Articles by Ben Portnoy
Portnoy’s Playbook: Hill takes to the air again
STARKVILLE — Happy Monday, folks. As has become our weekly tradition, it’s time for the latest edition of Portnoy’s Playbook.
Willie Gay Jr. brings the dramatics in return from suspension
Linebacker Willie Gay Jr.’s contagious enthusiasm reverberated through the MSU roster Saturday — whether he was on the field or off it.
“I wish I had 100 Willies,” head coach Joe Moorhead said.
Mississippi State defense shines in win over Kentucky
The Bulldogs (3-1) eked out a 28-13 win over Kentucky (2-2) Saturday to begin SEC play 1-0.
West Lowndes can’t overcome Nanih Waiya
The Panthers fell to 4-1 on the season after starting 4-0 for the first time since 2016.
Terrell Buckley, Mark Stoops to rekindle Florida State days
Mississippi State cornerbacks coach Terrell Buckley and Kentucky coach Mark Stoops had a two-year overlap in Tallahassee between 2010 and 2011.
Three matchups to watch as Mississippi State takes on Kentucky
With the Bulldogs hoping to begin their SEC slate with a victory, here are three matchups to watch Saturday afternoon when the Wildcats come to Starkville.
Amariyon Howard carving out role in Starkville offense
Fresh off his second 100-yard game of the season in last week’s 35-7 win over Louisville, Howard is beginning to find steadier footing in the Yellow Jackets’ backfield.
Depleted Mississippi State running backs room is cause for concern
Beyond the expected bumps and bruises SEC football breeds, MSU running back Kylin Hill has remained healthy so far. More pressing is the Bulldogs’ lack of depth behind him.
Urgency surrounds MSU heading into Week 4
STARKVILLE — Joe Moorhead’s second term at Mississippi State has marked a year of tempered expectations.
Gone are the days of speaking of ring sizes and creating a championship tradition. At present, Moorhead’s focus is on the weekly one-game seasons he so often harps on.
Moorhead Monday: Shrader’s redshirt, secondary depth and banged up running backs
STARKVILLE — Two games into the season, the redshirt musical chairs has begun at Mississippi State.
Osirus Mitchell shows further promise as Mississippi State receivers struggle
Osirus Mitchell’s game against Kansas State on Saturday offered another glimpse of the No. 1 receiver upside he’s shown in a receiving corps that desperately needs a standout.
Stevens’ injury, inconsistent play mar MSU loss to Kansas State
STARKVILLE — Staring down a 4th-and-16 at the Kansas State 35 yard line, Mississippi State freshman quarterback Garrett Shrader took flight.
Starkville downs Louisville behind Altmyer, Yellow Jacket defense
STARKVILLE — There was a familiar buzz as the second quarter clock ticked toward zero at Yellow Jacket Stadium on Friday night.
MSU vs. Kansas State: Wildcats bring balanced rushing attack, consistent defense to Starkville
STARKVILLE — The last time Kansas State played a game at Davis Wade Stadium? — 1974.
Class is in session: How Chris Marve went from middle school math teacher to MSU linebacker coach
STARKVILLE — Chris Marve pulled a pen from behind his right ear.
Starkville looking for defensive improvement against Louisville
STARKVILLE — Starkville High senior defensive tackle Jaylan Ware stood against a brick column.
MSU women’s basketball to play in Greater Victoria Invitational
STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State women’s basketball is heading north of the border.
‘Thing One’ and ‘Thing Two’: How Martin Emerson and Jarrian Jones have added energy to the MSU defensive backfield
Dubbed “Thing One” and “Thing Two” due to their respective jersey numbers, the two freshmen have brought a youthful exuberance to a Mississippi State defensive backs room that is far from lacking in characters.
