MSU wants defensive linemen to create havoc

STARKVILLE — Preston Smith smiles when he sees the double teams and cut blocks running backs deliver against defensive end counterpart Denico Autry.

Florida uses big fifth inning to beat MSU, avoid sweep

STARKVILLE — Just about everything that could go wrong in the fifth inning for the Mississippi State University baseball program did Sunday.

MSU, which was trying for its first sweep of the University of Florida since 1989, gave up a season-high eight runs in the fifth frame in an 8-3 loss at Dudy Noble Field.

Pollorena, Graveman prove too much for Florida to handle

STARKVILLE — At first glance, Mississippi State University pitchers Kendall Graveman and Luis Pollorena wouldn’t be seen as similar at all.

Russell makes strides in MSU football scrimmage

STARKVILLE — The first spring scrimmage proved what receivers Mississippi State University quarterback Tyler Russell can trust.

Mullen will use first scrimmage at quiz

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University football coach Dan Mullen plans to conduct his team’s first scrimmage of the spring at noon Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium as a quiz of his playbook.

Florida-MSU will renew heated rivalry this weekend

STARKVILLE — The baseball programs at Mississippi State University and the University of Florida don’t get along on or off the field.

What started as an intense rivalry between the Southeastern Conference rivals has escalated in the past couple of years into a war of words following actions both sides have taken objection to.

Chappelle hopes to make impact at receiver for MSU

STARKVILLE — After losing its top four pass catchers from last season, the Mississippi State University football team is looking for wide receivers who can contribute.

Enter Jeremey Chappelle.

Collins wants MSU defense to bring mayhem, havoc

STARKVILLE — Geoff Collins wants his Mississippi State University defense to create more havoc and mayhem.

Those are new words the Bulldogs’ new defensive coordinator will value as he tries to develop a unit that is capable of attacking.

Defensive backs drawing attention at Dogs’ camp

STARKVILLE — Deshea Townsend says he hasn’t worn or shown his new Mississippi State University defensive backs either of his two Super Bowl rings as a NFL player.

Balis helping to keep MSU healthy

STARKVILLE — In the violent sport of college football, the Mississippi State University football training staff doesn’t think it is fighting a losing battle.

With proper nutrition, weight training, and education, the trainers feel the Bulldogs could have a healthy season.

Cox trying to become fast learner for MSU

STARKVILLE — In the eyes of the Mississippi State University football coaching staff, Justin Cox is the kind of player that can benefit from spring practice the most.

As a junior college transfer from East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, Cox is trying to get everything down so he can be a starter for in the Southeastern Conference. The Bulldogs also have little time to develop Cox, who only two years of college eligibility left.

New Hope baseball team beats West Point

WEST POINT — If only the game of baseball could be as easy it is for New Hope High School’s Will Golsan right now.

The right-handed hitting junior, who is batting .489 in the leadoff spot, has developed a simple approach when he steps in the batter’s box.

“Swing at fastball and yeah, as hard as I can,” Golsan said.

Bulldogs’ Eulls has new focus at DT

STARKVILLE — Who knew sliding inside a few feet would represent a different world for Kaleb Eulls.

The Mississippi State University defensive lineman is spending the spring football season learning everything about how to play in defensive tackle.

MSU will be without Slauter vs. Arkansas

STARKVILLE — The No. 25 Mississippi State University baseball team knows it will be without its starting catcher this weekend at No. 15 University of Arkansas, but it also could be without its ace pitcher.

MSU’s Renfroe off to fast start

STARKVILLE — Natural is often used to describe Hunter Renfroe’s skills on the diamond.

That description couldn’t be more false. Renfroe is constantly working on the finer points of his game so he can have weekends like last week in Lexington, Ky., against then-No.10 University of Kentucky. Despite all of the attention to details, the Mississippi State University outfielder, a nominee for the Golden Spikes Trophy this season, is difficult to please. Sometimes, in fact, it seems nothing is good enough for Renfroe, who is his biggest critic. The constant self-evaluation drives MSU coaches crazy.

Troy chooses former MSU assistant Cunningham as next coach

STARKVILLE — After 18 years as an assistant coach at the Division 1 level, Phil Cunningham is ready to make that critical move one chair over.

MSU grabs quality mid-week win against Austin Peay

STARKVILLE — In a 13-5 victory over a quality mid-major opponent Tuesday night, Mississippi State University baseball got some answers.

Bulldogs look to shuffle pitching rotation

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University has decided to rework its weekend pitching rotation in the search of finding a third weekend option with better command.

Starkville drops close decision to Yazoo City

STARKVILLE — Starkville High School baseball coach Brian Jones couldn’t ask much more of his starting pitcher Tanner Clanton – except for maybe the junior right-hander to get help from his friends.

Russell takes larger leadership role with MSU offense

STARKVILLE — In the midst of the revolving staff changes among the Mississippi State University football program, head coach Dan Mullen decided to make one more subtle switch to the offense.