Scrimmage today

[confucius say]

Any word on how it went?

[R2Dawg]

Have not heard but I've watched a bunch of player interviews and other preview videos from people and here are a few observations.

This team is a tight team - brotherhood. I heard it over and over. I heard about the improved culture and how year 2 everyone is on the same page. Good signs.

I heard over and over bout how much better depth we have compared to last year.

We may have the best RB room in SEC - Booth, Bothwell, Daniels, Davis, Gayton. We are loaded.

DL is an SEC DL and big improvement. I heard it over and over. I heard Dinkins name multiple times. I didn't even realize he was back.

LB people have said strength of D.

I know not much proven in secondary but I think Kelly Jones could take a big step this year to be a really top SEC corner.

Jacoby Jackson handled the press interview as good as you'll see. Very well spoken. Heard Albert Reese may be the 6th swing linemen (best OL in Miss last year). That might be a really good sign too.

Not gonna lie, like dumb and dumber, there is a chance. Its football time at Mississippi State.

[BuckyIsAB****]

Its going to come down to the O Line and can we find more than one playable corner

[Goldendawg]

Have not heard but I've watched a bunch of player interviews and other preview videos from people and here are a few observations.

This team is a tight team - brotherhood. I heard it over and over. I heard about the improved culture and how year 2 everyone is on the same page. Good signs.

I heard over and over bout how much better depth we have compared to last year.

We may have the best RB room in SEC - Booth, Bothwell, Daniels, Davis, Gayton. We are loaded.

DL is an SEC DL and big improvement. I heard it over and over. I heard Dinkins name multiple times. I didn't even realize he was back.

LB people have said strength of D.

I know not much proven in secondary but I think Kelly Jones could take a big step this year to be a really top SEC corner.

Jacoby Jackson handled the press interview as good as you'll see. Very well spoken. Heard Albert Reese may be the 6th swing linemen (best OL in Miss last year). That might be a really good sign too.

Not gonna lie, like dumb and dumber, there is a chance. Its football time at Mississippi State.

Read all the same interviews as you from coaches ("Coachspeak") and players ("Playerspeak"). They can definately "talk the talk" as all teams do this time of year. Now can they "walk the walk"? Time will tell very quickly. I lost my maroon colored glasses two years ago. Show me something.

[Goldendawg]

Two free articles on the scrimmage today on genespage (24/7 Mississippi State). One a Q&A with Coach Lebby and the other about the scrimmage.

[CaptainObvious]

Defense Dominated!

[somebodyshotmypaw]

DL this year is a definite improvement. Because honestly there is no way it could be worse than last year. Last year we had no talent, no experience, and no depth. It was a catastrophe. If we have a below average DL this year we will be much better than last year.

[HoopsDawg]

Its going to come down to the O Line and can we find more than one playable corner

Anyone know the first 5 out there at Oline?

[Todd4State]

The one thing that really stood out to me reading the articles and reports was Stonka working out with the cornerbacks. I'm good with that.

[Todd4State]

Anyone know the first 5 out there at Oline?

Not sure about the starting five but the names that seem to appear the most are

Steen and Lewis at tackle
Reese and Work at guard
Center seems to be up for grabs between Boone, Keenum, and the UTEP transfer Barrett.

[somebodyshotmypaw]

Not sure about the starting five but the names that seem to appear the most are

Steen and Lewis at tackle
Reese and Work at guard
Center seems to be up for grabs between Boone, Keenum, and the UTEP transfer Barrett.

At this point in time, I agree with this. But things could certainly change.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Not sure about the starting five but the names that seem to appear the most are

Steen and Lewis at tackle
Reese and Work at guard
Center seems to be up for grabs between Boone, Keenum, and the UTEP transfer Barrett.

This is correct. That's been the starting working group and they're rotating Boone and Keenum in there at C. Zachariah Owens is pushing hard for one of those guard spots though and I wouldn't be surprised to see him beat out Work or Reese by the end of camp. But make no mistake, he'll play. He's probably a natural tackle but the easier path to the starting line is Guard for now because Steen and Lewis are VERY GOOD. We probably have two NFL tackles at those positions this year. Our OL will be MUCH IMPROVED

[StarkVegasSteve]

As far as what I've heard about the scrimmage/camp in general:

Shapen looked good, ball is coming out with a lot more zip and he's able to drive the ball further down field. He had some good throws yesterday but also threw a pretty bad pick. Kromenhoek is the backup and will be the guy if Shapen goes down. Kromenhoek has started to look better as camp has went on and the staff is really excited about him. Kamario is an athletic freak, no one denies that. But the speed of the college game is getting to him. He's hurrying throws and it's causing him to be inaccurate. He didn't chart well at all last week, but the staff didn't go in blind in that fact. They knew he needed to develop. We do have a package for both he and Kromenhoek in the gameplan to take some of the hits off Shapen.

Booth is the unquestioned starter at RB, but Bothwell is pushing hard and is going to be a featured part of the offense. We're working sets with Booth at WR and Bothwell in the backfield to get them on the field at the same time. The logjam behind those two has not really distanced itself and Seth Davis being more ready has complicated that even further. All 3 of the backs between Daniels, Gayten, and Davis had fumbles yesterday.

As of now, the WR group is Thompson, Evans, and Williams. Moseley, Glover, and Rickey Johnson are working in the second grouping. WR group had some drops yesterday and had trouble holding on to the ball. The Kelley Jones scoop and score was off a WR fumble. Brenen Thompson and Evans both had long receptions yesterday and Ayden Williams had a nice toe tap on the sidelines.

Traore is the TE but Sam West and Max Reese have been nice surprises.

The OL group is the one I described in my previous post.

The DL group is going to be MUCH IMPROVED. Burroughs, Whitson, Williams, Dinkins, and EVEN BINGLEY-JONES have all stepped their games up tremendously. They got home a couple of times in the scrimmage yesterday and have looked good all camp. If I had to pencil in Game 1 starters it would probably be Burroughs and Whitson but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Bingley-Jones or Trevion in that Burroughs spot.

The DE group is a lot like the DL group. MUCH IMPROVED. Red Hibbler is probably going to be the every down DL along with Deonte Anderson but Malick Sylla has turned heads at camp due to his pass rush. He will be our 3rd down DE. There's a reason A&M didn't want to lose him. Raishein Thomas and Neveah Sanders are all going to be pass rush specialists.

The LB group is probably our best group on D. Jalen Smith will be the Mike. Zakari Tillman and Branden Jennings will man the other two spots with Derion Gullette and Nic Mitchell also coming in. Issac Smith will also come down in the box at times and play LB. He will probably take over for Smith when he's down in that position.

The CB room........well it's there and they had a good scrimmage yesterday. Kelley Jones got the scoop and score and Jett Jefferson had a pick too. If I had to pencil in the other starter opposite Kelley Jones at this point, it's probably Jett Jefferson. I could also see Brumfield or Jayven Williams starting there as well. If this room can up their game, our D will be salty.

The S room is probably the second best, or best depending on who you ask, room on that side. When Issac Smith isn't playing LB, he'll be at safety along with either Jahron Manning or Tony Mitchell. You could also see Mitchell at the Star position too depending on the front we go with. We'll be playing a little more 4 man front this year. Manning had a couple of good PBUs in the scrimmage and Mitchell continues to really look good coming downhill. He and Bothwell met on the corner yesterday and it was what pads popping is supposed to sound like.


Overall, the scrimmage was what you'd expect a first scrimmage to be like. Moments of elation and moments of frustration. The Defense definitely won the scrimmage yesterday but the offense will be just fine.

[MStateME13]

As far as what I've heard about the scrimmage/camp in general:

Shapen looked good, ball is coming out with a lot more zip and he's able to drive the ball further down field. He had some good throws yesterday but also threw a pretty bad pick. Kromenhoek is the backup and will be the guy if Shapen goes down. Kromenhoek has started to look better as camp has went on and the staff is really excited about him. Kamario is an athletic freak, no one denies that. But the speed of the college game is getting to him. He's hurrying throws and it's causing him to be inaccurate. He didn't chart well at all last week, but the staff didn't go in blind in that fact. They knew he needed to develop. We do have a package for both he and Kromenhoek in the gameplan to take some of the hits off Shapen.

Booth is the unquestioned starter at RB, but Bothwell is pushing hard and is going to be a featured part of the offense. We're working sets with Booth at WR and Bothwell in the backfield to get them on the field at the same time. The logjam behind those two has not really distanced itself and Seth Davis being more ready has complicated that even further. All 3 of the backs between Daniels, Gayten, and Davis had fumbles yesterday.

As of now, the WR group is Thompson, Evans, and Williams. Moseley, Glover, and Rickey Johnson are working in the second grouping. WR group had some drops yesterday and had trouble holding on to the ball. The Kelley Jones scoop and score was off a WR fumble. Brenen Thompson and Evans both had long receptions yesterday and Ayden Williams had a nice toe tap on the sidelines.

Traore is the TE but Sam West and Max Reese have been nice surprises.

The OL group is the one I described in my previous post.

The DL group is going to be MUCH IMPROVED. Burroughs, Whitson, Williams, Dinkins, and EVEN BINGLEY-JONES have all stepped their games up tremendously. They got home a couple of times in the scrimmage yesterday and have looked good all camp. If I had to pencil in Game 1 starters it would probably be Burroughs and Whitson but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Bingley-Jones or Trevion in that Burroughs spot.

The DE group is a lot like the DL group. MUCH IMPROVED. Red Hibbler is probably going to be the every down DL along with Deonte Anderson but Malick Sylla has turned heads at camp due to his pass rush. He will be our 3rd down DE. There's a reason A&M didn't want to lose him. Raishein Thomas and Neveah Sanders are all going to be pass rush specialists.

The LB group is probably our best group on D. Jalen Smith will be the Mike. Zakari Tillman and Branden Jennings will man the other two spots with Derion Gullette and Nic Mitchell also coming in. Issac Smith will also come down in the box at times and play LB. He will probably take over for Smith when he's down in that position.

The CB room........well it's there and they had a good scrimmage yesterday. Kelley Jones got the scoop and score and Jett Jefferson had a pick too. If I had to pencil in the other starter opposite Kelley Jones at this point, it's probably Jett Jefferson. I could also see Brumfield or Jayven Williams starting there as well. If this room can up their game, our D will be salty.

The S room is probably the second best, or best depending on who you ask, room on that side. When Issac Smith isn't playing LB, he'll be at safety along with either Jahron Manning or Tony Mitchell. You could also see Mitchell at the Star position too depending on the front we go with. We'll be playing a little more 4 man front this year. Manning had a couple of good PBUs in the scrimmage and Mitchell continues to really look good coming downhill. He and Bothwell met on the corner yesterday and it was what pads popping is supposed to sound like.


Overall, the scrimmage was what you'd expect a first scrimmage to be like. Moments of elation and moments of frustration. The Defense definitely won the scrimmage yesterday but the offense will be just fine.

Appreciate you sharing what you?ve heard.

[TrapGame]

If we have a much improved defense and a legit ground game we can win 6 games.

[confucius say]

As far as what I've heard about the scrimmage/camp in general:

Shapen looked good, ball is coming out with a lot more zip and he's able to drive the ball further down field. He had some good throws yesterday but also threw a pretty bad pick. Kromenhoek is the backup and will be the guy if Shapen goes down. Kromenhoek has started to look better as camp has went on and the staff is really excited about him. Kamario is an athletic freak, no one denies that. But the speed of the college game is getting to him. He's hurrying throws and it's causing him to be inaccurate. He didn't chart well at all last week, but the staff didn't go in blind in that fact. They knew he needed to develop. We do have a package for both he and Kromenhoek in the gameplan to take some of the hits off Shapen.

Booth is the unquestioned starter at RB, but Bothwell is pushing hard and is going to be a featured part of the offense. We're working sets with Booth at WR and Bothwell in the backfield to get them on the field at the same time. The logjam behind those two has not really distanced itself and Seth Davis being more ready has complicated that even further. All 3 of the backs between Daniels, Gayten, and Davis had fumbles yesterday.

As of now, the WR group is Thompson, Evans, and Williams. Moseley, Glover, and Rickey Johnson are working in the second grouping. WR group had some drops yesterday and had trouble holding on to the ball. The Kelley Jones scoop and score was off a WR fumble. Brenen Thompson and Evans both had long receptions yesterday and Ayden Williams had a nice toe tap on the sidelines.

Traore is the TE but Sam West and Max Reese have been nice surprises.

The OL group is the one I described in my previous post.

The DL group is going to be MUCH IMPROVED. Burroughs, Whitson, Williams, Dinkins, and EVEN BINGLEY-JONES have all stepped their games up tremendously. They got home a couple of times in the scrimmage yesterday and have looked good all camp. If I had to pencil in Game 1 starters it would probably be Burroughs and Whitson but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Bingley-Jones or Trevion in that Burroughs spot.

The DE group is a lot like the DL group. MUCH IMPROVED. Red Hibbler is probably going to be the every down DL along with Deonte Anderson but Malick Sylla has turned heads at camp due to his pass rush. He will be our 3rd down DE. There's a reason A&M didn't want to lose him. Raishein Thomas and Neveah Sanders are all going to be pass rush specialists.

The LB group is probably our best group on D. Jalen Smith will be the Mike. Zakari Tillman and Branden Jennings will man the other two spots with Derion Gullette and Nic Mitchell also coming in. Issac Smith will also come down in the box at times and play LB. He will probably take over for Smith when he's down in that position.

The CB room........well it's there and they had a good scrimmage yesterday. Kelley Jones got the scoop and score and Jett Jefferson had a pick too. If I had to pencil in the other starter opposite Kelley Jones at this point, it's probably Jett Jefferson. I could also see Brumfield or Jayven Williams starting there as well. If this room can up their game, our D will be salty.

The S room is probably the second best, or best depending on who you ask, room on that side. When Issac Smith isn't playing LB, he'll be at safety along with either Jahron Manning or Tony Mitchell. You could also see Mitchell at the Star position too depending on the front we go with. We'll be playing a little more 4 man front this year. Manning had a couple of good PBUs in the scrimmage and Mitchell continues to really look good coming downhill. He and Bothwell met on the corner yesterday and it was what pads popping is supposed to sound like.


Overall, the scrimmage was what you'd expect a first scrimmage to be like. Moments of elation and moments of frustration. The Defense definitely won the scrimmage yesterday but the offense will be just fine.

With those 3 starting WR, that is Evans in the slot and Thompson and Williams outside?

[StarkVegasSteve]

If we have a much improved defense and a legit ground game we can win 6 games.

Everything hinges on Arizona St. You win that one and I think you get Tennessee to get to 5-0. After that, I think we could find 1 maybe even 2 more.

If you lose, you're scrambling because then need 3 conference wins to get to 6 and we've won 2 CONFERENCE GAMES in 2 YEARS. So it's a lot more daunting of a task at that point.

[StarkVegasSteve]

With those 3 starting WR, that is Evans in the slot and Thompson and Williams outside?

Yes. Thompson will play outside and he will play in the slot. We're going to move him around everywhere. Also wouldn't be surprised to see him in the backfield as well. He's going to be used everywhere.

[TrapGame]

Everything hinges on Arizona St. You win that one and I think you get Tennessee to get to 5-0. After that, I think we could find 1 maybe even 2 more.

If you lose, you're scrambling because then need 3 conference wins to get to 6 and we've won 2 CONFERENCE GAMES in 2 YEARS. So it's a lot more daunting of a task at that point.

ASU would be a program building win, imo. Get to 4-0 and DWS will be buck ass wild for the Tennessee game. Probably the biggest crowd in a decade. Win that one and the program is off life support. HS/Portal recruiting really picks up a few notches.

[Cowbeller]

ASU would be a program building win, imo. Get to 4-0 and DWS will be buck ass wild for the Tennessee game. Probably the biggest crowd in a decade. Win that one and the program is off life support. HS/Portal recruiting really picks up a few notches.

I said I wouldnt do it but after this thread Im throwing my maroon blinders back on. Why not 8 or 9 wins this year?

[TrapGame]

I said I wouldnt do it but after this thread Im throwing my maroon blinders back on. Why not 8 or 9 wins this year?

It's happened to second year head coached teams before. Catching lightning in a bottle and winning 8 games would be absolutely HUGE.

[WSOPdawg]

This is correct. That's been the starting working group and they're rotating Boone and Keenum in there at C. Zachariah Owens is pushing hard for one of those guard spots though and I wouldn't be surprised to see him beat out Work or Reese by the end of camp. But make no mistake, he'll play. He's probably a natural tackle but the easier path to the starting line is Guard for now because Steen and Lewis are VERY GOOD. We probably have two NFL tackles at those positions this year. Our OL will be MUCH IMPROVED

Why oh why am I always the sucker for the "tease" ? I so want this to be true.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Why oh why am I always the sucker for the "tease" ? I so want this to be true.

Steen and Lewis are NFL tackle prospects. Jimothy has the chance to be a Day 1 pick.

[bigbub50]

I would love to know why steen left Virginia “after spring practice.” That was weird. Why not leave in the first portal window.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I would love to know why steen left Virginia “after spring practice.” That was weird. Why not leave in the first portal window.

Because we tampered. Pretty simple. He was on Colorado's radar already and then Loadholt came over so he got on ours.

[Turfdawg67]

I said I wouldnt do it but after this thread Im throwing my maroon blinders back on. Why not 8 or 9 wins this year?

Lol... A Rebel wallowing in our misery. Look, most of us are expecting <5 win realistically. I admire the ones that still get excited every August and hope for the best. My MSU football death was caused by 1000 cuts, well... last couple years were some deep gashes to finish me off.

[99jc]

I am looking at 50k when we hit 4 wins! I just don't see how we cant win 4 if Shapen stay healthy!

[R2Dawg]

Read all the same interviews as you from coaches ("Coachspeak") and players ("Playerspeak"). They can definately "talk the talk" as all teams do this time of year. Now can they "walk the walk"? Time will tell very quickly. I lost my maroon colored glasses two years ago. Show me something.

Yes and I agree. I was just pointing out things that appear different than last year in a positive way. We will be a better team and I think we have way more talent this year. We catch some teams coming back down a little. We have a chance to win more games this year.

The coach/player speak was "stacking on good days of practice" I pay no attention to that.

[somebodyshotmypaw]

We could win 7 with our roster if the schedule was perfect. But it ain’t. With our schedule, anything over 4 will be tough. I could see 5 wins maybe.

[R2Dawg]

If we have a much improved defense and a legit ground game we can win 6 games.

Absolute fact. We can win 6. Until we suck it up, I'm excited to see this group go. Going to feel a little like 2019

[Cowbeller]

Lol... A Rebel wallowing in our misery. Look, most of us are expecting <5 win realistically. I admire the ones that still get excited every August and hope for the best. My MSU football death was caused by 1000 cuts, well... last couple years were some deep gashes to finish me off.
Keep your accusations and doom and gloom to yourself. I will get excited and hurt all on my own thank you.

[Todd4State]

Yes. Thompson will play outside and he will play in the slot. We're going to move him around everywhere. Also wouldn't be surprised to see him in the backfield as well. He's going to be used everywhere.

That makes me feel better about how we are going to use him. I don't really like keeping receivers at one spot. Basically he is going to be Keon Coleman for us this year position wise.

I like the idea of Booth splitting out to WR too.

[Todd4State]

Everything hinges on Arizona St. You win that one and I think you get Tennessee to get to 5-0. After that, I think we could find 1 maybe even 2 more.

If you lose, you're scrambling because then need 3 conference wins to get to 6 and we've won 2 CONFERENCE GAMES in 2 YEARS. So it's a lot more daunting of a task at that point.

Exactly. We need to treat the Arizona State game like the Super Bowl and we need as many fans there as possible. We can build some helium with a win there. And then unleash Kamario on Alcorn State in his first start to give people a glimpse of the future.

[Coach34]

Arizona St is huge for this season

[StarkVegasSteve]

Exactly. We need to treat the Arizona State game like the Super Bowl and we need as many fans there as possible. We can build some helium with a win there. And then unleash Kamario on Alcorn State in his first start to give people a glimpse of the future.

We will not start Kamario this season. Kromenhoek is the unquestioned backup at the moment. And he will not start that game either. Shapen will start it and hopefully he’s out by half. Give Kromenhoek the 3rd and a drive in the 4th and give Kamario the rest.

[Coach34]

Correct. Kamario aint ready for prime time. He is an athlete playing QB right now. He has not made it to athletic QB yet

[TrapGame]

Arizona St is huge for this season

And "huge" maybe understating it some. It's part of the 6 win formula.

I plan on being there.

[confucius say]

I don't see ASU as some huge game like others, not in the win-loss formula. I think TN, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri are just as winnable. All four of those are ranked a good bit behind ASU, some way way behind.

Now for early momentum, yea it matters. But if we play a top 10 team like them close in week 2, there should still be a lot of momentum for ball knowers.

[TrapGame]

I don't see ASU as some huge game like others, not in the win-loss formula. I think TN, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri are just as winnable. All four of those are ranked a good bit behind ASU, some way way behind.

Now for early momentum, yea it matters. But if we play a top 10 team like them close in week 2, there should still be a lot of momentum for ball knowers.

ASU is too high in the rankings. After the first month of the season most of the top 10 won't be there anymore. Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri are better than ASU in my opinion. We damn near made a miraculous comeback to beat ASU last year in there place with Skattebo. Arkansas is part of my 6 game formula.

[WSOPdawg]

ASU is too high in the rankings. After the first month of the season most of the top 10 won't be there anymore. Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri are better than ASU in my opinion. We damn near made a miraculous comeback to beat ASU last year in there place with Skattebo. Arkansas is part of my 6 game formula.

In disagreement on that one Trap. Why OM is getting all the love and top-20 ranking with only 5 starters returning to include a new QB is quite absurd. I know they hit the portal hard, but still I'd take ASU over their roster.

UT also has very little returning on the offensive side of the ball to include a transfer QB who is unproven in the SEC.

I like our chances with ASU in game 2 at home and am of the opinion we start 4-0 with UT rolling into Starkvegas in game 5.

[MBDawg601]

I don't see ASU as some huge game like others, not in the win-loss formula. I think TN, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri are just as winnable. All four of those are ranked a good bit behind ASU, some way way behind.

Now for early momentum, yea it matters. But if we play a top 10 team like them close in week 2, there should still be a lot of momentum for ball knowers.

Timing of this game makes it huge.. getting off to an undefeated start with ASU likely being a top 10 team is a must win. Win that one and you have confidence, fan support and something worth talking about. ASU is picked to win the big 12 (shared odds with 3-4 others)

Lose that game and we are exactly who they say we are.

[TrapGame]

In disagreement on that one Trap. Why OM is getting all the love and top-20 ranking with only 5 starters returning to include a new QB is quite absurd. I know they hit the portal hard, but still I'd take ASU over their roster.

UT also has very little returning on the offensive side of the ball to include a transfer QB who is unproven in the SEC.

I like our chances with ASU in game 2 at home and am of the opinion we start 4-0 with UT rolling into Starkvegas in game 5.

Well, I will agree with you on our chances to beat ASU. I still think they are overrated. Of course, they could push our shit in on September 6th and we'll have a ghost town of a stadium by the 4th quarter but I really don't think that's going to happen.

[TrapGame]

Timing of this game makes it huge.. getting off to an undefeated start with ASU likely being a top 10 team is a must win. Win that one and you have confidence, fan support and something worth talking about. ASU is picked to win the big 12 (shared odds with 3-4 others)

Lose that game and we are exactly who they say we are.

EXACTLY!

Want some early lightning and a big buzz? Beat ASU on September 6th.

[confucius say]

Timing of this game makes it huge.. getting off to an undefeated start with ASU likely being a top 10 team is a must win. Win that one and you have confidence, fan support and something worth talking about. ASU is picked to win the big 12 (shared odds with 3-4 others)

Lose that game and we are exactly who they say we are.

I agree mostly with the first paragraph and the timing being important.
The second paragraph I don't get. We lose a one score game to a top 10 team picked to win the Big 12 with a Heisman candidate qb and it means we suck? That doesn't make sense. We could lose that game and still be much better than people think.