Late defensive play saves Starkville’s victory over Noxubee County

STARKVILLE — After a dominant performance in the first half, the Starkville High School football defense found its back against the wall when it mattered.

Oak Hill Academy’s Atkins chooses Southern Miss for golf

There is no questioning Hunter Atkins’ love for golf.

Bulldogs reward pair of walk-ons with scholarships

STARKVILLE — Josiah Phillips’ journey to the Mississippi State football team is almost unbelievable.

MSU men go 4-0 on trip to Italy

STARKVILLE — Ben Howland’s biggest concern is experience entering his second season as the Mississippi State men’s basketball coach.

In addition to losing five seniors, standout freshman Malik Newman transferred to Kansas. The departures leave Howland with three players — point guard I.J. Ready, guard/forward Quinndary Weatherspoon, and forward Aric Holman — who played on last season’s team.

MSU’s Gray knows more as junior

STARKVILLE — Coming out of junior college, Donald Gray thought his skills were going to translate well to the Division I level.

After a stellar season at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Gray joined the Mississippi State football team in the spring of 2015. He had big plans for his first season, and thought he could show up and rely on his athleticism.

Gray learned a valuable lesson after a few games.

Parks leaves Starkville Academy for Mississippi Delta C.C.

STARKVILLE — After serving one season as the Starkville Academy baseball coach, Jarrod Parks announced Thursday he has accepted a job as assistant coach with the Mississippi Delta Community College baseball team.

Graham wants to play bigger role for Bulldogs

STARKVILLE — Jamoral Graham thought offense was where he was going to fit in when he signed with the Mississippi State football team in February 2014.

The Newton County High School standout was a reserve wideout in his first season at MSU. He also was used as a punt returner on special teams.

But his time with the offense ended after his freshman season. Last spring, he began the transition to cornerback.

Peters, McLaurin anchor MSU safeties

STARKVILLE — Jamal Peters didn’t care he was fresh out of high school and playing Southeastern Conference football for the first time.

MSU’s QBs fit Mullen’s mold

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen has a specific mold in mind when he recruits a quarterback.

Running a spread offense, the quarterback has to be more than a thrower. They have to run the ball, too. Mullen had that with Alex Smith at Utah, Chris Leak and Tim Tebow at Florida, and Dak Prescott at MSU.

Former EMCC standout Roberts will be walk-on at MSU

Marcus Wood might have used another hour to rave about Wyatt Roberts if given the opportunity.

The East Mississippi Community College football offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach saw Roberts develop into a playmaker at quarterback the last two seasons. Although overshadowed by talented teammates at the position and not being as highly recruited as others, Roberts never gave in. That’s why he was elated Sunday when he learned Roberts, who played at Louisville High School, joined the Mississippi State football team Sunday. A MSU team spokesperson confirmed the move.

Pickle sees positives in New Hope’s victory

STARKVILLE — Kris Pickle didn’t get to see everything he wanted in a two-quarter exhibition game.

But the New Hope High School football coach saw a few promising things in a 29-8 victory against Morton High on Friday night in the New Hope Fall Jamboree at Davis Wade Stadium that give him hope.

Mullen feels Bulldogs have a lot of work to do

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen feels like there is a lot of work to do following his team’s first scrimmage Thursday night at Davis Wade Stadium.

Redshirt freshman Smitherman learning to play safety

STARKVILLE — Maurice Smitherman was approached with an opportunity in the summer when he arrived at Mississippi State.

The redshirt freshman thought he was going to be used as a cornerback. But first-year defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon asked Smitherman if he would like to play cornerback and safety?

Smitherman liked the idea and started to adjust to his new position.

QB Staley transfers from MSU

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen wasn’t shocked.

Before training camp started, Mullen said he wouldn’t be surprised if one of his four quarterbacks decided to transfer.

On Friday, that became a reality when Mullen announced sophomore Elijah Staley will transfer.

Freshmen will look to earn playing time at MSU

STARKVILLE — In Dan Mullen’s seven seasons leading the Mississippi State football program, 30 Bulldogs have played as freshmen.

Some have played because of a lack of depth, while others have played because of their talent.

The ability of Mullen and his coaching staff to develop talent has helped raise the profile of the program and pushed it to the fastest ascent from unranked to No. 1 in college football history, the winningest two-year stretch at the school, and a school-record six-straight bowl appearances.

Defensive coaches at MSU bring new flavor

STARKVILLE — With an entirely new defensive staff, questions about how the Mississippi State football defense will perform this season is one of the most asked by Bulldog fans.

University claims Mullen did not call police on former running back

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen did not call the police on former MSU running back Josh Robinson, according to a team spokesperson and MSU campus police.

Graves keeps mental edge to help MSU kicking game

STARKVILLE — Westin Graves has a different look in his eye this fall camp.

Safety Bryant looks for breakout year for MSU

STARKVILLE — Brandon Bryant is usually in the right place at the right time.

MSU still trying to figure out who will start at QB

STARKVILLE — When Dak Prescott became the Mississippi State football team’s quarterback in 2014, many began to wonder what the 2016 season would be like.

Fans and coaches wanted to enjoy Prescott’s two seasons leading the Bulldogs, but there always was the thought of what would be next. That curiosity increased after Prescott broke 38 school records and led MSU to a victory against North Carolina State in the Belk Bowl last December.