Five Things to Watch for Mississippi State vs. Louisiana Tech

Five Things to Watch for Mississippi State vs. Louisiana Tech

Diaz will face familiar foe in Louisiana Tech

STARKVILLE — Manny Diaz isn’t worried about this week’s opponent understanding his defense.

The Mississippi State defensive coordinator spent the 2014 season in Ruston, Louisiana, leading the Louisiana Tech defense. Even with Diaz’s familiarity of Louisiana Tech, MSU (4-2) hasn’t changed its philosophy as it continues preparations to take on Louisiana Tech (4-2) at 11 a.m. Saturday (SEC Network).

Rooker ready to lead at Bulldog World Series

STARKVILLE – When Brent Rooker left for New England to play summer baseball in May, he felt confident.

Weatherspoon ready to make mark at MSU

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State freshman guard Quinndary Weatherspoon is no stranger to playing under the radar.

Although he was the second best player in the state of Mississippi last year playing at Velma Jackson High School, he was overshadowed by Malik Newman, a five-star recruit, who garnered all the attention playing at Callaway High School in Jackson.

But Weatherspoon made headlines, too. From his sophomore year to his senior year, Weatherspoon led Velma Jackson to three-straight Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A State championships. Last season, he averaged 19.1 points, 3.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game.

MSU’s Ryan Brown earns SEC honor

STARKVILLE — Ryan Brown still couldn’t believe it after Mississippi State Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations Bill Martin gave him the news Monday.

The Bulldogs’ senior defensive lineman was shocked when he learned he had been named Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week for his performance against Troy. He woke up Monday morning with several texts and phone calls, but it was still hard for him to believe.

Goode remembered for giving back to players, coaches

STARKVILLE — Tom Goode left a positive lasting memory on everyone he met.

The former West Point High School and Mississippi State football player passed away Thursday at the age of 76.

“He was just a big ole gentle giant,” Starkville Academy defensive line coach Bubba Davis said. “He was very caring. He was just a great man.”

Starkville Academy’s defense meets challenge vs. Leake Academy

STARKVILLE — The Starkville Academy football team’s defense was tired Friday night.

As much as the Volunteers tried to slow down Leake Academy, the Rebels controlled the ball and moved up and down the field.

But Starkville Academy didn’t wilt in a pivotal game in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA, District 2 standings. Each time the Volunteers tired, they regrouped and kept pushing forward.

Fitzgerald fills in for ill Prescott

STARKVILLE — Dak Prescott woke up at 5 a.m. Saturday and couldn’t keep any food down.

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said his senior quarterback was throwing up and that the team was unsure if he would be able to play. Prescott, who was battling a stomach virus, started and played the first three possessions before being lifted for redshirt freshman Nick Fitzgerald, who led MSU to a 45-17 victory against Troy.

Ross becoming playmaker Bulldogs need

STARKVILLE — Fred Ross is becoming the playmaker the Mississippi State football team needs.

In the team’s first five games, the junior wide receiver was the Bulldogs’ most consistent threat in the passing game, but he hadn’t found the end zone.

Five Things to Watch for Troy-Mississippi State

Five Things to Watch for Troy-Mississippi State

Love for statistics drew MSU’s Niblett to sports world

STARKVILLE — Kyle Niblett was drawn to sports statistics at a young age.

Growing up in Gainesville, Florida, Niblett read The Gainesville Sun every morning and would flip to the Major League Baseball boxscores and memorize everything he could.

The Mississippi State assistant director of media relations and social media coordinator never realized his passion could turn into a career.

Injury to Market means Bryant will play bigger role

STARKVILLE — Brandon Bryant relied on his athleticism in high school.

As a senior at Rosa Fort High, Bryant threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns and had 22 catches for 339 yards and two touchdowns. On the defense, he made 37 tackles, had two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), broke up five passes, and forced one forced fumble. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Offensive line plays key role for Starkville Academy

STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy football coach Chase Nicholson knew who he was going to turn to for leadership on the offensive line this season.

The Volunteers returned three seniors starters from last year’s squad, but center Houston Massey was injured in the team’s first game and hasn’t returned. Without Massey, left tackle Carter Wood and left guard Seth Watson were left to be leaders up front.

Extra practice time leads to playing time for Dear at MSU

STARKVILLE – Malik Dear isn’t a typical rookie playing college football.

Bulldogs look to overcome rash of injuries

STARKVILLE — In the early years of Dan Mullen’s tenure at Mississippi State, several injuries to key players would have been devastating.

Sword ready for Newman’s help in leading the Bulldogs

STARKVILLE — Craig Sword has been “the guy” for Mississippi State the last three seasons.

MSU hopes to make most of three-game home stand

STARKVILLE — Even though the Mississippi State football team is 3-1 and 1-2 in the Southeastern Conference, it feels good about where it stands entering the final seven games.

MSU lost a heart-breaker to LSU 21-19 at home in the second week of the season. Two weeks ago, it went to Auburn, Alabama, and toppled the Tigers 17-9. However, MSU couldn’t keep the winning going on the road Saturday, in a 30-17 loss to Texas A&M at Kyle Field.

Bulldogs eager to see if Newman lives up to the hype

STARKVILLE — There’s little doubt about what league Malik Newman will be playing in next season.

MSU Sidebar: Ross becoming favorite target in passing game

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Fred Ross has become Dak Prescott’s favorite target this season.

MSU Notebook: Prescott loses one streak, extends another

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Mississippi State senior quarterback Dak Prescott saw one streak come to an end, but increased another streak Saturday night.