Articles by Ben Portnoy
How the Cape Cod Baseball League’s cancellation could impact Mississippi State players
STARKVILLE — For over 100 years, the Cape Cod Baseball League has functioned as the pinnacle of summer collegiate baseball.
Analysis: Mississippi State produces NFL talent, but it hasn’t shown in the record books
STARKVILLE — For a program that had just 16 players selected in the NFL Draft between 2000 and 2010, Mississippi State’s recent production of professional talent is profound.
MSU graphic designers animate Bulldogs’ NFL dreams coming true
It starts with a ring. The animated cell phone in the middle of the screen buzzes twice. It’s the NFL. Starkville native and former Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay Jr. has just been drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Nine Mississippi State players sign undrafted free agent deals following NFL Draft
STARKVILLE — While it’s been barely two days since the 2020 NFL Draft’s completion, a number of former Mississippi State players have discovered their professional destinations.
Willie Gay Jr. selected in second round of NFL Draft
Former Starkville High School standout and Mississippi State product Willie Gay Jr. was the first Bulldog off the board in this weekend’s NFL Draft.
Final: Five Mississippi State players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft
STARKVILLE — Welcome to the live updates page from The Dispatch.
Mississippi State’s Nikki McCray-Penson finalizes assistant coaching hires
STARKVILLE — Nikki McCray-Penson has finalized her first staff at Mississippi State.
Analysis: Ranking the best Mississippi State value picks since 2010 ahead of the NFL draft’s second day
Since 2010, 26 former MSU players have been taken in rounds 2-7. Who proved to be the best picks for their NFL teams?
Brother of former Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott dead at 31
Jace Prescott reportedly passed away Thursday morning, according to The Shreveport Times.
Derailed by injuries at Mississippi State, Tommy Stevens hoping to be NFL Draft’s most versatile quarterback
STARKVILLE — Tommy Stevens’ first start at Davis Wade Stadium was scripted perfectly.
An NFL Draft Guide for a Mississippi State fan
STARKVILLE — While the bright lights of the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas won’t greet prospects at this year’s as was originally scheduled, the 2020 NFL Draft should mark the beginning of a number of former Mississippi State players’ professional football careers.
An NFL Draft Q&A with The Athletic’s Dane Brugler
STARKVILLE — One year after watching three former Bulldogs go in the first round, the next slate of former Mississippi State players are slated to begin their professional football careers on Thursday as the NFL Draft gets underway.
Mississippi State’s Nikki McCray-Penson looking for guard depth with first offers in 2021 recruiting class
STARKVILLE — Nikki McCray-Penson is hitting the recruiting trail.
Mississippi State quarterback Keytaon Thompson enters transfer portal
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s quarterback room is set to be a little less crowded.
With Thomas Davis’ commitment, Mississippi State continuing search for linebacker depth in 2021 class
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s defense of the future is beginning to take form.
‘My DNA is winning championships’: How Nikki McCray-Penson’s identity has been defined by her former coaches
From playing under Pat Summitt at Tennessee to coaching under Dawn Staley at South Carolina, Mississippi State’s new coach has the experiences, the mentors and the memories to succeed in Starkville.
Former coach Vic Schaefer bringing his Mississippi State staff to Texas
With Schaefer taking the head coaching job at Texas, the Longhorns announced Friday that associate head coaches Johnnie Harris and Dionnah Jackson-Durrett would join him. Elena Lovato and Dominique Dillingham will also head to Austin.
Analysis: With scholarships to fill, here’s who Nikki McCray-Penson and Mississippi State could hypothetically turn to in the transfer market
STARKVILLE — Nikki McCray-Penson is looking for fit.
Former Mississippi State forward Chloe Bibby transferring to Maryland
STARKVILLE — Former Mississippi State forward Chloe Bibby will finish out her college career on the East Coast.
Nikki McCray-Penson’s identity at Mississippi State will be layered, but her expectations are clear
Stops under Pat Summitt, Dawn Staley and others have given the Bulldogs’ new coach varying systems and ideas to forge her own path.
