HOOVER, Ala. — Mississippi State’s Aug. 30 opener with LSU is already bringing out different feelings on the Bulldog’s sideline.
“It’s always nice to start off good,” Bulldogs head coach Sylvester Croom said. “I’m more worried about how you finish.”
Defensive end Titus Brown added, “I think we can go out there and make (us) known for something with the opening game.”
The first game might not be the end all be all for Mississippi State, but after last year’s three 3-point losses, the Bulldogs will try to turn the small deficits around and put themselves in the win column.
Returning starting quarterback Michael Henig, who was banged up last season, has put on some weight in hopes of staying healthy throughout the year.
Having Henig for every snap would go a long way to getting the important plays that eluded the Bulldogs in their tight losses last season.
“Now we’ve got to find that one play to get those other three points,” Croom said.
Plus, to help keep Henig in the game the Bulldogs have “finally pieced together an offensive line,” Croom said.
To get the point across the Bulldogs have a slogan, “One play, this play.”
The slogan leads to a heightened practice atmosphere, in which each play is important because if one play matters, then every play matters.
“That’s what it’s all about, one play, this play” Henig said. “It’s something that sticks in your mind.”
If the Bulldogs can make improvements from each play to the entire season, things will be a little more calm around Starkville.
“Improving is more than the win and loss column,” Henig said.
Croom just may need his higher-ups to believe that as well if the Bulldogs don’t make headway in his fourth season.
BULLDOG 2007 SCHEDULE
Aug. 30 LSU (on ESPN)
Sep. 8 at Tulane
Sep. 15 at Auburn
Sep. 22 GARDNER-WEBB
Sep. 29 at South Carolina
Oct. 6 UAB
Oct. 13 TENNESSEE
Oct. 20 at West Virginia
Oct. 27 at Kentucky
Nov. 10 ALABAMA
Nov. 17 at Arkansas
Nov. 23 OLE MISS
