Articles by Matthew Stevens
Rebuilding vs. Reloading: MSU, Kentucky take different paths
STARKVILLE — Rebuilding versus reloading.
That is the philosophical difference between what Rick Ray is doing with the Mississippi State men’s basketball program and what Kentucky is doing under coach John Calipari.
MSU has to find way to handle Kentucky’s Randle
STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State men’s basketball team is searching for a way to keep Kentucky freshman forward Julius Randle off the free throw line.
Mullen doubts McKinney will enter NFL draft
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen isn’t putting much stock into online reports sophomore linebacker Benardrick McKinney will enter the NFL draft.
Bulldogs may make rotation changes before facing Wildcats
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State coach Rick Ray said on Twitter Saturday afternoon he “felt weird” not being a part of the opening conference weekend for most schools but the other half of his brain is probably is thankful.
Borchert, Ware lead MSU to 10th victory
STARKVILLE — Celebrating milestones isn’t something the Mississippi State men’s basketball program is used to.
MSU coach Rick Ray made sure to categorize his team’s 10th win of the season — a 77-63 victory against Maryland-Eastern Shore at Humphrey Coliseum — as a historical marker.
Strong finish leads to high hopes for 2014 Bulldogs
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Following a blowout win in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen wasn’t interested in talking about the team he’ll have in 2014.
Ringin’ in 2014 with win: MSU routs Rice in Liberty Bowl
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Early and often, Dak Prescott eliminated any fears he would be rusty after not starting a football game in 59 days.
Lewis has memorable outing in second trip to Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jameon Lewis’ history in Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium defines player development.
Smith celebrates fatherhood with defensive MVP
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Preston Smith received great news at the beginning and end of the day.
Emotions high for Bulldogs
Mississippi State is proving team record isn’t the litmus test for emotion leading into a bowl game.
Heading into last season’s Gator Bowl, MSU was skidding into the final month of the season with four losses in its last five games.
Applewhite will transfer from MSU
STARKVILLE — Dre Applewhite is the latest player to leave the Mississippi State men’s basketball program early.
Koenning has ties to Rice
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Deep beyond what school colors he wears, Les Koenning is a Texan at heart.
That background makes this a difficult week for Mississippi State’s offensive coordinator.
Collins promotes collective approach on defense
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mississippi State defensive coordinator Geoff Collins was determined to change the compartmentalized nature of the sport in his first year as full-time play caller.
MSU ready for physical battle vs. Conference USA’s Rice
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Mississippi State football coaches know not to judge Rice by its conference affiliation.
While mid-major and even some Southeastern Conference teams have tried to avoid getting into a battle in the trenches with MSU, Conference USA champion Rice (10-3) will try to win a physical battle when the teams face off at 3 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN) in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
Nation’s top academic schools having success in football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Some of the nation’s best academic schools also are making an impact on big-time college football.
Of the top 12 Football Bowl Subdivision programs with the lowest acceptance rates, nine of them have qualified for bowl games this year, while four have had double-digit win seasons.
QB McHargue raises Rice’s profile
Taylor McHargue is living the dream.
The Rice fifth-year senior quarterback defines having it all. An athletic 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, McHargue is recognized by everybody on campus and is believed to have a bright future after he graduates.
MSU’s trip to CWS finals tops 2013 list
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen always used to frustrate his wife, Nelle, when he’d talk about winning a national championship.
Williams shoulders big load for West Point
WEST POINT — West Point High School football coach Chris Chambless remembers inserting ninth-grader Aeris Williams into his first varsity game and telling him to hang on to the ball and to try not to do anything special.
Versatile Hunt leads Tigers’ defense
MACON — Eric Hunt plays football for one reason.
“I play because it’s fun,” Hunt said. “I know that sounds like what everybody says, but I get a lot out of it.”
Four local soccer teams place at state and regional tournaments
June 25, 2025
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