Clark, defense lead Starkville past West Point

STARKVILLE — Rodrigues Clark wasn’t happy with his play in the first half.

The Starkville High School football running back wasn’t involved much in the offense, but when he was, he wasn’t very productive. The Yellow Jackets didn’t need him, but Clark decided to be more productive in the second half.

Mossy Oak opens new golf course

Clay Homan likes to reserve judgment before giving his thoughts about a golf course.

MSU finally set to kick off 2016 season

STARKVILLE — It has been a long wait for the 2016 college football season since Southeastern Conference Media Days in July.

A humid August filled with training camps only made the wait seem that much longer, but that wait and all of the speculation and prognostications will end at 11 a.m. Saturday when the Mississippi State football team plays host to South Alabama at Davis Wade Stadium. The SEC Network will broadcast the game live.

Leonard has impressive debut for EMCC

ELLISVILLE — Raphael Leonard was tired.

The East Mississippi Community College sophomore wide receiver wasn’t alone.

With only 32 players available due to suspensions from a fight last season at Mississippi Delta C.C., top-ranked EMCC didn’t have very much depth for its season opener Thursday at Jones County Junior College.

Johnson looks to lead Jaguars’ ground game

South Alabama football running back Xavier Johnson can’t help but smile as he looks back on his sophomore season.

Johnson set school records with 956 rushing yards and 1,447 all-purpose yards as the Jaguars finished 5-7. He ranked fifth in school history with nine total touchdowns, including seven rushing. He had five 100-plus yards games — the most in a season by a Jaguar running back against Division I opponents. For his efforts, he was an honorable mention All-Sun Belt Conference selection.

Johnson’s performance has made him want more as a follow-up.

West Point-Starkville rekindle one of area’s biggest rivalries

STARKVILLE — Starkville High School football coach Ricky Woods spends a lot of time in August and September talking about rivalry games.

In Week 1, Woods addressed the rivalry between Starkville and Noxubee County high schools. The teams have faced each other the last few years in what has turned out to be an entertaining season opener.

Dale eager to play bigger role on MSU’s defensive line

STARKVILLE — Torrey Dale has a good feeling about this season.

With a new defensive coordinator and new schemes, the Mississippi State football senior feels like his production will increase and he will be an anchor for the defensive line.

Playing in the shadow of Ryan Brown, Chris Jones, and current defensive end A.J. Jefferson, Dale often has been overlooked. A projected starter, Dale is expected to get a chance to shine at 11 a.m. Saturday when MSU plays host to South Alabama at Davis Wade Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

Ross ready to make most of senior season by leading MSU

STARKVILLE — Fred Ross was supposed to be off limits in practice.

Fitzgerald, Williams will battle to be MSU’s starting QB

STARKVILLE — Even with an on-going quarterback battle, Dan Mullen was in a good mood Monday.

The Mississippi State football coach joked with the media when the subject of who will be his team’s starting quarterback cam up. Mullen announced that “Nick Williams” will be the starting quarterback, a play on the names of sophomore Nick Fitzgerald and junior Damian Williams.

Mullen confident Prescott will be prepared for Cowboys

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen has no doubt Dak Prescott will be prepared for his first professional start.

Last weekend, the former MSU quarterback was named the starter for the Dallas Cowboys after veteran Tony Romo was injured last Thursday in a preseason game against Seattle. Romo suffered a broken bone in his back and could miss six to 10 weeks.

Prescott, who started 33 games at MSU, could be the only rookie quarterback who starts in Week 1.

Green anchors MSU linebackers

STARKVILLE — Gerri Green was ready to be Richie Brown’s backup at middle linebacker.

MSU football player James arrested for fourth time

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football senior defensive lineman Nick James was arrested early Sunday morning, Oktibbeha County Chief Deputy Chadd Garnett confirmed.

Bulldogs have plenty of depth at running back

STARKVILLE — Greg Knox knows how important his position group will be this season.

The Mississippi State football running backs coach is getting his guys prepared for more of a run-oriented offense. With the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott, MSU coach Dan Mullen said the Bulldogs may try to run the ball more.

Brown shows what he can do for Starkville

OXFORD — Malik Brown demonstrated coolness under pressure Friday night.

After throwing a touchdown to Tavian Clark in the third quarter, the Starkville High School sophomore quarterback thought the kicking team was coming on the field. But Starkville coach Ricky Woods decided to go for the two-point conversion. However, there was some confusion after the score, as players were running on and off the field and the play clock was winding down. Woods called a timeout and brought the Yellow Jackets together.

Adams brothers back together again on field at MSU

STARKVILLE — For three years, Nelson Adams was the only Adams on the Mississippi State football team.

Coming out of Brandon High School, Adams signed with MSU and redshirted in 2012 before playing as a redshirt freshman and sophomore.

Gearing up for his junior season in 2015, Adams knew he was going to have additional family support after his younger brother, Fletcher, signed with MSU in February of 2015.

Injuries hit MSU’s secondary hard

STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State football team will be without its two projected starting cornerbacks.

Senior Tolando Cleveland (torn anterior cruciate ligament in left knee) will miss the season and senior Cedric Jiles (broken right arm) will be out for the first half of the season, MSU football coach Dan Mullen announced Wednesday.

Clayburn will be at center of MSU’s line

STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State football team was going to have to replace several positions as the 2014 season drew to a close.

One of the biggest was center. Dillon Day, who won a Super Bowl ring with the NFL’s Denver Broncos last season, was a four-year starter at center. He was one of the best centers in the Southeastern Conference, and the Bulldogs had a comfort level with him standing over the ball.

Cooke’s diversity makes MSU special teams better

STARKVILLE — Logan Cooke isn’t a fan of sitting on the bench.

MSU’s Johnson will have to veteran at tight end

STARKVILLE — Justin Johnson had different experiences the last two summers.

Last summer, Johnson arrived at Mississippi State as a wide receiver out of Hoover (Ala.) High School. In training camp, Johnson moved to tight end and had to adjust to a variety of new responsibilities, including a different blocking scheme.

Dudy Noble video board to serve as first step in renovation

A new Mississippi State baseball stadium is expected to be operable by the 2018 season.

But Bulldog fans will get a glimpse of something new at Dudy Noble Field/Polk-Dement Stadium this coming season.