Mississippi State Bulldogs Football Tickets

Prior to 2001 the Bulldogs actually had the best record of al, SEC West schools over the previous 4 years! The last 3 years of Jackie Sherrill's tenure did not go well as the team managed just a 3-21 record in SEC play. In 2002 they actually outgained their opponents on the year by 13 ypg but somehow finished 3-9. Surprisingly when he announced he would retire, the team mailed it in down the stretch in 2003 and for the season was outgained by an average of 182.9 ypg in league play. Croom inherited a 2-10 team that was -21 in turnovers and instilled more discipline. While they went just 3-8 in his first season, they upset #20 Florida, only trailed Alabama 20-14 in the 4Q and Arkansas needed a 76 yd blocked FG return for a TD to get past the Bulldogs. The school was put on four years probation and did lose 4 scholarships in '05 and '06 but Croom did have 5 players make the SEC Frosh Team in '04. He had his contract extended through 2008. Last year they had 16 starters back but had very few winnable home games and actually blew one of those in a 28-16 home loss to Houston. MSU had just 9 seniors and only had 74 scholarship players in 2005. Since Croom took over, 20 players have quit or have been kicked off the team in the first two years. Hurricane Katrina ravaged Mississippi but MSU still opened the season 2-1. They lost to 3 ranked foes, who all happened to be angry as they were off losses (Auburn, LSU, Florida). After their stunning home loss to Houston (despite Norwood's school record 257 yards rushing), they lost to 1 -5 Kentucky and were just 2-8 when they whipped Mississippi 35-14. That game stopped a streak of 19 straight losses vs the SEC West (since 2001) and Croom had his contract extended another year. The Bulldogs have lost 21 straight SEC road games. The Bulldogs' 16 returning starters are the 2nd most in the SEC. Despite the loss of their top player on offense (RB Norwood), with 8 starters back they can only improve upon last year's paltry 13.9 ppg (worst since 1971,10.9). Despite losing their top defensive player (DE Evans, 15 sks), with 8 starters back MSU has the makings of an SEC-caliber D and only allowed 23.5 ppg in 2005. Although the Bulldogs have improved each year under Croom, they face Ole Miss on the roadI andI don'tplay Vandy (weakest in East). They may be more competitive this year, but I think MSU will post their 6th straight losing season.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Football 2006 Schedule