Mississippi State Looks to Upset LSU in Season Opener

The Frat Boy News Daily Sports Page

College Football (compiled by SportingNews.com)

As the college football season opens, there is even optimism at Mississippi State -- where the Bulldogs haven't had a winning season since 2000.

Season ticket sales are up in Starkville and coach Sylvester Croom believes in his fourth season at Mississippi State he's finally got a team that can compete in the Southeastern Conference.

"People are very passionate about Mississippi State football and I'm looking forward to this game and this season with a great deal of excitement," Croom said.

If recent history holds, the excitement will have worn off by halftime. The Bulldogs have lost seven straight to No. 2 LSU by a total of 295-81, including shutouts of 51-0 and 42-0. Last year the Tigers led 21-0 after one quarter and 35-3 at halftime before winning 48-17.

Croom said his players don't need reminding about what LSU can do.

"They understand if they're not ready to play from the first whistle that could happen again because they're a very explosive football team," he said.

LSU coach Les Miles said his team shouldn't take the Bulldogs lightly despite their recent troubles.

Mississippi State hasn't won more than three games in a season since 2000 and are finally off NCAA probation. But Miles saw improvement by the Bulldogs when he reviewed film from last season and calls them "conceptually very good."