Mississippi

Three alarming stats for Mississippi State football’s defense after Texas A&M loss

Published

2 years ago

October 20, 2024

Three alarming stats for Mississippi State football’s defense after Texas A&M loss

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football’s defense is bad, and there really isn’t much of an argument against it.

The Bulldogs (1-6, 0-4 SEC) fell 34-24 to No. 14 Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0) on Saturday. It’s the sixth straight game they’ve allowed at least 30 points. Their 33.3 points per game allowed are third worst among power conference teams.

“The toughness, the belief, the effort and the attitude that’s going on on that side of the ball, I’m proud of,” coach Jeff Lebby said after Saturday’s loss. “We’ve got to play better. I’ve got to coach better. That’s something that we will continue to do.”

Here are three alarming stats that help explain the root of Mississippi State’s defensive struggles.

Mississippi State tied for fewest sacks in the country

MSU didn’t record a sack on Saturday for the fourth game this season. The Bulldogs have five sacks on the season and just two in the last five games. The five sacks are tied with Oregon State and Air Force for the fewest in the country.

The sacks haven’t been big ones either. The five of them have accounted for 16 yards, the fewest in the country. New Mexico State is the next-best team, but has nearly double the sack yardage with 30.

Sacks can be misleading because they depend on how many dropbacks the opponent has. MSU’s sack rate of 1.64% against FBS opponents is last in the country, according to teamrankings.com.

“Just play more physical and get back there,” safety Isaac Smith said. “Keep practicing and working hard every week. Just get to the quarterback and try to get some pressure on him so our DB’s won’t have to be in coverage as long and guys won’t just be running open down the field.”

Mississippi State football allowing highest completion percentage in country

It’s strange because this was an issue last season too, even with a different defensive coordinator. New coordinator Coleman Hutzler’s defense is allowing a 72.5% completion percentage, the highest in the country.

That still stands after Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman completed 60% of his throws on Saturday.

Part of that can be attributed to cornerbacks playing deep coverage instead of press. Teams are throwing many screen and swing passes because MSU has struggled to defend them. It also foils together in the defensive ecosystem of a bad pass rush combined with bad pass coverage.

Mississippi State defense isn’t getting off field on third down

Texas A&M converted 9-of-14 third downs against the Bulldogs, the most they’ve allowed all season.

The Bulldogs’ opponents are converting third downs at a 49.5% clip, the fourth worst in the country.

Defensive lineman Sulaiman Kpaka said improving on third down ties back to the pass rush.

“As a defensive line, our job is to get back (to the quarterback),” he said. “I feel like we need to continue to improve on that and we won’t have those issues.”

MORE: De’Monte Russell injury update: Mississippi State football DL to locker room vs Texas A&M

Mississippi State is getting better in these areas

MSU has forced multiple turnovers in three consecutive games. It’s part of what’s kept the Bulldogs in the fight against top-15 teams Texas, Georgia and Texas A&M.

The Bulldogs also held Georgia and Texas A&M both to under 150 yards rushing. Their 192.3 rushing yards allowed per game are still the second most for power conference teams, but it could be a sign of improvement.

“I was incredibly proud and encouraged of how we defended the run (Saturday),” Lebby said. “These guys had been running the ball incredibly well. To me, that’s what gave us a chance.”

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Association of Coaches Inducts Six New Members

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2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi Association of Coaches Inducts Six New Members

Six new members were inducted into the Mississippi Association Coaches Hall of Fame on Friday.

Five electees and one surprise honorary inductee announced at the evening’s end.

Each says the MAC HOF is a special one and this is the ultimate honor for a coach in Mississippi.

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Mississippi

Fort Worth youth baseball team rescued after floodwaters trap families in Mississippi

Published

12 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Press Room

Fort Worth youth baseball team rescued after floodwaters trap families in Mississippi

Members of a Fort Worth-area youth baseball team were among dozens of people rescued from rising floodwaters in Mississippi as Tropical Storm Arthur brought heavy rain and dangerous conditions to the Gulf Coast.

According to a release from Cajun Navy 2016, volunteers conducted multiple water rescues along the Biloxi River in Gulfport over the weekend as rainfall caused water levels to rise and flooded homes and roadways.

Among those evacuated were members of The Pickles, a Fort Worth-area youth baseball team.

Trey Williams, communications director for Cajun Navy 2016, said the rescue effort began when the mother of one of the players contacted the organization through Facebook seeking help. Initially, the situation did not appear urgent, but rising floodwaters overnight quickly changed conditions.

“They were just wanting to get to their game,” Williams said. “But overnight, the water rose a great bit, and it really did become more of an emergency situation where we needed to get them out of that house.”

According to Williams, volunteers working alongside the Gulfport Fire Department evacuated 12 players, nine adults, and three dogs; two German shepherds and a Labrador, from the flooded property.

The group was staying in an Airbnb near the Biloxi River when floodwaters began surrounding the elevated home. Williams said fast-moving water and changing currents created dangerous conditions for rescuers and those trapped inside.

“The most important thing was that water was very swift and fast-moving,” Williams said. “In that situation, it’s always best to get people out of harm’s way.”

The team rescue was one of several operations conducted by Cajun Navy 2016 during the storm response.

Williams said the rescue reflected the mission that inspired the organization after the historic Louisiana floods of 2016.

“It was neighbors coming together to help neighbors,” Williams said. “Every time we help somebody, they’re very grateful and relieved. In this situation, everybody was safe, everybody got out okay, and that’s why we’re here.”

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Mississippi

Iconic Mississippi foods and top US foodie states

Published

23 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Press Room

Iconic Mississippi foods and top US foodie states

When you think of Mississippi food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The state has lots of iconic offerings, including biscuits, tamales and mud pie.

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans for Hello Fresh. They talked to families about how much they cook at home, pride in local recipes and the states they think have the best cuisine in the U.S.

“Food has always been about more than just sustenance — it’s how we connect, share stories and pass down traditions,” said Michelle Doll Olson, senior manager of culinary development at HelloFresh US. “From California shrimp tacos and Minnesota Juicy Lucy, to Louisiana gumbo and New York bagels, the dishes that define each state carry generations of family memories and cultural pride.”

The average American reportedly cooks 12 meals at home every week. That’s three breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners.

Sharing food is a matter of community pride.

Get your groceries easily with Hello Fresh