Articles by Ben Portnoy
Smith to undergo Tommy John surgery
STARKVILLE — A Mississippi State spokesperson confirmed to The Dispatch Wednesday sophomore pitcher Brandon Smith will undergo Tommy John surgery.
Moorhead, Bulldogs refocused as Tennessee looms
Mississippi State has boasted a reinvigorated mindset heading into a weekend date with the Volunteers (1-4, 0-2 SEC).
Moorhead Monday: Suspensions; two-quarterback systems; Walker redshirting
STARKVILLE — The weight of the preseason suspensions are beginning to take their toll.
‘Why would you quit?’: Brian Cole’s winding road to stardom
Brian Cole’s time at MSU has been nearly as meandering and bumpy as his path to it. But finally healthy and boasting a renewed confidence in his ability, he’s flourished in defensive coordinator Bob Shoop’s scheme in 2019.
Tyrese Hopkins, Jaylan Ware continue to anchor Starkville defense with Germantown looming
With the Yellow Jackets needing to replace eight defensive starters entering this season, Ware and Hopkins have helped expedite the process of rebuilding a youthful Starkville defense — one that will be tested this week against Germantown.
Five local products, eight MSU commits named to all-star roster
Five local products and eight Mississippi State commits have been named to the Mississippi roster for the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star classic per a news release.
PETA steps in on Bully’s brush with Auburn
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals took issue with Mississippi State’s live mascot, Bully XXI, and his place on the sideline during football games.
MSU notebook: Stevens, recruiting trail, Fair Pay to Play Act
With a much needed bye week upon it, MSU is taking the time to get healthy.
Moorhead addresses Rutgers rumors
STARKVILLE — Joe Moorhead isn’t going anywhere — at least not yet.
Mississippi State’s penchant for penalties proving costly
Saturday’s game against Auburn was another data point exhibiting MSU’s startling propensity for penalties both in losses and on the road.
Portnoy’s Playbook: Dissecting MSU’s nightmare start
STARKVILLE — Welcome back to another edition of Portnoy’s Playbook.
Garrett Shrader inconsistent but offers optimism in first road appearance
With Tommy Stevens leaving his third game in four outings due to injury combined with Shrader’s recent success, the MSU quarterback room is decidedly unsettled.
Mississippi State defense thrashed in rout at Auburn
The Tigers’ offense ran circles around Mississippi State in Saturday’s 56-23 Bulldog loss.
Starkville downs South Panola in back-and-forth affair
In a game that was full of back-and-forth play, Starkville came from behind to hand South Panola its first loss.
MSU’s Shrader proving to be far more than just a quarterback
STARKVILLE — As Mississippi State freshman quarterback Garrett Shrader strolled to the podium in the media room at the Leo Seal Jr. football complex last week, the familiar tune of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” whispered off his bearded lips.
Magnolia Cup returns to Oxford as MSU and Ole Miss battle to a draw
STARKVILLE — As the persistent banging of drums reverberated throughout the stands at the Mississippi State Soccer Field Thursday, senior forward MaKayla Waldner began her run.
Three matchups to watch as MSU takes on Auburn
STARKVILLE — For the first time in 2019, Mississippi State is hitting the road — well, kind of.
With rough patch behind him, Starkville quarterback Luke Altmyer readies for South Panola
Friday, the Yellow Jackets host South Panola with a refreshed Altmyer under center, and the Starkville offense is more than ready for what this weekend brings.
Crunching the numbers: Can Mississippi State star running back Kylin Hill win the Heisman Trophy?
While it’s admittedly early to crown a Heisman winner, it’s worth examining Hill’s case for the annual award based on past running backs who have won it.
Moorhead Monday: Quarterbacks still complicated, Kylin Hill’s historic start, Shrader earns honor
STARKVILLE — It appears the only constant in the Mississippi State quarterbacks room of late is persistent inconsistency.
Reese and Valincius earn USA Baseball invites
June 15, 2025
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