Perception and the Future of Mississippi State Football

[Dawgology]

The B&B show this morning had a lively discussion about the impact of this weekend's game against LSU on the perception of the MSU football program by the national media. It is an interesting thought. It is Hadad's opinion that this game is THE most important game in Mullen's tenure in regards to perception of our football team.

Looking at pre-season polls over the past 6-7 years the media's perception of the MSU football team is apparent. We have been picked DEAD LAST in the West (and sometimes the entire conference) almost every time. In all of those years we have never finished last in the West....much less the entire conference. We have come close a few times though. Now, I know these pre-season polls aren't worth the paper they are printed on but the reality of it is that those listed in the Top 25 preseason poll actually have a bit of a leg up in regards to final rankings.

With the impending destruction of the UNM football program, combined with our current success in recruiting and on-the-field results I see MSU on the cusp of entering a golden era of football for our program. We have almost run the table on what will be this year's Dandy Dozen and we are beginning to cherry pick big time QB recruits. Next step is to shore up WR recruiting (which appears to be handled) and OL recruiting (is what it is). If this happens we could see unprecedented and extended success.

So....Is the game this weekend the lynchpin in all of this or just another rung on the ladder? Does a win this weekend propel us to new heights in national perception and program success? Does a loss negate all of the above?

Thoughts?

[Liverpooldawg]

I'm afraid we are getting the cart before the horse again. Too much emphasis has been placed by our fans on what we did in the first two games. Those teams were NOT good teams. They weren't even mediocre teams. We need to let this next one play out before we get all worked up. It's the first real opportunity to evaluate this team. It's not a lynch pin game at all, for either good or bad.

[Ari Gold]

We have to find a way to go at least 1-2 next 3. Just can't go 0-3

[Liverpooldawg]

We have to find a way to go at least 1-2 next 3. Just can't go 0-3

This I agree with.

[msstatelp1]

One game isn't changing national perception. We need to consistently beat the LSUs, Auburns, and aTms to change it. Beating LSU, Auburn, or aTm once every 3-4 years wont do it.

[Tbonewannabe]

I'm afraid we are getting the cart before the horse again. Too much emphasis has been placed by our fans on what we did in the first two games. Those teams were NOT good teams. They weren't even mediocre teams. We need to let this next one play out before we get all worked up. It's the first real opportunity to evaluate this team. It's not a lynch pin game at all, for either good or bad.

But he is talking about Perception of the program. I don't think LSU is a true #12 team or whatever they are ranked but if we beat them then it looks like a big win. Dan is starting to win these type of games and if you are regularly winning them then people start putting you in the preseason top 25. The biggest thing that happened to UM was getting that #3 recruiting class and then beating Bama twice. They did gain a lot of great PR from those instances.

MSU has typically been horrible in the PR game. We are getting better especially with the Starkvegas branding. We are publicizing our NFL players a lot better. Grantham develops a great defense and having all those NFL stars is only going to make his job easier. As many guys as Bama has in the league, I am not sure if you are making a team if you don't take MSU players over them. KJ Wright and McKinley are 2 of the better LBs in the league and Cox is probably the best DT. Chris Jones is also going to be a star. Slay is a ProBowl level corner who just got snubbed last year. That doesn't even take into account the guys like Autry, Boyd, and McPhee who are all good players.

[Dawgology]

I'm afraid we are getting the cart before the horse again. Too much emphasis has been placed by our fans on what we did in the first two games. Those teams were NOT good teams. They weren't even mediocre teams. We need to let this next one play out before we get all worked up. It's the first real opportunity to evaluate this team. It's not a lynch pin game at all, for either good or bad.

This is kind of what I'm thinking as well. I don't think LSU is as important as the Georgia and Auburn game...IF we beat LSU. In this 3 game stretch each game becomes more defining IF we win each one. Again (big "if"), if we actually won all three in this series then we would see a permament shift in national media perception. Me personally...I just want to see us go 1-2 over the next three (at least).

[THE Bruce Dickinson]

I am not pretending to know much about them, but La Tech. was a preseason favorite to win C-USA. I am not saying they are world beaters or even near LSU caliber, but I don't think they are as bad of a football team as you are letting on. Also, several other SEC teams are having some trouble with lower level teams even worse than La Tech. It wasn't the greatest win in the world, but we went on the road in a trap game situation and took care of business easily. That win gave me an idea of the mentality of this team. Cant wait for Saturday.

[Tbonewannabe]

One game isn't changing national perception. We need to consistently beat the LSUs, Auburns, and aTms to change it. Beating LSU, Auburn, or aTm once every 3-4 years wont do it.

We need to go 2-1 against those guys. If we beat LSU and aTm with AU being a close game then we might make a push for a good preseason ranking next year especially with Simmons and Fitz having some star power for an experienced team.

[Liverpooldawg]

I am not pretending to know much about them, but La Tech. was a preseason favorite to win C-USA. I am not saying they are world beaters or even near LSU caliber, but I don't think they are as bad of a football team as you are letting on. Also, several other SEC teams are having some trouble with lower level teams even worse than La Tech. It wasn't the greatest win in the world, but we went on the road in a trap game situation and took care of business easily. That win gave me an idea of the mentality of this team. Cant wait for Saturday.
La Tech had a real struggle for 3 quarters with a bad FCS team in their first game. They aren't very good.

[Choctaw Dawg]

I'm afraid we are getting the cart before the horse again. Too much emphasis has been placed by our fans on what we did in the first two games. Those teams were NOT good teams. They weren't even mediocre teams. We need to let this next one play out before we get all worked up. It's the first real opportunity to evaluate this team. It's not a lynch pin game at all, for either good or bad.

We started 2014 off against Southern Miss and UAB. Southern Miss went 1-11 the year before and UAB finished with a defunct program, so i would say we started off with way better football teams this year than we did in 2014.

[Political Hack]

"The most important game of millennia tenure" is absurd. It's not even the most important game this year.

[THE Bruce Dickinson]

La Tech had a real struggle for 3 quarters with a bad FCS team in their first game. They aren't very good.

Texas A&M was tied in the fourth quarter with a 1-AA team last week. Are you considering our game in College Station an easy win as well ?

[BB30]

I'm afraid we are getting the cart before the horse again. Too much emphasis has been placed by our fans on what we did in the first two games. Those teams were NOT good teams. They weren't even mediocre teams. We need to let this next one play out before we get all worked up. It's the first real opportunity to evaluate this team. It's not a lynch pin game at all, for either good or bad.

Agree, also preseason rankings really don't mean a whole lot with our schedule. If we take care of business we will fly up the polls just like 14. Personally, for us to change perception we will have to win those games more than once every three or four years. We are talking about a team that went 5-7 and barely beat an average team in the bowl game that we got in due to good grades. That is a large jump from 5-7 to taking 2 of 3 from AU, GA, and LSU. Not saying that we can't do it but I would reserve judgment until after the LSU game to really see where this team is at. There are still a bunch of question marks and I am not sold on our offense quite yet.

Fitz is going to have to make several throws he has missed in the first two games if we want to beat the Tigers and their defense is pretty dang good.

[Dawgtini]

We have to find a way to go at least 1-2 next 3. Just can't go 0-3

Exactly what I was thinking. And if we want to "accelerate the narrative" we have to find a way to win 2 or more. I believe it is possible, if not too probable.

[TrapGame]

We started 2014 off against Southern Miss and UAB. Southern Miss went 1-11 the year before and UAB finished with a defunct program, so i would say we started off with way better football teams this year than we did in 2014.

And USM pushed our OL around like a bad high school team. Remember the goal line stand where Dak got stuffed on 4th and goal? This board melted like a stick of butter on a hot skillet.

[Commercecomet24]

"The most important game of millennia tenure" is absurd. It's not even the most important game this year.

Hack, right as always. There's a game of the century or program defining game for every school it seems like every week. Been going on since college football has been played. I've watched at least a dozen "game of the century" on espn classic lol

[Dawg-gone-dawgs]

We have to find a way to go at least 1-2 next 3. Just can't go 0-3

That a way to shoot for the stars!!!

[Randolph Dupree]

I don't think that one game can be program defining or change perception, however I believe a string of games and consistency can lead to that but it takes time. Now you have to start somewhere and a win over LSU Saturday is a great place to start. In order to change perception though we probably need to win a minimum of 2 out of the next 3 and give Bama a scare or hand them an L. Then we need to turn around next year and do the same or better.

FWIW, and this may be maroon glasses, but I see us as equals to A&M on the field. Yes they have more resources and recruit better but head to head we are dead even with them and I don't care who they get as a coach, there are cultural issues at both Texas and A&M that until resolved will keep both of them from reaching their full potential.

[Dawg-gone-dawgs]

I don't think that one game can be program defining or change perception, however I believe a string of games and consistency can lead to that but it takes time. Now you have to start somewhere and a win over LSU Saturday is a great place to start. In order to change perception though we probably need to win a minimum of 2 out of the next 3 and give Bama a scare or hand them an L. Then we need to turn around next year and do the same or better.

FWIW, and this may be maroon glasses, but I see us as equals to A&M on the field. Yes they have more resources and recruit better but head to head we are dead even with them and I don't care who they get as a coach, there are cultural issues at both Texas and A&M that until resolved will keep both of them from reaching their full potential.

You do know A&M sucks ass and almost lost to Nicholls right?

[Randolph Dupree]

You do know A&M sucks ass and almost lost to Nicholls right?

Haha. Yeah I meant big picture/overall. I fully expect us to beat them this year.

[BrunswickDawg]

Screw it, I say we just win the whole ****ing thing. That will change some perceptions!

[DancingRabbit]

It's definitely a big game. If we beat LSU, I think we win 1 of the next 2.

Lose to LSU and I'm afraid we go 0-3 over that stretch.

[Commercecomet24]

Screw it, I say we just win the whole ****ing thing. That will change some perceptions!

Rep Given!

[Johnson85]

"The most important game of millennia tenure" is absurd. It's not even the most important game this year.

What do you think is the most important game? This looks like it to me (or at least "swing" game; not sure most important makes sense in the context of a college season).

We have 4OOC games we should win. In the SEC, we have UM and UK we should feel good about. Then it looks like A&M and Arkansas may belong in a group with UM and UK based on their performance so far. We have Bama and Auburn that I think would take huge upsets.

That leaves LSU and UGA as games with the potential to swing our season, and I think LSU at home is the most likely win of those two. If it's not LSU and not UGA, I would say either Arkansas or A&M is the most important, depending on whether either of them get it together.

[Reason2succeed]

Screw it, I say we just win the whole ****ing thing. That will change some perceptions!

Call me a homer but I'm with you. I haven't seen a team on our schedule sans Bama that we can't beat if we play well that day. 17 all this 1 out of 3 and 2 out of 3 BS. Win all three and we will be on a collision course with Bama for the West. Then anything can happen at DWS.

[DancingRabbit]

Call me a homer but I'm with you. I haven't seen a team on our schedule sans Bama that we can't beat if we play well that day. 17 all this 1 out of 3 and 2 out of 3 BS. Win all three and we will be on a collision course with Bama for the West. Then anything can happen at DWS.

Maybe just trolling LSU and AU fans, but this guy agrees with you.
https://www.seccountry.com/mississippi-state/mississippi-state-auburn-lsu-sec-west

Dan Wolken picked us to beat LSU straight up, so there's that.

[Percho]

Call me a homer but I'm with you. I haven't seen a team on our schedule sans Bama that we can't beat if we play well that day. 17 all this 1 out of 3 and 2 out of 3 BS. Win all three and we will be on a collision course with Bama for the West. Then anything can happen at DWS.

I'm with you fellers!

BTW for all. The next game is always the most important game.

UConn's win string started after a loss.

[TrapGame]

Maybe just trolling LSU and AU fans, but this guy agrees with you.
https://www.seccountry.com/mississippi-state/mississippi-state-auburn-lsu-sec-west

Dan Wolken picked us to beat LSU straight up, so there's that.

So much wool.

[Commercecomet24]

Call me a homer but I'm with you. I haven't seen a team on our schedule sans Bama that we can't beat if we play well that day. 17 all this 1 out of 3 and 2 out of 3 BS. Win all three and we will be on a collision course with Bama for the West. Then anything can happen at DWS.

Absolutely agree.

[Commercecomet24]

Maybe just trolling LSU and AU fans, but this guy agrees with you.
https://www.seccountry.com/mississippi-state/mississippi-state-auburn-lsu-sec-west

Dan Wolken picked us to beat LSU straight up, so there's that.

Loved his shot at freeze with "sure, learning Alabama is the division’s strongest squad is as much of a shock as discovering escort services are available in Tampa" lol

[Leeshouldveflanked]

Until we can recruit 4 star OL and WR's consistently, we are on the outside looking in. We have to sign one or two Gabe Jackson/Derek Sherrod's and one or two Eric Moulds/ Fred Ross every year....

[smootness]

We started 2014 off against Southern Miss and UAB. Southern Miss went 1-11 the year before and UAB finished with a defunct program, so i would say we started off with way better football teams this year than we did in 2014.

And we didn't know what we had in 2014 until LSU. Same thing here. That we played nobody in 2014, either, doesn't in any way mean anything in relation to this year.

[smootness]

Auburn looks very weak offensively this year, and UGA is talented but still young and will either have a true FR or an inconsistent, rusty true SO at QB. The fact that those are on the road makes them tough, but LSU is the best team of the next 3. There is no reason we can't stand toe-to-toe with any of them.

[RunDog26]

To me, a win Saturday means we are better than we thought and we have a good shot at going 2-1 over the next 3 games and possibly a 9 win season. Lose, and we'll likely be the 0.500 team we thought we were.

[HSVDawg]

I'm afraid we are getting the cart before the horse again. Too much emphasis has been placed by our fans on what we did in the first two games. Those teams were NOT good teams. They weren't even mediocre teams. We need to let this next one play out before we get all worked up. It's the first real opportunity to evaluate this team. It's not a lynch pin game at all, for either good or bad.

Are you here to argue that BYU and UT-Chattanooga are CFP contenders or something? They are both as bad as the two teams we played.

[smootness]

Are you here to argue that BYU and UT-Chattanooga are CFP contenders or something? They are both as bad as the two teams we played.

I think people are misinterpreting his post. I don't think he's saying that because we have played two bad teams, it means we're also bad. I think he's just saying that no one really knows yet exactly what we are because we haven't played anyone good enough to challenge us, so some of the sudden heavy wool may be premature.

We may prove to be awesome. The point is we just can't really know anything yet.

[Commercecomet24]

Are you here to argue that BYU and UT-Chattanooga are CFP contenders or something? They are both as bad as the two teams we played.

Right on. I actually think la tech is better than byu, not that it matters cause they both are mediocre at best.

[gravedigger]

I'm afraid we are getting the cart before the horse again. Too much emphasis has been placed by our fans on what we did in the first two games. Those teams were NOT good teams. They weren't even mediocre teams. We need to let this next one play out before we get all worked up. It's the first real opportunity to evaluate this team. It's not a lynch pin game at all, for either good or bad.

I didn't take what the OP said as giving too much credence to the first two games. What he is saying is that the football team, in order to change a longtime perception, must win games like this weekend to change our preseason perceptions each year. You cant just beat the teams you are supposed to. EACH season must have in it some upset and while I'm not sure this game is 'make or break' it certainly propels you into the spotlight if you win.

I think it's more the 3 game stretch and the BYU game that we have to win 2 of to help that perception turn positive.

What we really cannot afford to do is lose a game we should win. South Alabama did more damage to our perception than most think.

[Dawgology]

. South Alabama did more damage to our perception than most think.

This is an excellent point. In fact, I think a loss to that type of team does more damage than a win over LSU will help. If that makes sense.

[BulldogDX55]

This is an excellent point. In fact, I think a loss to that type of team does more damage than a win over LSU will help. If that makes sense.

Nah, it's always a "what have you done for me lately?" mindset in regards to perception. We received a lot of good press in '14 and '15, but it was disproportionately focused on Dak, and amplified when Dak did his thing in Dallas, and the USA loss cemented that mindset. A win this weekend will prove that we are not a one Dak pony and will be sticking around in the upper half of the SEC for the long haul.

[WSOPdawg]

Auburn looks very weak offensively this year, and UGA is talented but still young and will either have a true FR or an inconsistent, rusty true SO at QB. The fact that those are on the road makes them tough, but LSU is the best team of the next 3. There is no reason we can't stand toe-to-toe with any of them.

I'm not sure we know where Auburn stands yet offensively because Clemson's D is going to make a lot of team's look offensively inept this year (continuing this weekend with L'ville and Heisman winner Lamar Jackson) plus is Stidham a "true" Gus Malzahn QB (I'm thinking not)? I just remember last year's 1st half butt-stomping by them and because of that, they are the most dangerous team we face in the next 3 games. I really like our chances against LSU and GA.

[TaleofTwoDogs]

This is an excellent point. In fact, I think a loss to that type of team does more damage than a win over LSU will help. If that makes sense.

It does. In fact, on a recent SEC Network feature called "playing the cupcakes", the first clip shown was us losing to USA. I was embarrassed sitting in my own den.

[Ari Gold]

That a way to shoot for the stars!!!

What you want ..?? if we don't go 3-0 those games we are ****ed? If we are 3-2 after aub it's sets up for 9-3 possible season. Any mother ****er on this board would have taken that before the season started.

[IMissJack]

I want to win all 3, but if you told me you only get to win 1, I want it to be LSU.

[smootness]

I'm not sure we know where Auburn stands yet offensively because Clemson's D is going to make a lot of team's look offensively inept this year (continuing this weekend with L'ville and Heisman winner Lamar Jackson) plus is Stidham a "true" Gus Malzahn QB (I'm thinking not)? I just remember last year's 1st half butt-stomping by them and because of that, they are the most dangerous team we face in the next 3 games. I really like our chances against LSU and GA.

I didn't think Stidham looked good against Georgia Southern, either. Clemson's D is going to be really, really good, but a truly good offense should still be able to do more than Auburn did. They looked extremely bad.

Stidham is not what he was advertised to be and is not a fit in that offense. They are going to struggle this year.

[Behrdawg]

Remember the 2014 campaign? The most prolific player in program history, Dak Prescott, led us to a #1 ranking. We beat 3 top 10 teams in a row. We were the first #1 ranked team in the modern era of the college football playoff. "Starkvegas" was the featured graphic across ESPN's homepage. We were on 2 Sports Illustrated covers. We were the "it" program...but only for a minute. From a viewpoint nationally, we have fallen off into obscurity once again. No one remembers 2014, except us. We were a "one man show" with Dak and now, from a the national perspective, no one gives two shits about lowly MS State.

The only we we will change the perception of our program is to consistently beat the good teams, not just "be competitive". We have to consistently be an exceptional recruiting machine and Dan has got to continue developing the lowly 2 and 3 stars into good athletes (might I also recommend that he needs to fire Hevesy). There is no way around this. Beating LSU this weekend will mean a lot for this season- but from the national perspective on the future of our program, it wont mean shit unless we beat the other guys this year and beat them again next year and then the next and so on. If we don't we are once again "just a fluke".