The state of Mississippi dropped to 8-5 overall and 3-4 in the SEC game after a 75-52 loss to South Carolina’s # 4 (13-1, 8-0). When the Southeast Conference schedule was launched, many Bulldog fans were encouraged by the fact that Gamecocks would have to travel to Starkville. These feelings of gratitude were replaced by growing frustration. A proud show has given some problems this season.
On Thursday, State appeared to be ready to roll and finished the first quarter with an 11-10 lead. From there, it was all Gamecocks. Coach Dawn Staley’s team clearly looked like the most polite team. Carolina beat State by 26 to 12 in the second quarter and never looked back. A final 21-11 period removed all doubts and demonstrated that the SEC’s best rivalry may be a thing of the past, at least for now.
Complaints about arbitration have decreased. The conversation today revolves around the direction of the program. The most recruited squad in Mississippi women’s history is playing like an average team, at best. The Bulldogs lost three games in a row. Two of those defeats came at home and, unfortunately, the state never seemed to be in control of any of the games at any time during the recent skid.
It is true that Nikki McCray-Penson started out with more talent and support than Vic Schaefer, but the first year is the first year. Without being known for their patience, Bulldog fans are barking. They are used to winning, so being a competitor in the SEC race is a very disconcerting situation. Where are we going from here?
In other news, coach Mike Leach and his team is trying to put the finishing touches on the 2021 recruiting class. With the commitment of the running back four stars Ke’Travion Hargrove, a class of the top 25 is possible. Defensive end Ty Cooper is expected to announce to the Bulldogs next Wednesday on the national signing day With Cooper and Hargrove expected on the Bulldog boat, there is still a vacancy to be filled.
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The Bulldog team is working on its defensive back options and appears to have some solid options. Working in the last week of the process, the state has to outline one of the available targets and prepare for the second year under Leach and company. Who will it be and for how many years will they be able to wear brown and white?
Finally, the state of Mississippi is working on a ticket plan for the baseball season. The details of this plan will be known in the coming days. One thing is certain: access to the lounge on the left field will not be as available as before. Although the measures taken this spring should be temporary, it will be a season unlike any other.