as opposed to an average day. Harry, what do you think?

Harry- Look J.D., I know that he didn't find the endzone but Christian averaged just over four yards a carry, the same as Dixon, so you can't fault him there. I think where you really start to see the problem is the number of carries that went for one yard or less by Ducre'. Six of his carries netted one yard, no yards, or lost yards. That's almost half of his carries.

Jimmy D- Very true, and definitely better than the three carries out of twenty-five that Dixon posted the same result. Plus, when the passing game stalled, Dixon took over. He's posted six tds in two games so...welcome back to the bench Christian Ducre'.

Harry- J.D., we've got a caller. Darren from Meridian, you're on Stark-Naked.

Darren, caller- Guys, while I agree that Dixon got the touchdowns, Ducre' is infinitely more dangerous than Dixon. Don't you think we need a gamebreaker threat rather than three yards and a cloud of dust?

Jimmy D.- Ummmm Darren, did you miss Dixon's sixty-two yard screen play against Louisiana Tech? I think he proved there that he is more than a three yards a touch guy. Furthermore, it's tough to be a gamebreaker when you aren't scoring.

Harry- Yeah, Dixon just doesn't have the flash but he can bash, just look at him by the goal line. Another caller, this one from Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Bryan, caller- Guys, enough. Dixon is the man, this argument died with his three touchdowns. But Wesley Carroll's two picks this week and one last week make me think that we need to wind back the clock to our run only offense.

Jimmy D- Wow, Carroll throws eight touchdowns in two games but his three picks mean that we should take football back seventy years and hand off, hand off, hand off, and punt. From these calls, you couldn't guess that we're 2-0.

Harry- Bulldogs fans, I hate to break it to you but this is football in the new millenium. Carroll is a sophomore quarterback who, by the end of his career, will hold every passing record we've got so you either buckle up and enjoy the ride or find some wishbone team to root for.

Jimmy D- Agreed and I couldn't have said it better myself. Speaking of not being able to do something better, we have to give some love to Tim Bailey.

Harry- MAN, what a game. All we've heard is about how this team won't be able to put together a pass rush and then...BAM! Six tackles, four for a loss, two HUGE sacks, one which caused a fumble. If this is what it means to not be able to get a pass rush, I hope we can't get one all year.

Jimmy D- Yeah, the D-line was great but what about Tay Bowser pulling off another pick? Folks, we'll find out for sure as the season goes, but we look like a juggernaut. Nick, from Oxford. Ole Miss fan checking in?

Nick, caller- No, I'm maroon through and through. But guys, you've got to come back to earth. So we beat up on Louisiana Tech and Syracuse but have you seen the schedule? We probably have four guaranteed losses plus another one or two likely losses. I mean, it's a nice start, but this isn't a team put together to win yet.

Harry- Wow, I'm surprised somebody is so pessimistic so early.

Jimmy D- Look, I'm not saying we're winning the National Championship or even the SEC or even the SEC West but we'll compete. And not only will we compete, I can see us pulling off an upset or two. In fact, Auburn better be on their toes this coming weekend.

Harry- Alright guys, we're out so you can hear from some of our sponsors but remember to tune in next week...

[PurdueBrad]

Pre-Game Press Conference

Reporter- Coach, we've seen two sides of the same team. Week one brought about an air assault, week two a rushing attack. What should we expect to see against Auburn?

Coach Vest- Well, if I told you that I'm pretty sure that word would get back to Tommy [Tuberville]. Besides, to be honest, your guess is as good as mine. I was toying with the idea of turning us into an option team this week just to catch everyone off guard.

Reporter- Coach, Dixon or Ducre'?

Coach Vest- Okay, for the last time, this has been blown completely out of proportion. Christian has done well and earned some extra carries, none of this was meant to be punitive to A.D. We never even said that A.D. did anything wrong. I guess I'm really disappointed that when we decide to reward someone's hard work, it becomes a P.R. nightmare. Our starting tailback is and will be Anthony, period, end of sentence.

Question- How will your team handle the Auburn running attack?

Coach Vest- They have three strong, good runners at Auburn and it'll be hard work to stop them. Our goal will be to control the passing game and rattle their young QB. If we can pull that off, I think it will allow us to focus on stopping that rushing attack. And, if that doesn't work, I'll just pray extra hard.

Question- What have you seen in practice this week that we should look out for against the Tigers?

Coach Vest- I think we're going to see a big game from our special teams. Derek Pegues has looked exceptionally lethal the last couple days and I would not be surprised to see him take one to the house. In fact, he wanted to go out and guarantee it but I didn't want to see the Tigers looking to take cheap shots at him. Let's just say that Derek feels confident.

Question- Predictions for this game Coach?

Coach Vest- Ummm, yeah, I think that there will be at least one, no, no, make that two kick-offs and four quarters.

Question- No, seriously Coach. How do you think the team will do?

Coach Vest- I think our offense is going to be able to hang with the big boys. We'll score and, frankly, they'll score on us. But it's going to be a war. I was told, in no uncertain terms, that the Auburn game is one that the alumni, the administration, and the fans truly expect me to win and we will put all our energy into doing just that.

[JetsIn06]

This looks sweet!

Keep it comin'. :)

[PurdueBrad]

Five Burning Questions with: Quarterback Wesley Carroll

#1- What is your nickname?

Wesley Carroll- Ha, nice question. I'm sure somebody put you up to asking it so, here goes. Because of my first name, I picked up the nickname Princess Bride, you know, like the movie. Well, that's too long a nickname so everybody has shortened it...to Princess. So I'm a quarterback, my name is Wesley, and they all just call me Princess.

#2- Why did you choose Mississippi State?

W.C.- Coming out of high school at St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida, I was actively recruited by a lot of the mid-teir schools. Mississippi State seemed to be on the verge of building a passing attack though and I really wanted to be a part of it. I think the school record for touchdown passes in a season is fifteen or sixteen. I've got eight in two games. I'll get to help rewrite the record books and build a strong offense hopefully.

#3- Where do you stand on the Dixon vs. Ducre' debate?

W.C.- Ha, I'm not touching that one with a ten foot pole. I just want somebody back there that can run and catch and guess what, they both can.

#4- What is the most intimidating environment you've played in?

W.C.- Actually, I haven't played in the most intimidating place yet. That's a couple weeks off when we go to Tennessee. I mean, I know we play at LSU, but the Vols get over one hundred thousand fans in that stadium and they sing that 'Rocky Top' song. That is going to be crazy.

#5- Predictions for the Auburn game?

W.C.- Yeah, we're going to put the Tigers down. The team really feels like it is clicking right now and I have a feeling that a win against Auburn is coming. In fact, I'm guessing we'll win by at least two scores.


Just an update, our new file goes up Wednesday night I believe so I should have the Auburn game then

[PurdueBrad]

On the Recruiting Trail

Right now I'm working on one key recruit, Ervin Heard, halfback. We actually don't have that many needs for next season. I'll need to pull a couple receivers, which I should be able to do with 7 in my top 21 recruits, a kicker, a defensive end, and a linebacker. Outside of that, we've got a set roster so I can tinker a little bit and take some recruiting chances. One of those chances is Heard.

Heard is a four star prospect from Indianola, Mississippi so we've got the home state advantage going for us. Even with that though, it would be a huge victory for us to get a four star recruit. He's currently listed as the 20'th best halfback in the nation. He's listed as a speed back but what is interesting is that he's got good size to go with it. He's listed as being 6'0" and 202 pounds.

Now, the problem of course, if you've been following the team's controversy, we're set at running back. That being said, I'm likely going to take a chance and commit to making Heard our starter for next year. What I will likely do is move Anthony Dixon to fullback and go with a pair of good backs in the backfield. Having two guys back there that can catch should also take pressure off of Wesley Carroll.

After him, our other big recruit is a 4 star athlete from Titusville, Florida. John McPhearson looks like he will either be a strong secondary player or receiver at 6'1", 190 pounds. We're third on his list but I am confident that if we continue to win that he's a guy that we can likely steal.

One of the big advantages we've got is that Coach Croom has us set up with three pipeline states in addition to Mississippi. We have a solid recruiting foundation in Alabama, which currently boasts five of the recruits we're hunting. Georgia is the second of the pipeline states and, surprisingly, I've got nobody on the board from Georgia yet. The big coup though is that Florida is a pipeline state for us. Florida produces such a depth of talent that having any kind of foothold here is huge. In fact, eight of our key recruits hail from the Sunshine State. Mississippi, being our home state, gives us a good number of targets as well. Mississippi has six recruits on our list. Outside of that, we're willing to comb the country for talent. We've got guys from Virginia, Ohio, South Dakota, and California on our recruitment list as well as a variety of other states.

One of my keys this first year is to bring in a low risk but deep class. This means that I'm not going to be chasing a lot of Top 100 guys or five star recruits unless they show a strong amount of interest early. I do like getting in enough depth that I might be able to redshirt a couple of these guys because I like the talent we do have.

[PurdueBrad]

14'th ranked Auburn Tigers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

The Bulldogs got their first true test of the year when the Auburn Tigers invaded Starkville on Saturday. Coach Vest and company promised surprises and quarterback Wesley Carroll even guaranteed a two score victory. Carroll would be partly wrong in his prediction.

The game began with cornerback Tay Bowser picking off Auburn's first pass of the game. As great as that play was, it ended on a dark note. Bowser, the team's leader in interceptions, did not get up off the grass after being tackled. Trainers would help him to the sideline with a back injury that kept him out for the rest of the game which left a glaring hole in the secondary.

Wesley Carroll picked the team up and moved them quickly to a first and goal from the six yard line. After a failed run, the Bulldogs went to an out pass to slot receiver Co-Eric Riley. Unfortunately for Riley and Carroll, Auburn corner Ryan Williams jumped the route, snatched the pass, and tore down the sideline for a record-setting ninety-seven yard return, Auburn 7-0.

The Bulldogs special teams started the team out with strong field position. The team again plodded down field, ending the drive with a one yard touchdown plunge by Anthony Dixon. Tie game 7-7.

The Bulldogs defense would start to struggle at this point. Auburn would put together an eleven play, almost robotic drive that ended with an eight yard draw for a touchdown on third and goal. This put Auburn up 14-7 as a visibly frustrated coaching staff was forced to re-evaluate their game plan as the first quarter drew to a close.

The second quarter would open with Mississippi State putting together one of their best drives. The running game sputtered and Auburn continued to jump almost every passing route but Wesley Carroll still was able to drive the Bulldogs to a big score. A play-action at the goal line, quickly becoming a staple of the offense, gave Carroll his lone passing touchdown of the day, this one to Brandon Hart.

Mississippi State would force a quick out by the Tigers and put together yet another drive on Carroll's arm. This time Anthony Dixon would scamper in for a five yard score, giving him his second rushing touchdown of the day. The Bulldogs had a 21-14 lead.

As the first half started to wind down, the Auburn Tigers were forced to settle for a pair of field goals, bringing the visitors within one point, 21-20. The Mississippi Bulldogs would get a field goal of their own as time ran out on the half, sending the teams to the locker room with a 24-20 Mississippi State lead.

The third quarter was a sloppy one, in which the two teams would trade bad possession after bad possession. This quarter featured six three and outs, five drops by Mississippi State Bulldogs receivers, and a switch at running back for the Bulldogs.

Anthony Dixon, scores aside, had just thirty-seven yards on eleven carries at the half and was only helping to stall out the offense. Reluctant to watch another half of stale offense, Coach Vest put the ball in the hands of Christian Ducre' out of the backfield. On his first three carries, Ducre' nearly surpassed Dixon's yardage total for the day. However, for all the changes at halftime, the third quarter would be a scoreless deadlock, keeping the score the same as the first half.

Auburn opened the fourth quarter with a long, four and a half minute scoring drive that put the Tigers in the driver's seat. The Auburn kicker would make a fatal mistake though, blowing the extra point and leaving the door open for a Bulldogs' comeback.

On their ensuing possession, Carroll attacked an ever-tightening Auburn defense, facing two third and sevens but prevailing each time. Facing third and goal from the one and battering ram Anthony Dixon on the bench, Carroll took things in his own hands...or legs. The quarterback dropped back, looking to make a quick strike but seeing nothing, shot through a gap in the line for the score, touchdown Bulldogs. The Bulldogs elected to go for two, which would put the home team up by six. However, it was not to be. The Tigers defense again jumped the passing route and Carroll fired into coverage, only to have the pass picked and returned for a long safety. Instead of being up by six, the Bulldogs now clung to a 30-28 lead.

The Bulldog defense continued to find themselves pushed around, quickly allowing the Tigers into field goal range. They finally held off the attack and forced the Tigers to attempt a thirty-one yard field goal to take the lead. The ball crossed through the uprights just as the clock showed 2:00. The ranked Tigers had a 31-30 lead and looked to close things out with their deadly defense.

The Bulldogs began their last drive at their own twenty-two, their worst field position of the day. Carroll began picking away over the middle as the Tigers' defense had decimated any outside passing game the Bulldogs had hoped to put together. The team methodically moved downfield, never showing desperation or even signs of stress. The Bulldog offense crossed the fifty yard line with fifty-seven seconds left. The team continued to show patience, ultimately finding their way to the Tigers' twenty-eight yard line with thirty seconds and three time outs.

A rotating combination of Ducre' runs and time outs would put them on the Tigers' fourteen yardline with just four seconds to play. As the team lined up, the Tigers called a time out hoping to ice the kicker. Blake McAdams stood along on the field, waiting for his shot. When his time finally came, it was both straight and true and secured the win for the Bulldogs.

The scoreboard read 33-31 as the home fans stormed the field to celebrate the huge upset.

[PurdueBrad]

A Coach's Day: Coach Vest's Weblog

The Auburn Game

I love home games, love them, love them, love them. There are few places out there better than Starkville to play a game. But what I really love about home games is strolling through the tailgating area at Davis Wade Stadium. But let me start with my basic routine.

For a 3:30 start, like today's game, I'll usually sleep in until around 8 am. I'll take a quick shower, browse the sports page, and head out on my motorcycle for the stadium. I've found that with traffic, it's much easier to dart around on the bike. I'll park it in the lobby to the coach's offices, which I'm sure our custodial staff just loves. I'll go into the conference room and review my plan for the day.

Usually, it's about 9 or 9:30 and I'll start to get a bit antsy so I'll go stretch my legs by walking tent city. This is also where I usually pick up my breakfast. One of our long time fans and season ticket holders, Chris Rodgers makes these amazing chorizo and egg burritos in the morning and wow, they'll blow you away. So I'll stop, have a couple, and chat with the fans that recognize me. Being new this year, I'm still a bit anonymous but I don't know how long that'll last.

At 10:30, I have my coaching staff report to the conference room so that we can take one last look at our game plan. For instance, today I feel like we can get some good yards off of our out routes. We haven't run a lot of out patterns in our first two games and I think a solid play-action could set-up some big hits, particularly on third and medium or third and long.

I finish with the coaches around 11:30 and they usually head upstairs for the lunch spread that the caterers put out. Sometimes I'll go up there, but sometimes, for big games like today, I'll be a bit too wired to eat. I mean, come on, national television, a ranked opponent, Hell, I'm ready to play now!

At noon, any recruits we have visiting drop by and today is a BIG day for recruiting. We have seven players making the trip, including two of our biggest recruits, Ervin Heard and John McPhearson. As you'll recall, Heard is a four star running back and McPhearson a four star athlete.

Both these guys could be focal points on our offense but together, they would be an amazing tandem. This is one of the reasons I brought both guys in today. Sometimes I like to keep the big recruits separate so that I can really provide an individual experience but I wanted these guys to think about the possibility of being on the field at the same time. Plus, it doesn't hurt for a recruit to look around and see another big name recruit or two.

I enter the luxury box to find all eight recruits and their player escorts attacking the snack table we set up. When I walk in though, things immediately quite down and calm down. I take my time, introducing myself to each recruit individually and talking about some play or another that I saw them make on one of our videos. Once I'm done with the meet and greet, I have them take a seat and I start to lay out my vision for Mississippi State football.

"I am truly honored to have you guys in Starkville today. The fact that you would use one of your visits to come here means a lot to me, which is why I'm taking time to talk to you even though we face such a tough opponent today. I look around this room and see guys that can be the foundation of a great team. Among you are running backs, receivers, linebackers, and defensive linemen. I can see, just in this room, the core of a great team. Look at the guys around you, here at Mississippi State these guys could be your fellow Bulldogs.

A lot of places you visit, the coaches will try and sell you on their school, on their program, on themselves. I'm not going to do that. Here's what you can expect if you come here. You can expect an academic program that will challenge you and prepare you. You can expect a football training program that will challenge and prepare you. And you can expect a football season that will challenge and prepare you. You will be on national television, you will be taught by high caliber professors and coaches, you will be embraced by our fans, you will be a role model to your peers, and you will be the pride of Mississippi State.

I've told you what you can expect from us, here's what I expect from you. We want your heart, your passion for football, for learning, for excellence. Do you know what the difference between a 6-6 team and a 10-2 team in the SEC is? It's heart, heart is a four games a year difference. We brought you in because when we see you play, we see you play with heart. You tackle with heart, you run with heart, you catch with heart. If you have heart, you belong in Starkville. If you don't, head to Ole Miss.

I'm not going to put a piece of paper in front of you today and pressure you to sign it. In fact, you'll never see a committment paper while you're here. I don't want you to think about that, I want you to see what we are about and how we can make your life and your future and your dreams possible. If, by the end of your visit, you want to commit, you simply ask for that document. If you want to take more time, we will not be disappointed. I appreciate how critical a decision this is. If by the end of your visit you decide Starkville isn't for you, let me know, and I will shake your hand and wish you the best of luck.

Now, gentlemen, if you'll excuse me, I've got an upset to prepare for. Your player escorts will take you out to tent city and, when I look up in the stands during the game, I hope to see your faces painted maroon and white.

The SEC is a hard place to recruit. We've got so many schools packed into such a tight geographic area that it is a big competition. I try to make us different by not treating the players like they are some prize in a contest. I don't consider myself a great recruiter but I'm learning and getting better and I hope to reflect that each year.

I leave the recruits and hit the locker room around one o'clock. The players are in the midst of arriving and going through the game plans in their heads. I'll mingle, let players know about any changes we've made for the day, and generally try to keep the guys loose. The coaches will take them through stretches and some pre-game from one thirty to two-thirty. Their various position coaches and coordinators will then discuss the plans with them until three o'clock, when we reconvene for my pre-game talk. The recruits enter the locker room at this point as well, taking their place along the wall.

The players gather around in a circle, take part in a quick, non-denominational prayer, and I begin my speech.

The Auburn Tigers are coming into our house today, coming into our house to exact revenge over the way we beat them last year. They want blood. Look in the papers, Tuberville says that this is going to be a statement game for them. Well, I don't know about you, but I want to turn that statement into a huge question mark for Auburn-nation. The only ones making a statement here today should be us. The statement we're going to make is that we belong. We belong at the top of the SEC. We belong in a game against the 14'th ranked team in the country. We belong on the field with the Auburn Tigers. Offense, you show them that you belong in that endzone. It's your endzone. Defense, you show them that they don't belong in our endzone. They're ranked but who have they beaten? Louisiana-Monroe? Southern Miss? Come on, when Auburn wants a game, they know that they have to come north to Starkville. They think that they can just run through Mississippi, starting with Southern. They then plan on running through us and we all know that they'll run through Ole Miss. It's on us to defend our state. It's on us to defend our homefield. It's on us to show Auburn that they don't belong and that we do. So let me ask you, who belongs?

Again, who belongs?

Last time, who belongs, who belongs, who belongs?

And the team storms out of the locker room chanting "We do, we do, we do."

To be continued...

[PurdueBrad]

A Coach's Day: Coach Vest's Weblog

The Auburn Game (continued)

I stood to the side talking to Tommy Tuberville for a few quick moments before the game. We mainly discussed what he expected out of the SEC. I keep figuring a Georgia-LSU title game but he surprised me by predicting that South Carolina may actually unseat Georgia.

On Auburn's opening drive, I went crazy when Tay Bowser picked off their first pass. Unfortunately that play ended with Boswer coming up lame. We plugged the hole in the secondary but he leaves a glaring hole when he's not on the field. This definitely was setting a bad, bad tone but we quickly drove down to their goal line.

I talked to my offensive coordinator upstairs and we decided this was the perfect time to break out one of our new plays. Second and goal from the six, we ran an out route to Co-Eric Riley. Carroll took the snap and fired on the timing route, just like we practiced. Their corner jumped the route, grabbed the ball and took off ninety-seven yards down the sideline for a score. It's one of those moments where as a coach, your stomach just tightens.

We went back and forth with Auburn, nailing a field goal as the half ran out, securing a 24-20 lead. One of the things that we have happen during halftime is we take time to highlight the recruits that are in the stadium. We put together a three play highlight package that is shown on our new video board and then the cameras show each recruit in the crowd. Our fans are wonderful about giving them an ovation and, sometimes, even chanting the player's name. Talk about bringing goose bumps, these kids get almost sixty thousand fans chanting their name just because they see a couple highlights.

In the meantime, I'm in the locker room with the team.

Four points...four damn points. Guys, we should have another touchdown and them one less but a poor play call on our part and a poor decision on the field cause that. But you overcame. You showed something by battling back. You showed that we belong.

Our offense right now, is not lethal. We're doing just enough. The running game is sputtering. Anthony, I don't think it's your fault, the blockers aren't helping you out. We're going to turn the second half over to Christian, just because his speed and agility allow him to dance around those problems. Line, I'm telling you now, if you let Christian get pushed around too, you'll wish you picked somewhere else to go to school.

Defensively, we're bending...a lot. They're starting to get hot defensively, particularly in the air. Either we step up and stop them or we watch them prove that we don't belong.

Guys, understand this, pick your heads up, look at me. We're playing the 14'th ranked team on national television and we're beating them. Let me ask you, what have you shown this first half? That's right, that we belong. Now, you get out there and prove to everyone that we belong. You are currently poised with your foot on the Tiger's throat, now is the time to cut off their air. Finish them.

The team took the field for the second half and battled through a scoreless third. In the fourth, things looked bad. The Tigers seemed to read every curl, every slant, and, more importantly, every out route. In fact, following a late touchdown we had a chance to go up six by going for two. We went back to the out and...another pick, this one returned for a safety. Now, rather than up by six, we hold a two point lead with four minutes to play.

Auburn gets the ball and moves, moves, moves. I eventually snapped at our coaching staff, "Stop them damnit. Figure it out and stop them." We eventually let them get to the fourteen yard line before the team took my advice and stopped them. As the clock struck 2:00 remaining, the Tigers took a 31-30 lead.

I looked around and saw that the defense was hanging their heads. I pulled them together during the kick-off. "Pick your heads up. Pick 'em up. You pulled together, albeit a bit late, and stopped the Tigers and gave us a shot at victory. We're within a field goal...line up and cheer on your offense."

The guys followed my lead and we went to work with the ball. Wesley Carroll, against a tough defense and several receivers who were having their worst games, started to get things going. We crossed the fifty yard line with just under a minute to go and it was like a shot of electricity through the stadium. The fans were going crazy, my defensive players were locked arm-in-arm, trying to will us to victory. We ultimately made it to the Auburn fourteen yard line with four seconds to play. Blake McAdams stood beside me for the final thirty seconds and I looked at the young man, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Go get us a victory."

He trotted out and Auburn called the time out to ice him. He wandered off by himself, standing at the thirty-five yard line while the line huddled up. He returned, stared down the goal posts, and when the snap and hold came, he put it up straight and true. The last thing I saw of him before the fans mobbed the field was him flinging his helmet straight up in the air and running towards our bench.

As the fans rushed the field, I ducked my head and made my way towards the tunnel. I shook a couple hands on along the way but I wanted to leave the kids to celebrate on their own.

An hour and a half after the game, I met with the recruits for the last time of the day. I was too hoarse to talk so I simply let them tell me about their experiences. They were truly pumped over what they saw and, as a recruiter, I couldn't have been happier.

I watched a replay of the game wth a pizza as coaches wandered in and out. I finally left the stadium at eleven o'clock to finish my night off at home with a nice, comforting Captain and Coke.

Whew, what a day.

[PurdueBrad]

The Reflector

Point/Counterpoint: Fans Rushing the Field
Con

Controversy started brewing again this week in Starkville as the Bulldogs upset Auburn. But this time, it isn't about something like starting running back or defensive play, but instead the controversy is about us, the student fan. After the victory, one that was worthy of celebration, the fans streamed out of the stands and onto the field, prompting Tommy Tuberville, Auburn's coach to say, "It really is a horrible and dangerous spectacle. As a fan, you really need to act like you've won a game or two and not give into this outdated tradition." And you know what, Tuberville is right. If you're a fan of the Bulldogs and a believer in the program, than you shouldn't have been hugely surprised by the victory, you should've expected victory.

But I understand, we weren't supposed to win, so there is that element of excitement. But think about these situations. You get a promotion at work, do you immediately rip off your shirt and run through the office? You're at a bar and you ask out that person you've adored for months, do you respond by throwing your beer in the air, running into the parking lot and attempting to climb the bar's sign? These events simply warrant a "congratulations" or a high five and, furthermore, a promotion or a date with that crush is much more life changing than some football team winning a game.

Coach Vest talked a lot about proving, "We belong." Well, as fans, we certainly didn't act like we belong. We acted like we've never been there before. Our behavior simply perpetuates that media stereotype of us as drunken, rowdy, uncontrollable college kids who have no idea how to behave in proper society.

Finally, we have to address the safety issue. The first aid station at the stadium saw a huge spike in injuries after the on-field celebration. Seventeen fans were treated for a variety of cuts, bumps, and bruises suffered during the celebration. "I tripped and fans just continued to step over, around, and even on me rather than stop to help me up," said one injured fan, describing the chaos.

So next time we have a big game against some huge opponent and we pull off a tremendous upset, give a high-five to those around you, have a drink at the bar to celebrate, but understand that being a college student isn't an excuse to run around like a wild animal.

to be continued with the pro argument

[PurdueBrad]

The Reflector

Point/Counterpoint: Fans Rushing the Field
Pro

An unranked football team welcomes a national powerhouse into their stadium. The experts say the unranked team has no chance, Vegas calls for a blowout, even the home team fans just hope for a good game. But then, the unthinkable happens and Mississippi State knocks off the Auburn Tigers with a last second kick. Sixty thousand screaming fans go crazy and a third of them spontaneously rush the field to celebrate their team's victory.

Nobody has ever been killed or seriously hurt rushing the field. We're not turning over cars, firing guns in the air, or anything like that. We're running out to the field, looking to high five the victors and simply take part, in some small way, in the victory of our heroes.

Look at some of sports' most memorable moments. The Stanford band rushes the field, albeit early. Those two guys join Hank Aaron and round third base with him. And year after year in college football, fans rush the field the honor and celebrate their team's huge victory. It's things like that that make sports special. It's those moments that make sports memorable. College sports is all about youthful excitement and what better to demonstrate it than rushing the field.

I really can't believe that we are even having this debate. Since when does a visiting, opposing coach have the right to ridicule us and try to change our behavior? I think Tommy Tuberville should just take his sour grapes back to Auburn and see if he can turn that vinegar into wine. And who knows, maybe one day his team can pull off a big enough win that the Auburn fans will be excited enough to celebrate.

[PurdueBrad]

Mississippi State Lands First Recruit

John McPhearson has spent much of his senior year fielding phone calls, opening tons of recruiting letters, and dealing with visits from a variety of coaches. So goes it for a four star prospect. But just today, he took the first step in eliminating all those hardships. McPhearson, listed as an athlete as he plays both ways at Titusville High School in Florida, has opted to give a soft commitment to the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The wide receiver/cornerback chose to attend the SEC school following his visit the weekend that they upset Auburn. "What an amazing environment and experience. I figured that them upsetting Auburn was a sign," explained the young recruit. He would go on to praise the players, coaches, and fans for showing him just how great Starkville can be. "The town, the campus, all of it was great. It was also cool being here with some of the other recruits. I'm hoping my commitment will help some of them make the choice to come here too," said the future Bulldog.

McPhearson, listed at 6'1", 190 pounds, will likely fill in the depth chart at receiver as the Bulldogs will be losing several key receivers. McPhearson's height, jumping ability, and speed will be a huge advantage on the offensive side of the ball. If the team were to land more receivers than they need, it would not be a huge surprise to see McPhearson end up on the defensive side of things as he is a tremendous talent. McPhearson currently has 27 catches, 317 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 5 games this season at Titusville High School. On defense, he has accounted for 21 tackles and 2 interceptions.

McPhearson is the first signing for Coach Vest and his Bulldogs. With the young player being recruited by home state favorites Florida and Miami, it appears to be quite a coup for Mississippi State. McPhearson is currently ranked as the 13'th best athlete in the country, which provides a very strong foundation for Vest's first recruiting class.

[PurdueBrad]

Another Soft Commitment for Mississippi State

Things are getting busy at Starkville with yet another incoming freshman registering his intent to play football for the Bulldogs. On the heels of the John McPhearson signing, the Bulldogs quickly added a soft commitment from Andrew Greco, a three star defensive end.

Greco, currently rated as the nation's thirty-seventh best defensive end, is another Florida recruit for Mississippi State as Coach Vest continues to work the pipeline. The defensive end is 6'3" and weighs in at 236 pounds and he is quite agile and quick for his size.

"One of the big things that impressed us about Greco is how quickly he can move. He reminds me a lot of a young Dwight Freeney," explained Coach Vest.

Andrew Greco was part of the group of recruits that visited campus this past weekend for the Auburn game. "Wow, I was speechless after the game. I love football but this was my first time getting to see big time football live and I was blown away. I couldn't help but commit to State," explained Greco.

Greco attends high school at Vero Beach High School in Vero Beach, Florida. He plays both defensive end and some linebacker there and currently leads the team with seven sacks. Vero Beach's most famous football alum is Kenny Holmes, a defensive end that played in the NFL for several seasons.

Greco will help make the Bulldog pass rush extra-vicious but the team will likely look to add some weight and strength to him so that he is able to hold up against the run.

Greco had drawn interest from LSU, Florida, and Ole Miss but ultimately went with the Bulldogs. "I just think that Mississippi State will be a better fit for me. I want to get on the field and start making things happen and it looks like the Bulldogs will give me that opportunity first," the recruit stated.

This is actually the second time now that Coach Vest has been able to steal a prospect from Coach Urban Meyer at University of Florida as well as the other Florida schools. "We do things right here. We've got a core of guys here already from Florida and they help spread the word back home that Mississippi is a good place to be. It's nice that we're able to get some kind of hold in a football hotbed like Florida," explained Coach Vest.

Current Recruiting Class
John McPhearson, 4* athlete (13'th ranked athlete)
Andrew Greco, 3* defensive end (37'th ranked defensive end)

[PurdueBrad]

College Gameday (relevant segment)

Chris Fowler- We now turn our eyes to Atlanta for an ACC-SEC battle between the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets and Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Kirk Herbstreit- The Bulldogs are coming off of a HUGE win, defeating the Auburn Tigers. That win allowed the Bulldogs to enter the polls for the first time this year.

Lee Corso- That's right Kirk but the 25'th ranked Bulldogs are in for a fight against these Yellow Jackets from Georgia Tech. They might be 1-2 but they have a running game that is tough to match.

Kirk- Georgia Tech is really going to try and work the edges, run at the defensive ends who have been underperforming or perhaps bounce it even further out and try to take advantage of the undersized cornerback group that Mississippi State has. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt is quickly learning the option system and has demonstrated some improved decision-making.

Lee- State will likely counter with a lot of run blitzes, which could expose them at times for the big play.

Chris- But Mississippi State's offense isn't too bad either.

Kirk- No they aren't Chris. Led by sophomore quarterback Wes Carroll, a veteran receiving group, and two solid running backs in Anthony Dixon and Christian Ducre', they can be tough to stop.

Lee- I look for the Bulldogs to take advantage of an over-aggressive Tech defense by including a good number of play action passes and maybe even a couple of options. The key will be isolating All-American defensive end Michael Johnson. He's just plain scary. All in all, I think this is setting up to be a good game.

Chris- And don't forget the x-factor here. Mississippi State travels to LSU next week and no matter what they may say, you know that game is definitely going to be on their minds.

Kirk- I don't think Mississippi State will get upset but I do think that this will be a much closer game than many expect. I take the Bulldogs. Lee?

Lee- Kirk, let me tell you this. The Mississippi State Bulldogs will commit to the ground game, possibly even find ways to get Dixon and Ducre' in the backfield at the same time, and they will run for over 150 yards, allowing them to put away a close game. Bulldogs win this week but their bubble bursts at LSU.