Articles by Brandon Walker
Bulldogs report, ready to start practice
STARKVILLE — Football is back in session at Mississippi State.
That much was evident Wednesday in the halls of the Seal Football Complex a few hours after MSU’s players reported for their first meeting of the season. Fall camp will kick off at 4:45 p.m. today when coach Dan Mullen begins his sixth season as MSU’s coach.
To a man, the Bulldogs chosen to speak with the media after the initial meeting believe Mullen’s sixth season in Starkville could be his best.
Hughes ready to contribute after missing most of 2013 season
STARKVILLE — Jay Hughes had to be there.
He had to be there for his teammates, for his team, and for himself.
Hebron Christian outlasts Oak Hill Academy
PHEBA — Hebron Christian School fast-pitch softball coach Cass Tapley could only smile.
Oak Hill Academy coach Nathan Ellis just shook his head.
That’s the difference between winning and losing.
Mullen’s 2014 squad has homegrown flavor
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen has been true to his word.
From the moment he accepted the Mississippi State job nearly six years ago, Mullen has stressed the importance of building a championship program with in-state talent.
Unheralded, Undaunted: McKinney leads experienced MSU defense
STARKVILLE — Flying under the radar is nothing new to Benardrick McKinney.
A two-star recruit from Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, McKinney had the size, speed, and athletic ability to play at any Division I school.
But when only one came calling, McKinney took it in stride.
Bulldogs land commitment from McLaurin at Collins
For the eighth time in less than a week, Mississippi State has added another member to its prospective 2015 signing class.
MSU men’s basketball releases non-conference schedule
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State coach Rick Ray doubled his win total in non-conference games during his second season in Starkville, improving from 5-7 in non-league games in 2012-13 to 10 non-conference wins in 2013-14.
Oak Hill Academy softball hopes to build on win column
WEST POINT — When asked about his team’s record a season ago, Oak Hill Academy softball coach Nathan Ellis just grins and shakes his head.
MSU welcomes chance to host state championship football games
STARKVILLE – When Mississippi State opens the 2014 football season, the Bulldogs will do so in the state’s biggest football stadium.
Lack of star power does not dampen SEC Media Days
HOOVER, Ala. — There were complaints about the lack of star power. There was never a controversial quote or any semblance of trash talk from one coach to another. In all, The 2014 version of the Southeastern Conference’s Media Days could be classified as uneventful.
Bulldogs land eight commitments at Big Dawg camp
STARKVILLE — One by one, high school prospects from across the country trickled into Mississippi State’s Leo M. Seal football complex on Friday afternoon, as the field of 200 potential college athletes arrived gradually throughout the afternoon for MSU’s annual Big Dawg recruiting camp.
Freeze feels Rebels are ahead of schedule
HOOVER, Ala. — Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze believes his program ahead of schedule.
Alabama cautious about tag of favorites
HOOVER, Ala. – Most experts believe Alabama is the favorite to win the Southeastern Conference championship. Alabama fans certainly believe it. SEC media members clearly believe it, too, as Alabama was voted by the league’s sports writers as the preseason choice to win the league this year.
Miles has confidence in young Tigers
HOOVER, Ala. — If LSU coach Les Miles is bothered by media projections that have the Tigers slipping this fall, he’s hiding it well.
Standing before approximately 300 writers and analysts at the Southeastern Conference Media Days on Wednesday afternoon, Miles was blunt in his assessment of LSU’s chances this season.
Arkansas, Missouri have similar messages, different perspectives
HOOVER, Ala. — One is trying to fight his way out of the cellar in the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division. The other is trying to stay on top of the SEC’s Eastern Division.
SEC hopes rule change will protect QBs
HOOVER, Ala. — Quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference are about to become safer. At least that’s the plan behind a rule change, presented by SEC Coordinator of Officials Steve Shaw.
Prescott sets tone for MSU
HOOVER, Ala. — For the first time, Dak Prescott owns the starting quarterback job entering a season at Mississippi State.
On Tuesday morning, he owned the room at the Southeastern Conference Media Days.
Spurrier star of show at SEC Media Days
HOOVER, Ala. — South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier attended Southeastern Conference Media Days for the 22nd time Tuesday.
He has been the star of the show at most of them, and this time was no different.