 |
| Louisiana Tech’s Terry Carter tries to stop Mississippi State’s Brandon McRae in their game last Saturday. (Associated Press) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bulldogs want to recover from upset
Posted: 09/05/08 - 11:38:48 am CDT
JACKSON (AP) — There’s more than one storm affecting the lives of Southeastern Louisiana football players.
Five days after Hurricane Gustav forced the Lions out of Hammond, they’ll face another tempest when they play at Mississippi State on Saturday. The Bulldogs are embarrassed, mad and not about to let a second team upset them after falling at Louisiana Tech last weekend — effectively marring any chance for another feel-good season.
“There were certain things that allowed us to win last year that we’re not doing right now,” said Croom, who led Mississippi State to an 8-5 breakthrough in 2007. “And I think some of it is ... our players, and even our fans to some degree, think we’re better and forget how we won. And how we won was by not making mistakes and not beating ourselves and being sound fundamentally.”
After 10 penalties, five turnovers and five critical errors in the kicking game, Croom put the Bulldogs through two practices Monday to remind them how they achieved last season’s turnaround.
The message came across clearly.
“We’ve just got to get in our playbooks and be more mentally focused and stop having mistakes that are killing ourselves,” wide receiver Brandon McRae said.
There were so many questions raised in the Bulldogs’ 22-14 loss at Louisiana Tech, it was hard to keep track.
The kicking game got attention at 7 a.m. Monday when the Bulldogs worked on full speed drills after players fumbled away a pair of kicks that helped give Louisiana Tech a spark down 14-3.
And punt returner Derek Pegues will return after sitting out a game for violating the team’s class attendance policy. Croom said his leadership was missing last weekend.
“I fully expect him to make an impact in a lot of ways,” Croom said. “One thing I noticed from him, and I can fully understand it, even in the earlier practice during training camp, he didn’t say much because he was not in a position where he could step up and be vocal because he knew he wasn’t going to play. He knew he had made a mistake.”
The quarterbacks also struggled. Starter Wes Carroll threw three interceptions and his backup, Tyson Lee, played poorly enough that he will be left out of the gameplan unless the contest gets out of hand.
“Wes Carroll’s our quarterback,” Croom said. “We’re going to win, lose, sink or swim with him.”
After opening with a 34-28 win over fellow Football Championship Subdivision opponent Alcorn State, the Lions had little time to reflect or celebrate. By Sunday they were headed to Camp Lake Stephens in Oxford where coach Houston Nutt and Mississippi played gracious host.
The five-hour drive took 10 because of evacuation traffic and it’s been a harried, worried week. But things have gone as well as they possibly can.
“We’ve had access to their indoor facility, along with their weight room and other facilities and we’re extremely grateful,” coach Mike Lucas said. “It’s been a tough week for us with everything happening back home, but we’re making it through and looking forward to getting back.”The road home goes through Starkville, though, where the Bulldogs will be ready to take out a week’s worth of frustration and constant questions on the Lions.
|
Let us know what you think about this story or topic.
|
Your comment may not
immediately appear on this Web site. We appreciate your patience.
|
|
|
|
|
RSS
