RB Josh Robinson going through a drill at practice yesterday
With the clear leaders on offense this spring being Tyler Russell, Chad Bumphis, Chris Smith, and Arceto Clark, the offense is looking to be more of a threat in the passing game. Our young RBs (LaDarius Perkins, Nick Griffin, Josh Robinson, & Derrick Milton) are going to be good and get plenty of yards rushing. From what I’ve read about practice so far this spring, there’s been very little read option plays. But I expect the pass may set up the run rather than the run setting up the pass. I’ve already made a prediction that we’ll have more rushing yards this year than last and stand by that prediction. I think Tyler’s ability to throw well, read the defense, and have better WRs to catch it will only open up the running game. Defenses will have to prepare for the pass first. Yesterday the defense started putting in a lot of blitz packages. And after practice Matthew Stevens caught a conversation between Cameron Lawrence and Tyler Russell: Lawrence walked up to Russell – “Dude, I know you changed protections”. Russell with a boyish grin “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lately, the offense has been getting the better of the defense, which is very unusual in spring ball. Let’s hope it’s because the offense is that much better.
Rick Ray addressed a crowd yesterday evening at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson. Here’s some of the things he talked about according to Brad Locke’s tweets. Rick Ray addressing crowd. After today’s workout, Rodney Hood told him, “That’s the hardest workout I’ve ever had.” Rick Ray had the first shoot around and workout with the team yesterday morning at 6:15. I don’t think Stans ever had them in the gym for a practice before 10. Ray wants to find another post player, “a banger, physical,” but wants to be able to run down court and pressure defense. Ray said he’s interviewed 2 current MSU coaches, hopes to talk w/them one more time, then make decision within 48 hours. Wants to keep 1. Ray on 5 signees: “I fully anticipate us keeping all those guys and having them in a Mississippi State basketball uniform next season.”
While all the basketball drama continues to be the hot news, the football team is quietly getting better in every phase of the game. I hope to make a practice before Super Bulldog Weekend and get a look at things first hand.
Here’s an interview w/ Dan Mullen from yesterday.
The Pilgrimage of a Cowbell Ringing, Vuvuzela Blowing, Singing Preacher 
No matter what offense, we have the potential to be one of the more exciting offenses to run in the SEC this year. If we can move the ball consistantly and force Defenses to stretch themselves, then theres no reason why we shouldnt be able to have a big season. Mullen is gearing this team up to have a real big break out season. I just hope we can stay away from the injury bug and can put alot of pressure on defense instead of them putting us in the pressure
Keeping the OL healthy is the key. And we have the bodies right now to rotate at every position on the OL. It’s just impossible to expect the OL to have to play a full game in an SEC schedule and stay healthy.
What I wouldn’t give to just have 8 wins per year. If Mullen can sustain that, I will be thrilled. With A&M coming in which will probably cause us to lose another OOC opponent off the schedule, it will be hard. Sure, we are a hotbed of talent, sure, we are spending millions to keep up with our large market brothers in the SEC, but dang,
Understand where ur coming from MAthis, but nows the time to really get behind these guys and show them we believe. As a former player, when the crowd stayed behind us no matter what, we believed we could beat anyone. We have to keep believing and really show it to these kids that we believe. Me and the other fathers who come to the prattices, and the games, we have to remind each other that we have to keep up the positive attitiude because it rubs off on them. We to have to keep it up. Even when our spirit isnt it, we have to project the winning attitiude. By projecting that typoe attitiude, we will bring other with us, and eventually we will make them BELIEVE~!!!!!!!
When we can get these kids to buy into it, it wont be long before we could be seeing a new banner hung over Scott Field,
Anyone have a problem with this one: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuDx28RfN40/T3sro7m5YhI/AAAAAAAABWI/jvcl32A7jiw/s1600/2012banner.jpg
Why would Rodney Hood be working out with the team if he had already made the decision to leave?
Good question Mathiston. Some things just make you scratch your head. His dad says they’ve been talking about transferring for 2 and a half months. Obviously, our basketball program was in very bad shape. Now I’m led to believe that we couldn’t make a big time coaching hire because the incoming coaches being interviewed knew Hood may not return. I’m shocked, upset, but not losing it. Hate it didn’t work out for Rodney. But, as I always say, “You’re either a bulldog, or you’re the enemy.” There’s been no bigger fan of Rodney than me. Good luck to him. He and his family have to do what they think is right for him.
I like what Coach Rick Ray is doing so far. Right now he’s cleaning up the basketball program. And he’s starting with hard work. Most kids these days can’t handle hard work.
According to the Daily Journal, Hood’s parents wanted him to stay at state. And I agree about the hard work part. The problem is, kids these days want to be treated more like NBA elite. The only thing I dislike about the whole situation (besides losing Hood – which is devastating), is that Ray says the decision was made before he was hired. I am afraid our program is now in total shambles – the situation is this – we now look like the 3rd year after a near death penalty program. Only two players remaining of the five have real game experience, and they were in a back-up roll.