Starkville MS, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Action Network’s recent data analysis reveals that Mississippi State University and Ole Miss rank as two of the dirtiest college football teams in the nation. With high penalty scores, these teams exhibit troubling patterns of undisciplined play, impacting their season’s success. Conversely, the University of Southern Mississippi stands out as the cleanest among Mississippi programs. As the football season progresses, maintaining discipline is critical for teams aiming for playoffs and positive outcomes.
Starkville, Mississippi – The college football season is heating up, bringing heightened focus on team discipline and penalties. Recent data compiled by the Action Network sheds light on the disciplinary records of college football teams across the nation, revealing concerning trends among programs in Mississippi. The findings indicate that both Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, rank among the dirtiest teams in the country based on penalty metrics.
According to the Action Network, over 130 college football teams were analyzed, using a variety of penalty metrics to determine their “dirtiness” scores. These metrics include:
- Penalties per game
- Penalty yards per game
- Penalty first downs per game
- Penalties per play
Each team was assigned an overall score ranging from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates a higher frequency of infractions.
Mississippi State has emerged as the dirtiest team hailing from Mississippi, earning an overall score of 94.03, which ranks them 9th nationally. Their performance on the field has been marked by a concerning frequency of penalties, suggesting a pattern of undisciplined play. Ole Miss closely follows in the rankings, securing the 10th position with a “dirty score” of 93.28.
In contrast, the University of Southern Mississippi stands out as the cleanest team among Mississippi programs, with a score of 61.93, placing them at 52nd nationally. The data highlights that the cleanest team in the U.S. boasts a remarkably low score of just 0.75, demonstrating that while some teams struggle with penalties, others manage to keep infractions to a minimum.
The implications of these findings are significant as the season continues, with increasing concerns over team discipline. Analysts have underscored that a lack of discipline can adversely impact game outcomes, potentially hindering teams’ chances for success on the field. The rise in awareness of penalties has become a critical focus for many programs eager to enhance their performance and overall discipline.
As teams progress through the season, coaching staff are likely to emphasize the importance of minimizing penalties to improve their chances of winning games. With the playoffs on the horizon, balancing aggressive play with disciplined behavior could prove vital for teams hoping to secure a favorable position.
Conclusion
The Action Network’s report serves as a stark reminder of the role that discipline plays in college football. With Mississippi State and Ole Miss ranking as two of the dirtiest teams in the sport, the challenge ahead lies not just in winning games, but in fostering a culture of discipline that allows for peak performance.
FAQs
What criteria were used to rank college football teams by discipline?
Teams were ranked based on metrics such as penalties per game, penalty yards per game, penalty first downs per game, and penalties per play.
Which Mississippi college football team is the dirtiest according to the rankings?
Mississippi State University ranks as the dirtiest team from Mississippi with an overall score of 94.03, placing them 9th in the nation.
What is the cleanest college football team in Mississippi?
The cleanest team from Mississippi is the University of Southern Mississippi, with a score of 61.93, ranking 52nd nationally.
Key Features of the Report
| Team | Overall Score | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State | 94.03 | 9th |
| Ole Miss | 93.28 | 10th |
| University of Southern Mississippi | 61.93 | 52nd |
| Cleanest Team in the U.S. | 0.75 | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Football Prepares for Season Opener Against Southern Miss
Mississippi State Football Program Reflects on Rich History Amid Recruitment
Alabama Faces Unprecedented Challenges After Loss to Tennessee in College Football Upset
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Dirtiest College Football Teams
- Dawg Sports: Georgia vs. Mississippi State Recap
- ESPN: College Football Recaps
- Burnt Orange Nation: Texas vs. Mississippi State
- Rivals: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Google Search: College Football Penalties
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: College Football Discipline
- AP News: Texas vs. Mississippi State Coverage
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.
