Shorter’s patience helps Noxubee County grow

MACON — Tyrone Shorter knew from the opening play of the 2013 season he couldn’t panic.

The Dispatch’s 2013 Large Schools Prep Football team

The Dispatch’s 2013 Large Schools Prep Football team

Redshirt James working to improve

STARKVILLE — According to all physical and mental indicators, Nick James is taking full advantage of his redshirt opportunity.

Perkins ready to lead in final game at Liberty Bowl

STARKVILLE — LaDarius Perkins isn’t just excited about having one more game to this college career. He’s thrilled to have one rare healthy game to his senior year.

Bulldogs fined for artificial noisemaker violation

STARKVILLE – More cowbell resulted in more fines for Mississippi State athletics.

Defense helps MSU dunk FGCU

STARKVILLE — “Dunk City” is false advertisement.

The Mississippi State men’s basketball team proved Florida Gulf Coast University’s marketing campaign for its Sweet 16 team from last season is a falsehood, or at least it was Thursday night at Humphrey Coliseum.

Johnson recovering after injury

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State coach Rick Ray didn’t rush Roquez Johnson back after he injured his left knee last week in a game against Southeastern Louisiana in Tupelo.

Ray’s patience with Johnson’s recovery allowed the senior forward to provide 10 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes Thursday night in a 68-55 victory against Florida Gulf Coast University.

Applewhite, Bulldogs remain home for Florida Gulf Coast

STARKVILLE — Thanks to his wife’s chocolate chip cookies, Rick Ray now has two players with nicknames related to food.

MSU men break in new habits in victory

STARKVILLE — Tuesday night was the beginning of perception demolition at Humphrey Coliseum.

Prior to a 78-65 victory against Florida A&M, the Mississippi State men’s basketball team frustrated coach Rick Ray with its inability to do fundamental things. But reclamation commenced Tuesday, as MSU made free throws, moved the ball on offense, and created turnovers on defense.

Fitzgerald transitioning from exams to bowl prep

STARKVILLE — One week ago, Nick Fitzgerald was trying to figure out how to ace his high school final exams.

Shortly after that test, Fitzgerald faced another one when he received a Mississippi State football playbook and was told to prepare for practice.

MSU looking more for Sword

STARKVILLE — When asked what he has learned about his team in his second season as Mississippi State’s men’s basketball coach, Rick Ray said he knows his personnel better.

Freshman Jones has made progress this season

STARKVILLE — Without the proper perspective, one would think the freshman season for Chris Jones was ending the same way it started.

Seniors take lead at early bowl practices

STARKVILLE — Coaches, administrators and analysts always chatter about the importance of bowl practices getting a team ready for the following season.

Mullen: Prescott healthy today

STARKVILLE — After all the concerns about injuries, especially at quarterback, Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen joked Thursday that Dak Prescott is “healthy today,” but he continues to worry about him doing anything for the rest of the month.

Ray may change MSU’s lineup tonight

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Rick Ray is debating lineup changes seven games into the 2013-14 season.

To counter the Bulldogs’ slow starts, Ray may tinker with the lineup even though the team doesn’t have a lot of depth in the frontcourt.

MSU, Cohen use fall to help players find identities

STARKVILLE — If anybody knows about the worthlessness of numbers in the fall for college baseball players, it’s John Cohen.

The Mississippi State baseball coach jokingly refers to his career at his alma mater when he calls himself a “Fall-American” in reference to his penchant for being a top player when the statistics didn’t count.

Cowbells will be allowed in Liberty Bowl

STARKVILLE — Cowbells will be allowed inside the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium for the Mississippi State football team’s game against Rice on New Year’s Eve.

History on MSU’s side with Liberty Bowl

STARKVILLE — The selection of Mississippi State was a matter of repeating history for the Liberty Bowl committee.

MSU’s decision Sunday to accept an invitation to play Rice in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl enabled the committee to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 MSU team that made the program’s first trip to the Liberty Bowl.

MSU volleyball looks to continue progression

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State volleyball coach Jenny Hazelwood gets asked a variation of the same question every day.

Whether its fans, administrators, or her players, the question is when is MSU volleyball going to turn the corner? Her answer has been same for everyone: It’s happening now.

Looney has helped EMCC’s offensive line develop

SCOOBA — There’s a serious argument to be made DJ Looney has the most difficult job on the East Mississippi Community College football staff.