Mississippi State

Mississippi State is, by objective measure, the weakest team in the SEC. Hopes were high for Sylvester Croom's squad this season. Last year, the Liberty Bowl champ Bulldogs finished 8-5, with great wins over Alabama and a then #14 UK on the road (Not that I want to be reminded). The momentum of their strong finish was busted with a season opening loss to Louisiana Tech. Though 3-5, MSU has won two of their last three, including a "signature" win over then undefeated Vandy, 17-14, at home two weeks ago. Any chance at a bowl or .500 season hinges on a home win against the Cats tomorrow as the Bulldogs travel to Alabama next week.

For those engrossed in such matters, Mississippi State is favored by 2.

Junior Tyson Lee has started the last four games in place of last year's starter, Wesley Carroll. He has acquitted himself well with a 114 overall qb rating. Workhorse RB Anthony Dixon, who is listed as a junior but suits up for what I swear is his sixth year, has been solid with the exception of a seven carries for five yards stinkbomb against Auburn. Anthony has gained 80 or more yards five times this season. At next year's game at UK, Dixon will do the victory lap in his, "player whose name announcement causes the most confusion in Commonwealth Stadium" tour.

MSU has been schizophrenic on defense. After throwing sloppy dice against Georgia Tech and LSU, it held Vandy to 107 (god as my witness) total yards a couple of weeks ago.

Mississippi State also boasts a more pessimistic "fan" blogger than me. http://www.mstatesportsblog.com/ . Dude is calling for "changes". Man, even if your team sucks, you are a scant one year from not sucking, and your team sucked perpetually before that. Get over it. That said, yes the blog is more sophisticated than mine. Its about the written word, people. Not all the bells and whistles.

Give me a break, its my first year.

Enough of my insecurity. Let us bottom line this thing. This is an "imminently winnable game", as I am fond of saying. The key is Randall Cobb getting us off to a good start. The offense hasn't had a first quarter touchdown since Little Bill in "Boogie Nights" had his dignity. First blood or even a 10-0 lead would look pretty sweet early on. The game is on the road, but we have had a pretty good record against bad teams on the road since 2006. I feel good about this one. I feel $25 to Insight for the pay per view even though I cannot watch the fourth quarter live good. Of course, that I feel good is reason to fly to Vegas and load up on the Bulldogs. So we'll see.