Its almost time for FOOTBALL!!!!

[BorneDawg]

I know most are unsure of what this season will have in store for the Dawgs....... So tell us what you think

Record-

Offense Leaders:
Passing-
Rushing-
Overall team leader-
Surprise or breakout player-

Defensive Leaders:
Tackles-
Ints-
Overall team leader-
Surprise or breakout player-

[StarkVegasSteve]

Record- 7-5

Offense Leaders:
Passing- Blake Shapen
Rushing- Davon Booth
Overall team leader- Shapen
Surprise or breakout player- Trent Hudson

Defensive Leaders:
Tackles- John Lewis
Ints- Kelley Jones
Overall team leader- Stone Blanton/Lewis/De'Monte Russell
Surprise or breakout player- Kobi Albert

[Offshore Dawg]

The apathy on this board is at an unprecedented high based on unknown factors with what to expect or not.

[PMDawg]

Record- 4-8 (1-7)

Offense Leaders:
Passing- Parson (Shapen is injury prone)
Rushing- Booth
Overall team leader- Booth
Surprise or breakout player- One of the TE's; let's go with Traore

Defensive Leaders:
Tackles- Blanton
Ints- ??Brumfield??
Overall team leader- Blanton
Surprise or breakout player- Brylan Lanier

[HoopsDawg]

The apathy on this board is at an unprecedented high based on unknown factors with what to expect or not.

Welp, we have no shot at the playoffs. No one knows who any of these guys are. CFB has taken an awful turn.

I'm looking forward to watching the games but I'm not investing any emotional capital.

[ZedFedder]

I am the opposite. I?m really pumped for this year.

Record- 7-5

Offense Leaders:
Passing- Shapen
Rushing- booth
Overall team leader- akharayi
Surprise or breakout player- Seydou Traore

Defensive Leaders:
Tackles- J. Lewis
Ints- Kelley Jones
Overall team leader- J. Lewis
Surprise or breakout player- Donterry Russell

[confucius say]

Record- 7-5

Offense Leaders:
Passing- Blake Shapen
Rushing- Davon Booth
Overall team leader- Shapen
Surprise or breakout player- Trent Hudson

Defensive Leaders:
Tackles- John Lewis
Ints- Kelley Jones
Overall team leader- Stone Blanton/Lewis/De'Monte Russell
Surprise or breakout player- Kobi Albert

Talk to me about Trent Hudson

[confucius say]

Also, I'm as excited as I've been about a season starting in several years. Mostly because I think our offense will at least be entertaining after being boring since 2017 outside of a handful kid leach games and 1-2 Moorhead games.

[R2Dawg]

Don't know enough about this team so my comments are limited but I think we'll be pretty good on O. Great WR group, good QB room, depth at RB, OL may be one of best in a few years.

Been worried about the D but we still have some dudes on D. We might be a little better than expected. I am concerned about LB. I think the freshman CB from Clarksdale is gonna be a force.

I was pretty worried about DL but we got a few dudes up there. Javion Williams could be the next wrecking machine up front. He is one physical specimen. Saw interview with one of OL and when asked about which DL gives him trouble, no hesitation - Williams. If Dinkins returns to form with D. Anderson and Russel on the end. That is a pretty good front 4. We just need to depth to step up on DL. If we get some and the secondary plays to potential, maybe LB will not kill us.

I'm pumped and ready to opening day at DWS. I'm expecting at least 6-6 and bowl then build some momentum going into next year. Hail State!

[DownwardDawg]

The apathy on this board is at an unprecedented high based on unknown factors with what to expect or not.

Most apathy I've ever had towards football.

[Coach34]

Most apathy I've ever had towards football.

Same

I have always loved college football and I probably still will this Fall. But this is the first time in my life I have no idea who plays for us. It is what it is now and there is no emotional investment other than the name on the jersey. I want to see Ellington and Rogers play well because of the player/coach bond but I dont have any of the emotional buy-in you get when you know the guys or have watched them develop.

[Pancho]

We'll attend more away games than home games now.

[Cooterpoot]

Bunch of whining 17tards in this fan base. Bunch of 17ing quitters! We'll win and that bandwagon will suddenly fill up. It's just a shame we have so many fans that aren't SEC caliber fans because they give nothing, support nothing, and bitch a lot.

[confucius say]

Same

I have always loved college football and I probably still will this Fall. But this is the first time in my life I have no idea who plays for us. It is what it is now and there is no emotional investment other than the name on the jersey. I want to see Ellington and Rogers play well because of the player/coach bond but I dont have any of the emotional buy-in you get when you know the guys or have watched them develop.

So your excitement level is tied to your emotional investment in the individual players?
Mine is not, but that's an interesting perspective

[Brobi-wan]

It’ll be a fun year. I’m a fan of players in the NFL. I couldn’t give a sh!t about any team. I’m a State grad. Couldn’t care less who plays as long as we are good.

[DownwardDawg]

I know most are unsure of what this season will have in store for the Dawgs....... So tell us what you think

Record-

Offense Leaders:
Passing-
Rushing-
Overall team leader-
Surprise or breakout player-

Defensive Leaders:
Tackles-
Ints-
Overall team leader-
Surprise or breakout player-

I can't answer any of that because I have no idea who our players are.
I'll be interested to see what the offense looks like. I'll be watching how Lebby coaches and play calls and makes in game adjustments.
I'll be looking to see if we look disciplined and in shape.
Those are things I'll be watching for. And I'll be hoping we win at least 7 with one of those being the Egg Bowl.

[Coach34]

So your excitement level is tied to your emotional investment in the individual players?
Mine is not, but that's an interesting perspective

Walter Packer
John Bond
Johnnie Cooks
Don Smith
Rob Fesmire
Tony Shell (we played little league together)
Tony James (we had classes together)
Keo Coleman (he knocked the OM QB the **** out and was the loudest guy at practice ever)
Danny Boyd
Kevin Fant
Kenzaki Jones
Ashley Cooper
Dak Prescott

and I can name 50 more. Most I knew about before they blew up and were top players. I have no idea who is on this team.

[confucius say]

Walter Packer
John Bond
Johnnie Cooks
Don Smith
Rob Fesmire
Tony Shell (we played little league together)
Tony James (we had classes together)
Keo Coleman (he knocked the OM QB the **** out and was the loudest guy at practice ever)
Danny Boyd
Kevin Fant
Kenzaki Jones
Ashley Cooper
Dak Prescott

and I can name 50 more. Most I knew about before they blew up and were top players. I have no idea who is on this team.

Oh I wasn't doubting you. I get it.
I would just encourage people to put their emotional investment in the name on the front and not the back.

And if it's feelings about individual players that gets people excited, I would encourage those people to get to know the guys we have now. There are dozens of interviews and podcasts out there with them. I'm excited about Shapen, booth, akhauri, Coleman, the four new OL, etc.

[confucius say]

It’ll be a fun year. I’m a fan of players in the NFL. I couldn’t give a sh!t about any team. I’m a State grad. Couldn’t care less who plays as long as we are good.

This is where I am. And frankly where I've always been. It's always been way more about the name on the front of the jersey than the back of the jersey.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Talk to me about Trent Hudson

I like him a lot. Reminds me a little bit of Justin Robinson but he moves better than Robinson, and he has a good head on his shoulders. He's a grinder. His story is actually pretty incredible.

[Extendedcab]

Bunch of whining 17tards in this fan base. Bunch of 17ing quitters! We'll win and that bandwagon will suddenly fill up. It's just a shame we have so many fans that aren't SEC caliber fans because they give nothing, support nothing, and bitch a lot.

The fans didn't quit, the players did when NIL became a thing. Now kids do not, for the most part, go to a school because of their alliance to the school, they go pretty much for the money! They are now, no different than the pros, and I don't watch pro sports anymore - a bunch of greedy spoiled brats and thugs.

[confucius say]

The fans didn't quit, the players did when NIL became a thing. Now kids do not, for the most part, go to a school because of their alliance to the school, they go pretty much for the money! They are now, no different than the pros, and I don't watch pro sports anymore - a bunch of greedy spoiled brats and thugs.

Not really. The money is a similar hierachry to what it was when it was dark money, pre NIL. We still compete with the same schools for players. It comes down to opportunity and recruiting again.

It's all about getting the right coach in place. Do that and we will be fine, at least the 7-5/8-4 that Dan had and that Leach had going.

[StarkVegasSteve]

The fans didn't quit, the players did when NIL became a thing. Now kids do not, for the most part, go to a school because of their alliance to the school, they go pretty much for the money! They are now, no different than the pros, and I don't watch pro sports anymore - a bunch of greedy spoiled brats and thugs.

Your big time players have been going for the money for 50 years. The big time players are still going for the money today. Nothing has changed, except it's openly talked about now.

[TrapGame]

Not really. The money is a similar hierachry to what it was when it was dark money, pre NIL. We still compete with the same schools for players. It comes down to opportunity and recruiting again.

It's all about getting the right coach in place. Do that and we will be fine, at least the 7-5/8-4 that Dan had and that Leach had going.

Yep. It's out in the open now and "legal". Hell, I know some guys that ponied up money for Chris Jones and Jeffery Simmons.

[Coach34]

Yep. It's out in the open now and "legal". Hell, I know some guys that ponied up money for Chris Jones and Jeffery Simmons.

I dont stress all that much about NIL in football. Its going to keep the blue bloods on top but its not much different. NIL in baseball however has changed the sport a great deal tho.

My problem is with the portal and the constant movement of players. The ever changing rosters. Total free agency. That ruins it for me

[Goldendawg]

Walter Packer
John Bond
Johnnie Cooks
Don Smith
Rob Fesmire
Tony Shell (we played little league together)
Tony James (we had classes together)
Keo Coleman (he knocked the OM QB the **** out and was the loudest guy at practice ever)
Danny Boyd
Kevin Fant
Kenzaki Jones
Ashley Cooper
Dak Prescott

and I can name 50 more. Most I knew about before they blew up and were top players. I have no idea who is on this team.

Yep. "gonna need a program to know the players", more than ever. At least NFL has contracts and salary caps and CFB needs the same ASAP!

[Goldendawg]

Oh I wasn't doubting you. I get it.
I would just encourage people to put their emotional investment in the name on the front and not the back.

And if it's feelings about individual players that gets people excited, I would encourage those people to get to know the guys we have now. There are dozens of interviews and podcasts out there with them. I'm excited about Shapen, booth, akhauri, Coleman, the four new OL, etc.

Also check out the roster and player bio's on Hail State Football. There are still many players there you know that will get playing time and many young players poised to make a move along with portal players with talent and production at previous stops. The key here is do you have a HC and staff that can mold these players from these various levels (non SEC programs) and backgrounds into a successful team some with only one Spring or an August arrival. I believe Lebby knows this new NIL/portal/recruiting game and will be successful. 7-5 and Hail State!

[Goldendawg]

Yep, lot of new LTD coupes, tractors for family members that farmed and clothing even in the Tyler years and years before. Only problem was that we were usually terrible at playing that game and often got caught! Hail State!

[confucius say]

I dont stress all that much about NIL in football. Its going to keep the blue bloods on top but its not much different. NIL in baseball however has changed the sport a great deal tho.

My problem is with the portal and the constant movement of players. The ever changing rosters. Total free agency. That ruins it for me

Thankfully we've not really had to deal with losing guys to the portal. It's been a net positive for us.

My hope though is that with the new compensation model for players in 2025 comes multi year commitments from players. That could hurt us, but I think it's healthier for game.

[TaleofTwoDogs]

Bunch of whining 17tards in this fan base. Bunch of 17ing quitters! We'll win and that bandwagon will suddenly fill up. It's just a shame we have so many fans that aren't SEC caliber fans because they give nothing, support nothing, and bitch a lot.

What!!!! We've been doing it wrong all this years?? Thanks Cooter for setting us straight, now let's go get that natty it's fun and easy!

[Coach34]

Thankfully we've not really had to deal with losing guys to the portal. It's been a net positive for us.

Got to hand it to the Miskellys, Charlie, and other Bigtime donors:

Our work to hold our own has really been successful.

[TUSK]

Not that y'all are interested in what the resident Bammer thinks... But I started to lose interest when the game became more of a "shoot out", circa late 2010s... I'm more a "5 yards & a cloud of dust" kinda cat.

Thank God that elephants have a good memory...

Hope y'all are well.
Peace.

[Dawgology]

Same boat. I have always enjoyed college football but my interest has waned a good bit. Like it or not, familiarity with players and their allegiance to an Alma mater was a big part of college football. It is what set it apart from professional sports. That is dead. It has become a less professional and less talented version of the NFL. Also, the level of money going to players faaaaaaaaaaaaaar exceeds anything it was before. By a lot. Good for them but this means with the transfer portal we will see a brand new team full of new faces each year. Meh.

[DownwardDawg]

Same boat. I have always enjoyed college football but my interest has waned a good bit. Like it or not, familiarity with players and their allegiance to an Alma mater was a big part of college football. It is what set it apart from professional sports. That is dead. It has become a less professional and less talented version of the NFL. Also, the level of money going to players faaaaaaaaaaaaaar exceeds anything it was before. By a lot. Good for them but this means with the transfer portal we will see a brand new team full of new faces each year. Meh.

I'm afraid it's a dying game. I'm the oldest in the family and the only one that watches games anymore. Wife, 24 year old son, 31 old daughter, son-in-law, grandkids......None of them watch a single game anymore. Not intentionally. They just lost all interest in the game.
I'll watch every chance I get, but I'm not excited like I used to be.

[Turfdawg67]

Welp, we have no shot at the playoffs. No one knows who any of these guys are. CFB has taken an awful turn.

I'm looking forward to watching the games but I'm not investing any emotional capital.

What he said... college football is on life support. If it weren't for my love and devotion for MSU, I probably wouldn't watch any of it this year.

[Cooterpoot]

Same boat. I have always enjoyed college football but my interest has waned a good bit. Like it or not, familiarity with players and their allegiance to an Alma mater was a big part of college football. It is what set it apart from professional sports. That is dead. It has become a less professional and less talented version of the NFL. Also, the level of money going to players faaaaaaaaaaaaaar exceeds anything it was before. By a lot. Good for them but this means with the transfer portal we will see a brand new team full of new faces each year. Meh.

We're on year three of the open portal and that hasn't been the case for us at all. Leach didn't recruit, so this year had a lot coming in but we didn't lose much in the portal. It's been a false narrative so far, but even if we do go big in the portal to win, it's to 17ing win LOL. If we start losing a bunch of players, then I could understand but again, not the case so far. We just have a massive group of people that can't realize it's not 1998. From some leadership at State to, several donors, to a crap load of sidewalk fans. Being on coach 5 since 2017/18 has been far worse.

[PGHBulldogBG]

Phil Steele has us ranked last of all power 4 team at #99 with Vandy close at #97. This is going to be a long year unfortunately.

[Brobi-wan]

I'm afraid it's a dying game. I'm the oldest in the family and the only one that watches games anymore. Wife, 24 year old son, 31 old daughter, son-in-law, grandkids......None of them watch a single game anymore. Not intentionally. They just lost all interest in the game.
I'll watch every chance I get, but I'm not excited like I used to be.

I’m 26. None of my friends watch it. I don’t think this has much to do with the current state of college football. More to do with young people’s short attention spans and much more interest in video games than real sports. All my friends would rather play Call of Duty instead of watch a 3 hour football game.

[confucius say]

What he said... college football is on life support. If it weren't for my love and devotion for MSU, I probably wouldn't watch any of it this year.

Ratings are at an all time high

[Dawgology]

We're on year three of the open portal and that hasn't been the case for us at all. Leach didn't recruit, so this year had a lot coming in but we didn't lose much in the portal. It's been a false narrative so far, but even if we do go big in the portal to win, it's to 17ing win LOL. If we start losing a bunch of players, then I could understand but again, not the case so far. We just have a massive group of people that can't realize it's not 1998. From some leadership at State to, several donors, to a crap load of sidewalk fans. Being on coach 5 since 2017/18 has been far worse.

I hear what you are saying. You are wrong. But I hear you. I’m not a sidewalk fan. Got my bachelor and grad from there. Donate. Don’t miss a game for almost 18 years. Over the past three years where I have not been but to a game or two. Watch them on tv when I can. I have MANY friends that are the same. Grads. Donors. Lost interest. Additionally, we are not close to the only school experiencing this.

[Cooterpoot]

I hear what you are saying. You are wrong. But I hear you. I?m not a sidewalk fan. Got my bachelor and grad from there. Donate. Don?t miss a game for almost 18 years. Over the past three years where I have not been but to a game or two. Watch them on tv when I can. I have MANY friends that are the same. Grads. Donors. Lost interest. Additionally, we are not close to the only school experiencing this.

Anybody that would think a kids name on a jersey is bigger than the program and university, is a sidewalk fan. I support State, and will donate what I can to see success. I don't follow kids on Twitter or worship them. It's just a job for most of them. Our fans are the worst in the SEC by a long mile when it comes to that kind of crap. And again, reality has shown it's false that we lose a roster every season.

[Bothrops]

I think the general sense of little hope around here has more to do with the changed dynamics of acquiring and keeping players, and being pushed further out of the spotlight by recent league expansion.

[DownwardDawg]

Anybody that would think a kids name on a jersey is bigger than the program and university, is a sidewalk fan. I support State, and will donate what I can to see success. I don't follow kids on Twitter or worship them. It's just a job for most of them. Our fans are the worst in the SEC by a long mile when it comes to that kind of crap. And again, reality has shown it's false that we lose a roster every season.

I'm not sure why you enjoy attacking State fans. State fans have always been noted as some of the best in college sports. We haven't had shit to cheer for yet we set all baseball attendance records. Our football atmosphere is outstanding especially at nights. We have always been one of the most loyal fan bases. CWS record attendance.
I don't know a single LSU fan that gives a dime to NIL and I promise you I know more LSU fans than most State fans do.

[Todd4State]

Anybody that would think a kids name on a jersey is bigger than the program and university, is a sidewalk fan. I support State, and will donate what I can to see success. I don't follow kids on Twitter or worship them. It's just a job for most of them. Our fans are the worst in the SEC by a long mile when it comes to that kind of crap. And again, reality has shown it's false that we lose a roster every season.

You must live in Starkville.

Our fans there not only want to cheer for MSU. If a player wins they want to have dinner with them at their house. I'm only half kidding.

Happened with Dak, women's basketball, and baseball.

[Todd4State]

I think the general sense of little hope around here has more to do with the changed dynamics of acquiring and keeping players, and being pushed further out of the spotlight by recent league expansion.

I think there are several factors:

1. It's a rebuilding year with a new coaching staff in their first year and we're not expected to be better than 6-6.

2. We have very little chance of beating Ole Miss who is likely to win 10 games this year. Right or wrong that does affect how into football our fans are.

3. I agree- no one knows who the hell our guys are. That's partially on the last staff that didn't rotate personnel very much.

4. Arnett was such a disaster and how Leach's death was handled by MSU really left a bad taste in the mouth of many fans. How that was handled is the kind of thing that really alienates fans. Add in the locker room disaster with players basically being outright lied to and it was a massive mess.

The only way out of it for MSU is for success to happen- similar to Dan in 2009. Fans will put up with some losses like we did in 2009 to LSU, Florida, and Houston where the losses were close and the team was a lot more competitive. Of course, excitement is really only going to be established by winning games which is also what happened in 2009 when we beat Ole Miss. 1991 was a similar season as well with Jackie being in his first year.

[Cooterpoot]

We can all say, without doubt, the school 17'd up the coaching situation with the Leach passing. But guess what, Morehead was and awful hire before that and Leach recruited like a coach looking to retire. We 17'd our program and now we've got to correct that in a changing climate. But for any fan to say "I love MSU but I'm not interested or engaged" is a killer for an already small fan base with a lot of quitters in it. Pisses me off!! I'm certainly not wealthy but I try to do my part and I try to do more each year, and have for the last three years. If the fans don't support the programs, we won't be a P4 program long. It's about revenue more than ever. Go to games, buy State stuff, give what you can. Getting mad because it's not 1998 anymore does no good.

[PMDawg]

Our fans are the worst

You may have some valid points, but I learned a long time ago to ignore anyone who ever trots out this old hyperbole. Please continue your old man rants.

[confucius say]

I think the general sense of little hope around here has more to do with the changed dynamics of acquiring and keeping players, and being pushed further out of the spotlight by recent league expansion.

But we are keeping players. We've lost almost nobody of consequence. And We've acquired way more talent than we've lost. Without the portal, we'd be 2-10 this year with no OL and no qb.
And now we have a coach who actually embraces modern football and the portal.
Hope should abound.

[ZedFedder]

But we are keeping players. We've lost almost nobody of consequence. And We've acquired way more talent than we've lost. Without the portal, we'd be 2-10 this year with no OL and no qb.
And now we have a coach who actually embraces modern football and the portal.
Hope should abound.

This.

[Dawgology]

Anybody that would think a kids name on a jersey is bigger than the program and university, is a sidewalk fan. I support State, and will donate what I can to see success. I don't follow kids on Twitter or worship them. It's just a job for most of them. Our fans are the worst in the SEC by a long mile when it comes to that kind of crap. And again, reality has shown it's false that we lose a roster every season.

Of course I pull for State and want them to win it’s why I donate…lmao. I don’t follow kids on Twitter either. I attended school at a time when (brace yourself) the student athletes were in class with us. We learned together. We worked together. We went to other sporting events together. They were part of the university and it made you feel that, in some small way, you were out there on the field with them. They were proud to wear that logo. It meant something. That is the pride and the pageantry that separated college football from the NFL. They were our students.

Now it’s just mercenary mentality. Pride and commitment to a program has waned to where it’s almost nonexistent. Transfers to highest bidder, opt outs, etc. if the athlete doesn’t really care then why should we. It’s just a business now like the NFL. I hope the kids get paid but whatever.

[DownwardDawg]

Of course I pull for State and want them to win it’s why I donate…lmao. I don’t follow kids on Twitter either. I attended school at a time when (brace yourself) the student athletes were in class with us. We learned together. We worked together. We went to other sporting events together. They were part of the university and it made you feel that, in some small way, you were out there on the field with them. They were proud to wear that logo. It meant something. That is the pride and the pageantry that separated college football from the NFL. They were our students.

Now it’s just mercenary mentality. Pride and commitment to a program has waned to where it’s almost nonexistent. Transfers to highest bidder, opt outs, etc. if the athlete doesn’t really care then why should we. It’s just a business now like the NFL. I hope the kids get paid but whatever.

Man, I remember those days!!!! I had parties at my place all the time and football players always showed up. We had a great time and it was like cheering for family when those guys were on the field.

[Brobi-wan]

Man, I remember those days!!!! I had parties at my place all the time and football players always showed up. We had a great time and it was like cheering for family when those guys were on the field.

One of my mom’s older cousins ran into D. D. Lewis because he wasn’t paying attention to where he was going. Said just walking into that dude knocked him flat on his a$$.

[Dawgology]

Man, I remember those days!!!! I had parties at my place all the time and football players always showed up. We had a great time and it was like cheering for family when those guys were on the field.

Those days were awesome and, thing is, it’s only been the past 5 years where it’s changed from that.

[SpaceBully]

Offense Leaders:
Passing- Blake Shapen
Rushing- Blake Shapen
Overall team leader- Blake Shapen
Surprise or breakout player- Blake Shapen

Defensive Leaders:
Tackles- J. Lewis
Ints- J. Lewis
Overall team leader- J. Lewis
Surprise or breakout player- J. Lewis

Sorry....these are about the only 2 players I know on the team.

[Todd4State]

Of course I pull for State and want them to win it’s why I donate…lmao. I don’t follow kids on Twitter either. I attended school at a time when (brace yourself) the student athletes were in class with us. We learned together. We worked together. We went to other sporting events together. They were part of the university and it made you feel that, in some small way, you were out there on the field with them. They were proud to wear that logo. It meant something. That is the pride and the pageantry that separated college football from the NFL. They were our students.

Now it’s just mercenary mentality. Pride and commitment to a program has waned to where it’s almost nonexistent. Transfers to highest bidder, opt outs, etc. if the athlete doesn’t really care then why should we. It’s just a business now like the NFL. I hope the kids get paid but whatever.

Yeah, now all of the football players take online classes and are rarely seen on campus outside of the football facility. I get it. But it is kind of sad.

[BorneDawg]

But we are keeping players. We've lost almost nobody of consequence. And We've acquired way more talent than we've lost. Without the portal, we'd be 2-10 this year with no OL and no qb.
And now we have a coach who actually embraces modern football and the portal.
Hope should abound.

THIS!!!

[confucius say]

Yeah, now all of the football players take online classes and are rarely seen on campus outside of the football facility. I get it. But it is kind of sad.

Not just football players either. I have a relative who is in college at USM but lives in Oxford. All online.

[Matt3467]

I think the general sense of little hope around here has more to do with the changed dynamics of acquiring and keeping players, and being pushed further out of the spotlight by recent league expansion.

This is my sentiments exactly. I was more excited about football during the Croom years than I currently am and it's more to do with being invested in the players and watching them grow in the program. As others have pointed out hardly anyone can name who plays for this team. It's great we've filled positions we'd otherwise have struggled at without the portal but when most of the team is unknown and it's going to be like this often it's hard to get attached.

If we're exciting to watch I'm sure I'll come around some however to narrow it down further my apathy has more to do with the current state of college sports in general and not this particular State team.

[confucius say]

This is my sentiments exactly. I was more excited about football during the Croom years than I currently am and it's more to do with being invested in the players and watching them grow in the program. As others have pointed out hardly anyone can name who plays for this team. It's great we've filled positions we'd otherwise have struggled at without the portal but when most of the team is unknown and it's going to be like this often it's hard to get attached.

If we're exciting to watch I'm sure I'll come around some however to narrow it down further my apathy has more to do with the current state of college sports in general and not this particular State team.

We've kept 99% of players we've wanted. No reason to think that changes now that we have a fun offense and a coach kids want to play for.
Hop in. It's going to be fun.

[NWADAWG]

Those days were awesome and, thing is, it?s only been the past 5 years where it?s changed from that.

I played a lot of basketball (Tin gym and McCarthy) with the football and basketball players during their respective off seasons. It was really cool to see guys playing on Saturdays and a few on Sundays and remember, that guy dunked on me one time.

[Coach34]

I played a lot of basketball (Tin gym and McCarthy) with the football and basketball players during their respective off seasons. It was really cool to see guys playing on Saturdays and a few on Sundays and remember, that guy dunked on me one time.

Same. Eric Moulds dunk in the Tin Gym is still the best dunk I've ever seen live

Watching Darryl Wilson make about 20 3-balls his freshman year he had to sit out in an Intramural game when his team was playing another 4 on 5 was a pretty fun watch. We had the game after and all I can remember was thinking- "that guy is gonna be pretty good next year for us"

[NWADAWG]

Same. Eric Moulds dunk in the Tin Gym is still the best dunk I've ever seen live

Watching Darryl Wilson make about 20 3-balls his freshman year he had to sit out in an Intramural game when his team was playing another 4 on 5 was a pretty fun watch. We had the game after and all I can remember was thinking- "that guy is gonna be pretty good next year for us"

Luckily it wasn't on me but Kevin Henry, who was 6'3" or 6'4" and 280ish casually 2 hand dunking was probably the most impressive dunk I saw. Not because of flare or style, but just seeing a dude that big jumping that high and making it look like it took no effort. There's a reason he spent a few years in the NFL.

[Mjoelner34]

I played a lot of basketball (Tin gym and McCarthy) with the football and basketball players during their respective off seasons. It was really cool to see guys playing on Saturdays and a few on Sundays and remember, that guy dunked on me one time.

I was on an intramural team with Henry Koontz my first semester at State. Later played against Greg Lockhart in a pick-up game. My most vivid memory was the night where we were the final game. Jerry Rice came walking in and took the other court for himself. He was doing 360 dunks and all kinds of other dunks while we were playing. This is when they had strict rules that if they saw you jump and even touch the rim, you were gone much less dunking or trying to dunk.

[Cooterpoot]

Same. Eric Moulds dunk in the Tin Gym is still the best dunk I've ever seen live

Watching Darryl Wilson make about 20 3-balls his freshman year he had to sit out in an Intramural game when his team was playing another 4 on 5 was a pretty fun watch. We had the game after and all I can remember was thinking- "that guy is gonna be pretty good next year for us"

I saw Moulds dunk in HS and they had to stop the game because it broke a support bracket and the insulation in the ceiling fell on the court. He was probably the biggest freak to play here. Never seen anybody jump like him.

[Coach34]

I saw Moulds dunk in HS and they had to stop the game because it broke a support bracket and the insulation in the ceiling fell on the court. He was probably the biggest freak to play here. Never seen anybody jump like him.

The dunk in the Tin Gym I saw was incredible. My group had the down for the next game and we were hoping they would hurry the **** up and get done. Guy threw an alley oop to Moulds and I thought there was no way he was catching that and it would be a turnover. Moulds leaped and I shit you not- he grabbed that bitch at the top of the backboard and came down with a damn thunder jam. We all exploded and the game even stopped for a couple mins as everybody was howling.

So many good times then at State competing against our top guys:

Hit 8 3's in one game during the intramural season
Fouled Jerry Rice and knocked him down when he drove to the hoop.
Hit 3's on passes from Chucky, Top Gun Tony, Merritt, Greg Carter, and Carl Nichols. I was always nervous playing with Chucky because I didnt want him to hurt me with a pass I didnt see coming. He was incredible just too short for the NBA. He was the best true PG State ever had IMO
Got dunked on by Cam Burns and Nichols. Lol- Burns told me to never come into the paint again after he blocked my 5th or 6th shot that summer. He was not wrong.
Making the championship game in the school 3on3 Tourney. We had no post player and that killed us at the end

I miss my 22 year old body

[Coach34]

and to explain to your everyday viewer:

We had summer school from 8-12 in the summer. Then everybody would meet after lunch in the Tin Gym or in McCarthy. Regular students, basketball guys, football guys, etc. It was really damn fun. Good way to compete, burn calories from drinking and partying, and have fun. Those times are literally my favorite memories at State

[Mjoelner34]

I miss my 22 year old body

+1

My only highlights in a pickup game were against Greg Lockhart. We were in man and my guy had just cut low through the lane when I saw Lockhart, who had beaten his guy, coming straight down the lane right at me. He tried to do some dipsy-doodle underhand scoop and I swatted it back to the other end of the court. Since everybody on both teams were heading to the basket in anticipation of his shot, I was the only one who had momentum headed toward the ball. I could feel Lockhart right on my ass just as I grabbed it at the only spot on the floor from where I could consistently hit a shot. A 3 pointer from the left elbow. I grabbed it and shot it all in one motion as he came flying by swatting at it. I hit nothing but the bottom and the other 8 guys on the floor gave him shit about it the rest of the game.

In intramurals, I wasn't much of a scorer. Probably averaged only 6 points a game but I bet I led the league in blocked shots every year. I was a 6' guard who could jump out of the gym and was taller than probably 80% of the guards we played against. I was hell on them.