MSU baseball team wins two Sunday

STARKVILLE — The feeling around the Mississippi State baseball team was noticeably more optimistic Sunday following a 5-4 victory against Columbia and an 8-6 victory against South Alabama at Dudy Noble Field.

The victories helped MSU (10-6) improve to 6-5 in games decided by three or fewer runs.

MSU baseball team makes do with shuffled lineup

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball coach Andy Cannizaro asked Brent Rooker at 6:30 a.m. Monday to do something he hadn’t done all season: play first base.

Rooker agreed because MSU’s injuries have expanded from its pitching staff to its position players.

Pilkington delivers gem in MSU’s win against South Alabama

STARKVILLE — Starting pitching has been a moving target for the Mississippi State baseball team through its non-conference schedule.

On most weekends, MSU coach Andy Cannizaro went into Fridays without announced plans for at least one slot in the rotation. This weekend, he ended Friday night with three games scheduled in the next two days and one starting pitcher decision made. The scheduling shuffle has been indicative of MSU’s struggles to find production and length on the mound.

Elliott will lead QBs in return to MSU

STARKVILLE — Fresh off a year quarterbacking in NFL Europe and two more in the Arena Football League, Brett Elliott came to Starkville to work as an offensive quality control assistant for his former quarterbacks coach in college.

Back in 2004, current Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen saw the potential in Elliott when he coached the quarterback as an assistant coach for Urban Meyer at Utah. He saw that same promise when Elliott was a member of his coaching staff from 2012-14.

Gray likes MSU’s depth at receiver

STARKVILLE — It’s not easy to forget former Mississippi State wide receiver Fred Ross.

“It’s different not having that blond hair out there,” MSU wide receiver Donald Gray said.

Ross’ production also is unforgettable. His 72 catches for 917 yards and 12 touchdowns accounted for 31, 33, and 50 percent of the team’s 2016 production in those categories. Life without Ross in 2017 will be difficult on multiple fronts, but it won’t be lonely because the Bulldogs return multiple players at the position and will have several more coming off redshirt seasons to compete for playing time as Ross’ successor.

Leaner Davis playing big role for Jaguars

Even in hindsight, Wells Davis maintains his perspective.

Davis knows now, and knew at the time, the uphill battle a freshman faces to earn playing time in a South Alabama baseball program with eight NCAA tournament appearances in the last 16 years.

All of that withstanding, Davis expected to get more than four at-bats as a freshman.

New MSU coach English stressing effort

STARKVILLE — In his first practices as Mississippi State’s safeties coach, Ron English has been understanding as he installs his schemes and the Bulldogs learn his processes.

MSU continues to adjust on defense

STARKVILLE — When word got to Leo Lewis, he stopped to do some research.

From what Lewis heard, Todd Grantham was going to be the Mississippi State football team’s new defensive coordinator. Lewis, a linebacker, had a natural curiosity about Grantham and what scheme he planned to bring to Starkville.

He liked what he found.

Long journey continues for MSU today when SEC tournament begins

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Ben Howland can joke about the beginning of the season when he compares it to where his team is today.

Simmons making impact on, off field for Bulldogs

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons stepped into the office of the then-athletic director Scott Stricklin with no counterargument to offer.

Skelton brothers will meet today at Dudy Noble Field

STARKVILLE — Dalton and Dustin Skelton have only done this once.

Dalton, a junior infielder at Louisiana Tech, and his brother, Dustin, a freshman catcher at Mississippi State will play against each other for the second time in their lives at 4:30 p.m. today when Louisiana Tech (11-1) takes on MSU (7-5) at Dudy Noble Field.

MSU expects few changes before Wednesday’s rematch with LSU

STARKVILLE — It was barely thirty minutes after the end of a months-long season, and Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Ben Howland was already talking — excitedly so — about the next one.

Spring practice provides routine for Fitzgerald, MSU

STARKVILLE — Spring practice’s arrival was a godsend of sorts for Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald.

Ready plays starring role as Bulldogs rout Tigers on Senior Day

STARKVILLE — I.J. Ready’s final parting gift from Humphrey Coliseum was a net.

MSU notebook: Bulldogs maintain upper hand in series with Tigers

STARKVILLE — In previewing Saturday’s regular season finale against LSU, Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Ben Howland remarked it felt like, “an eternity,” since MSU’s last meeting with the Tigers.

New Hope’s Forrester signs with Mississippi Delta C.C.

Lee Boyd sees Carson Forrester’s best attribute as untapped potential; starting in the fall, that upside belongs to Mississippi Delta Community College.

MSU broadcaster Ellis to retire from calling football, men’s basketball

Jason Crowder can’t help but laugh at his favorite Jim Ellis call, one the radio announcer made of the Burke Masters grand slam home run in 1990 that sent the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

Quarterback depth looms large as Bulldogs begin spring practice

STARKVILLE — Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald took the field for Mississippi State first football practice of the spring and noticed something: absence.

Ready prepares for final home game as MSU takes on LSU Saturday

STARKVILLE — On Saturday, Mississippi State senior guard I.J. Ready will take the court at Humphrey Coliseum for the final time. Before the game, his parents and his brother will join him — he hopes his grandparents and an uncle can make it to Starkville, too — for a pregame ceremony remembering his career in its final days.

Bulldogs set for West Coast series at Oregon

STARKVILLE — Andy Cannizaro sees a lot of his own team in Oregon.