News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs football team is preparing for their season opener against Southern Miss. Head coach Jeff Lebby commended the team for their progress in the recent scrimmage, especially on defense. The players have shown improvement in both execution and ball security. As the team finalizes their strategies and depth charts, excitement grows among fans and local businesses, indicating a promising season ahead for the Bulldogs.
Starkville, Mississippi—Mississippi State Bulldogs Gear Up for Season Opener
The Mississippi State Bulldogs football team is gearing up for their highly anticipated season opener, scheduled for August 30 against Southern Miss. As excitement builds on campus with students returning for the fall semester, the Bulldogs are focusing on continual improvement and solid performances in their pre-season preparations.
Head coach Jeff Lebby has praised the team for their noticeable progress during a recent scrimmage held on August 16 at Davis Wade Stadium. During this scrimmage, the team showcased their growth, particularly on the defensive side of the game. The defense demonstrated strong performance, especially in critical short-yardage situations, which created positive momentum. While the improvements are encouraging, the coaching staff remains focused on ensuring that the defense plays even cleaner and builds depth as they approach the season opener.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are looking for consistency and accountability. The running back group, featuring players such as Davon Booth, Fluff Bothwell, and Kolin Wilson, executed their plays effectively during the scrimmage. Quarterback Blake Shapen stood out by managing the ball well and making sound decisions, contributing to overall offensive stability. The team has shown improvement from previous practices, with Shapen and fellow quarterbacks Luke Kromenhoek and Kamario Taylor completing the scrimmage with only one fumble noted. The offensive squad recognizes the need to enhance their ball security, particularly following a prior scrimmage where they struggled in that area.
With only a few days remaining until their season opener, the coaching staff is in the process of reviewing depth charts and pinpointing key players for special teams. There is particular attention on a rotation of defensive linemen, with eight players identified as potential contributors to keep the defense fresh throughout the game.
Safety Jahron Manning is expected to play a crucial role this coming season, reflecting the coaching staff’s confidence in his experience and productivity. Future practice sessions will focus on refining player roles and preparing the team for Southern Miss, as the Bulldogs aim to capitalize on their recent improvements and generate momentum heading into the new season.
As the excitement around campus resonates with local businesses and fans, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are poised to make a significant impact this year, displaying the dedication and hard work that coach Lebby has instilled in them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Mississippi State Bulldogs’ season opener?
The season opener for the Mississippi State Bulldogs is scheduled for August 30 against Southern Miss.
What improvements have been noted in the Bulldogs’ performance?
The Bulldogs have shown significant progress in both offense and defense, with the defense performing well in short-yardage situations and the offense showing improved ball security and execution.
Who are some key players to watch this season?
Key players include running backs Davon Booth, Fluff Bothwell, and Kolin Wilson on offense, and safety Jahron Manning on defense.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Opener | August 30 against Southern Miss |
| Defensive Performance | Strong in short-yardage situations; focus on cleanup and depth |
| Offensive Leaders | Quarterbacks: Blake Shapen, Luke Kromenhoek, Kamario Taylor; Running Backs: Davon Booth, Fluff Bothwell, Kolin Wilson |
| Key Player on Defense | Safety Jahron Manning |
| Upcoming Practice Focus | Preparation for Southern Miss; reaffirming player roles |
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Update
- 247Sports: Bulldogs Preseason Scrimmage Battle
- Sports Illustrated: Takeaways from Preseason Scrimmage
- AZCentral: Mississippi State Football Uniform News
- On3: Countdown for Mississippi State Football
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football 2025
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Google News: Mississippi State Football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
