Who is Dak Prescott?

Tonight's Liberty Bowl match up between the Bulldogs of Miss State and the Rice University Owls will give Miss State fans a last look until next season at their up and coming quarterback, Dak Prescott.

While this season he may best be know on the field for his 4th quarter Egg Bowl victory, when an injured Prescott came off the bench, and with a bold move from Coach Dan Mullens on 4th down threw the winning touchdown pass to defeat Ole Miss 17-10.  It has been his courage off the field this season for which Prescott should also be remembered.

Having lost his mother to cancer earlier in the season, the fans of Miss State rallied around their sophomore QB and both player and fan found inspiration.

The youngest of three sons, Dak Prescott was by all accounts exceptionally close to his mother Peggy.  When victory came in the Egg Bowl just one month after her death, Prescott could be seen on the field pointing upward.  While one can only guess, it would seem Prescott was pointing towards perhaps a source of inspiration.  These are the moments when sports figures honor something greater than themselves, something from which they draw courage and faith.

The Liberty Bowl will air today at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN before a crowd of fans in Memphis, TN and Dak Prescott will have a chance to lead his Bulldogs to another trophy.  While there are mixed opinions on Prescott's ability to find consistency on the field (he threw as many interceptions as he did TD's this year) there is something about Dak Prescott that leads many to believe this young quarterback will be a force in the SEC for 2014.

Tim Tebow Hired as Analyst for SEC Network Launching 2014

Photo: Huffington Post

Former Florida Gator QB Tim Tebow has been hired as an analyst for the SEC Network scheduled to launch in 2014.  According to a press release today by ESPN Tebow will host the SEC Nation show dedicated to pregame coverage.

The former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL player has agreed to a multi-year deal for the show scheduled to air in August 2014.  Tebow fans will get a "preshow" appearance January 6th as the former SEC player appears as an analyst for the BCS Championship coverage.

"He will contribute to the 9 a.m. ET edition of SportsCenter, College Football Live (3 p.m.) and College GameDay Built by The Home Depot (7 p.m.). He will also be part of studio coverage for the new College Football Playoff (semifinals and championship game), which begins next season."

The 2014 BCS VIZIO National Championship features Florida State University (his former college in-state rivals) and Auburn University who looks to continue the SEC's string of national championship titles.

According to the article the SEC Network will air 24/7 and a 20 year agreement has been signed between ESPN and the SEC.  Tebow is not "precluded" from playing in the NFL as terms of this agreement.

Merry Christmas SEC Fans!

Craig Sword emerging to lead Miss State Men's Basketball Team

Craig Sword has racked up points this season as a sophomore guard for the Bulldogs to emerge as a leader in scoring for the Miss State men's basketball team.  The Bulldogs (8-2) are showing momentum and Sword is finding a consistent place in their recent wins.

Nicknamed Chicken, Sword has been the leading scorer for the Bulldogs in six straight games, racking up over 20 points in three of those games.

With the rebounding of Gavin Ware and his additional high scoring abilities, Miss State has seen some exciting basketball in this early season play.

Coach Rick Ray in an earlier article noted that Craig "Chicken" Sword was putting up some phenomenal numbers for his Bulldogs.

"Chicken is playing phenomenal at this point in time. I think he is shooting like 80% right now and that's just unheard of for a guard. Those are big-man Wilt Chamberlain type numbers. He's been phenomenal for us."

Credit: HailState.com

Miss State defeated last year's Dunk City team from FGCU 66-53 last week.  The Bulldogs travel to Las Vegas where they play South Florida later today in the 2013 Las Vegas Classic.

SEC action kicks off with Kentucky January 8th as the Bulldogs take the court in Lexington.

Pressure on Auburn to continue the BCS SEC Dynasty

Southeastern Conference

Auburn may have made it to the big dance, but the pressure is on as the SEC continues its legacy for domination in college football titles.

With seven straight National Championships, can Auburn make it #EightStraightSEC?  Many say yes as they march a powerful offense into Pasadena January 6th and close out the BCS era of National Championship games.

While there are mixed opinions on the BCS era and its popularity, one thing is sure - the SEC has dominated this pathway to the national titles.

Looking back it has been strong programs run by coach Nick Saban at both LSU and Alabama who have contributed to titles for the league in 2003, 2009, 2011 and 2012.  Florida, Auburn and Tennessee have also held title(s) over the course of the BCS era.

In fact the SEC has never lost a BCS title to a team outside the conference.  Their conference's only loss was to another SEC team when LSU lost to Alabama January 9, 2012.  The Tide under the leadership of Saban shut out LSU 21-0.

Will Florida State bring home another title?  The odds are not in their favor playing an SEC team, but they remain atop the list of appearances and will take the field with this year's Heisman winner Jameis Winston.

Nick Saban agrees to contract, will Roll with the Tide long term

Nick Saban

The Nick Saban and University of Alabama combination will roll on according to an article last night Saban has agreed to continue as the university's head football coach.

While the official contract numbers have not yet been released, the rumored multi-million dollar deal is pending approval by the board of trustees.  Much fanfare had circulated that Saban might leave his position after their disappointing loss to Auburn that cost the Tide a shot at this year's national championship.

Not only has Saban agreed to a stay on as head coach, the 62 year-old and highest-paid coach in college football said in a statement, "We are excited about the future and the university of Alabama is where I plan to end my coaching career."

Alabama AD, Bill Battle released the following statement, "Coach Saban is the best in the business and has lead our program to the pinnacle of college football."  With two national titles in three years, Saban has brought to Alabama another legacy that looks to continue into the future.

Often criticized for his intense coaching style and comments, Saban has proved he can build winning programs and is arguably the best in the business.

The Crimson Tide will play Oklahoma January 2nd in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Bowl Game selections for BCS tonight

College football fans it is time for bowl selection, and the 2013 season has been a series of twists and turns the past two weeks.  With Alabama's loss to Auburn, and Florida State emerging as undefeated, this has been an unpredictable ending for many fans of the game.

Auburn's win last night in the SEC Championship game over Missouri (59-42) with an outstanding performance by Tre Mason (46 carries, 304 yards, 4 TD), and an upset with Ohio State losing 34-24 to Michigan State opens the door for the last teams standing - Auburn vs Florida State.

Auburn's Cinderella team may take home a trophy and give the SEC another national title.  You can watch all the bowl selection Sunday excitement tonight on ESPN at 8:30 ET.  Where is your team going bowling?

What happened? Alabama lost, end of story or is there more?

While pundits of the sports media contemplate the mystery and meaning of this past weekend's Iron Bowl, the bottom line will always be Alabama lost the game.

However, when your team is undefeated and you are considered the premier football program in the SEC, not to mention an almost improbable finish by Auburn, people are going to look hard for an explanation.  It just cannot be possible the Crimson Tide simply lost a game.  Fans and media are looking for something other than we didn't execute plays well.

So we have come up with some peculiar occurrences that might have effected Saturday night's game.  After all Nick Saban does not simply lose a football game, but when he does Auburn returns the ball 109 yards.

November 2013 UFO sightings were extremely high? Could this be to blame?

And then there is this...

Or maybe, just maybe it wasn't their best game

Seven SEC Teams in Top 25, but will the conference take home a National Title?

Seven SEC teams make this weeks Top 25 Rankings after the Thanksgiving weekend, but many questions with Auburn's upset over Alabama, will the Southeastern Conference take home this year's trophy?  Either way the SEC continues to dominate college football, and did not disappoint its fans this weekend for edge of your seat action.

Here are this weeks rankings:

1.  Florida State
2.  Ohio
3.  Auburn
4.  Alabama
5.  Missouri
6.  Oklahoma State
7.  Stanford
8.  South Carolina
9.  Baylor
10.  Michigan State
11.  Arizona State
12.  Oregon
13.  Clemson
14.  LSU
15.  UCF
16.  Northern Illinois
17.  UCLA
18.  Oklahoma
19.  Louisville
20.  Duke
21.  Wisconsin
22.  Texas A&M
23.  Texas
24.  Fresno State
25.  Georgia

Miss State vs Loyola celebrating a piece of Basketball History today at The Hump

Mississippi State takes on Loyola today at Humphrey Coliseum, and celebrates a game that made an impact in civil rights history.  In March of 1963 the Bulldogs traveled to play the then banned Loyola team, whose roster of black players were the reason for the controversy between the two schools.

At a time in history when neighboring school Ole Miss required the use of federal troops and U.S. marshals to admit a young, black man named James Meredith as a student, when segregation in the South was at an all time fury, and a man named Martin Luther King, Jr. was fighting a peaceful war against racial divides, Miss State did something quite amazing - they got on the plane and made the trip in defiance of a temporary injunction.

Much of the thanks goes to coach Babe McCarthy and the school's president, Dean Colvard.  Along with the sentiment of a large percentage of Mississippi's citizens, Colvard and McCarthy made the decision to allow the team to play.  

The handshake between Joe Dan Gold and Jerry Harkness just before the opening tip-off was symbolic of the "The Game of Change" and one for the history books as the "Maroons" came to town to participate in the NCAA tournament game.  The Loyola Ramblers defeated Miss State 61-51 and went on to win the first televised National Championship game that same year.

Fifty years later the two team remember the game and honor those whose defiance of both law and society forever changed the game of basketball.

Photo from MSU Media Relations

EDITORS UPDATE December 1, 2013:  Final score Miss State 65 Loyola 64 in OT

Miss State brings the Golden Egg home to Starkville

Photo Credit:  Clarion-Ledger

With a bowl game on the line, Dan Mullen's 4th quarter decision to play injured sophomore quarterback, Dak Prescott, paid off with a 17-10 win over Ole Miss in OT.

Last night's win over Ole Miss garnered Miss State its fourth Egg Bowl title out of the last five matchups between these two SEC in-state rivals, and the win sends Miss State to their fourth straight bowl game.

With 55,113 fans in attendance at Davis Wade stadium, currently under expansion, Coach Dan Mullen had everyone on the edge of their seats when he made yet another crucial decision to go for it on fourth down.  The decision paid off with a 3 yard run by Prescott to score the winning touchdown with an Evan Sobieski PAT to put the Bulldogs up by 7 in OT.

Ole Miss QB Bo Wallace fumbled the football in the end zone to end the game and return the Golden Egg to Miss State.

Prescott was not expected to play due to an injury, but with Bulldogs trailing 10-7 in the 4th quarter, Dan Mullen and Dak Prescott made the decision he would take the field.  Prescott who earlier this year lost his mother to cancer, later embraced his coach on the field and both gave emotional interviews following the game.

Miss State wearing gold helmets and sporting gold numbers on their jerseys celebrated as players ran the trophy around the field for their fans.  It was a crucial win at home and an earlier tweet in November from Prescott seemed to sum it up for the bulldogs:

Dak Prescott ‏@15_DakP7 Nov

At Mississippi State we don't have Fans, We Have FAMILY #Hailstate

This young man from Louisiana who led the Haughton High Buccaneers to an undefeated regular season will be a big part of that family's future. Dakota aka Dak has emerged as the Patriarch for this SEC team proving he can excel in a pass or run style game. Being paired with Dan Mullen who has influenced quarterbacks such as Alex Smith and Heisman winner Tim Tebow, only strengthens the future for this Miss State program.

SEC Thanksgiving Weekend includes Egg & Iron Bowls

Once again SEC college football fans will be treated to a bounty of games over the Thanksgiving Day weekend starting with in-state rivalry between Miss State (7-4-0) and Ole Miss (5-6-0), better known as the Egg Bowl.

Dak Prescott

Kickoff today is 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) and a win gives the Bulldogs their 4th straight bowl game.  The Bulldogs are also looking to bring the Egg Bowl trophy back to Starkville after a 17 point loss last year to Ole Miss.

For Dan Mullen it would boost his efforts and recoup his 2010 "Never losing to this team again" statement.  With QB Dak Prescott listed as doubtful, Miss State may look to the Ole Miss record on the road and claim Davis Wade Stadium as a key advantage.

Friday, November 28th Arkansas vs #17 LSU will likely be a win for the Tigers (8-3-0) as the Razorbacks (3-8-0) are 0-7 against SEC teams this year so why break a record now?  Hang in there guys remember Auburn's 2012 season?  Kickoff time is 2:30 p.m. and CBS will carry the game for those not shopping on Black Friday.

The weekend continues with the traditional Saturday games and of course if you have not heard by now there is kind of a big deal going on in Jordan-Hare Stadium with the rivalry between Alabama's Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers (this week more fans are using the War Eagle nickname).  Rightfully so this is probably the game to watch for true SEC excitement.  Affectionately know as the Iron Bowl, fans are getting some college football SEC style this year.

#1 Alabama (11-0-0) and #4 Auburn (10-1-0), who lost to the Tide 49-0 last season, will kickoff on CBS at 3:30 p.m. (sorry ABC you are carrying the Georgia vs Georgia Tech game at the same time, and these teams are both 7-4-0 this season).

With another national championship and a possible undefeated season on the line, rest assured Nick Saban will be in rare form from the sidelines as his team works to make SEC history.

Photo:  Charles LeClaire USA Today

#2 Florida State (11-0-0) takes on Florida (no ranking here) and the Gators have proven everyone gets a turn at a losing season with their (4-7-0).  #2 Florida State is looking for a National Championship game with #1 Alabama.  Florida is plagued with so many injuries it would justify a separate article.

The big story for FSU has been the investigation of QB Jameis Winston for alleged sexual assault from an incident reported in December 2012.  While Winston has denied the allegations, The Tampa Bay Times reported the investigation may have violated federal law under Title IX.  According to the story schools are mandated by the Department of Education to perform a "prompt, thorough and impartial" investigation within 60 days.

The remaining SEC matches are Wake Forest vs Vanderbilt 12:21 p.m., #6 Clemson vs #10 South Carolina 7:00 p.m., Tenn vs Kentucky also at 7:00 p.m. and in a role reversal from 2012, #21 Texas A&M takes on #5 Missouri.

Missouri needs a win to capture the SEC East title and after 111 matchups, Clemson and South Carolina meet with both teams ranked.

Vandy vs Tenn: DORES swag photo

Nick Saban watches Weather Channel, but misses QB Sports Illustrated Cover

Alabama's Coach Nick Saban seen here at a recent press conference, lets a reporter know he has little time to follow the news or read magazines, including a recent cover of Sports Illustrated featuring the Tide's quarterback, AJ McCarron.

Saban who has always exhibited a focus on success quips, "I watch the Weather Channel for 10 minutes in the morning while I have a cup of coffee so I know what the weathers gonna be so if we can practice inside or outside."

While Coach Saban commented, "I'm happy for AJ" and "I'm sure he looks great", Saban did not seem impressed with the reporters question.  In a recent 60 Minutes interview on CBS, Saban talked about everyone "buying in" to a well defined standard, expectation and team effort.

How does AJ look as a "cover boy"?  You be the judge, take a look here at King Crimson on the cover of Sport's Illustrated.  Is the Heisman next?  That might generate some news even the Weather Channel would pick up.

Miss State takes on Arkansas: watch via live stream

The Bulldogs of Miss State take on Arkansas just one week before the in state rivals weekend where MSU will play Ole Miss for the coveted bragging rights in the Egg Bowl.

Kick-off time is 12:00 p.m. and you can catch every play live stream via ESPN3.  So happy viewing MSU fans and click here to watch all the action.

If SEC Girls ruled the Court... BBall Fantasy!

Arkansas no challenge for the Tide

DAWG Walk start at 4:30 Miss State Fans

SEC Saturday Lineups October 12th

Here are your SEC games for Saturday, October 12th:

#25 Missouri at #7 Georgia

#14 South Carolina at Arkansas

West Carolina at Auburn 2:00 p.m.

#17 Florida at #10 LSU 3:30 p.m.

#1 Alabama at Kentucky 7:00 p.m.

Bowling Green at Miss State 7:30 p.m.

#9 Texas A&M at Ole Miss 8:30 p.m.

Happy #CollegeFootball viewing!  It's a great day to be an #SEC fan.

Kickoff Early with SEC games Tonight as College Football Season Opens

Starla M. Brown

The long awaited college football season kickoff starts this weekend, but for die-hard fans this Thursday night has two SEC offerings on ESPN.

Starting at 6:00 p.m. ET North Carolina plays South Carolina with former UF coach Steve Spurrier leading the gamecocks in their season opener.  South Carolina moves into SEC play as they travel to Georgia on September 7th.  They host Vanderbilt on September 14th before traveling to UCF later in their schedule.

The SEC lineup continues on ESPN with game two slated for 9:00 p.m. ET with Ole Miss at Vanderbilt.  Earlier this month Vandy took a hit with the suspension of wide receiver Chris Boyd who was indicted on a felony count for the cover up of an alleged sexual assault investigation.  Boyd performed well for the Commodores last season catching 50 passes.

Outside the SEC Thursday night offers Southern Cal at Hawaii, but you'll need to stay up late if your an east coaster.  Friday night games include Texas Tech at SMU on ESPN, and if the weekend isn't satisfying enough there is even a Monday night game with Florida State at Pittsburgh also airing on ESPN.

Whatever your choice this weekend, college football season starts now, and unlike the pros these games go in the W-L columns.  Happy Labor Day Fans!

4 more days... Are you ready for some Saturday College Football?

Miss State Fan Day August 24th!

Miss State 2014 Schedule

2014 MISSISSIPPI STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 30 Southern Miss
Sept. 6 UAB
Sept. 13 at South Alabama
Sept. 20 at LSU
Oct. 4 Texas A&M
Oct. 11 Auburn
Oct. 25 at Kentucky
Nov. 1 Arkansas
Nov. 8 UT-Martin
Nov. 15 at Alabama
Nov. 22 Vanderbilt
Nov. 29 at Ole Miss

SEC teams sporting the 3 week countdown

With college football only 21 or 22 days away depending on your scheduled kick-off and mathematical skills, several SEC schools are sporting the countdown on social media today.  Enjoy the FUN and have a great weekend football fans!  We soon will have something to cheer about...

Calendar Up! SEC Football Countdown

If you are ready for college football season, and the summer doldrums have set in, then take a moment to update your calendar so you won't miss a single game.

You might even want to start the ticket search now and get ahead of the curve.  Many schools have ticket sales available on their websites, so pick your team(s) and locations now to plan a Fall weekend of SEC Football and FUN!

Follow the link to the official SEC site and get a the complete schedule here.

Also, check out our countdown clock when you visit our website at fundamentalblog.com for the 2013 college football season.  It won't be long and you can yell Hoddy Toddy, Hail State, Roll Tide Roll or some other 'war chant' for your favorite SEC team.

Football Season Countdown: Opening games for Miss State on tap

A little RTR Humor

Happy 4th of July!

Miss State falls to UCLA in opening game of CWS

Miss State (51-19) loses the opening title game in the College World Series in Omaha falling to UCLA (48-17) by a score of 3-1.

The Bruins held off the Bulldogs with pitcher Adam Plutko's performance.  Plutko gave up only one run with only four hits before retiring in the sixth inning.  Defensively the Bruins also performed well against the bulldogs holding off runners in scoring positions in four of the final six innings.

Game #2 will air tonight on ESPN at 8:00 ET.

Mississippi State advances to College World Series Finals

Finals start Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the College World Series in Omaha.  All the best to the SEC's MSU Bulldogs as they continue the path to a championship title taking on UCLA.

Follow the action on twitter #HailState #CWS2013

Congratulations DAWGS!

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide get QB Commitment

David Cornwall

Considered by ESPN as the No. 1 pro-style quarterback recruit, David Cornwell commits to play for Alabama's Crimson Tide.  Cornwell made the announcement today via twitter.

Cornwall joins a growing list of players who are signing up to be part of Nick Sabin's winning program.  The 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback from Norman North High School in Norman, Oklahoma had several offers including rival Auburn and Virginia Tech.

Today's announcement should give Tide fans something to talk about, and answer the growing question of life after A.J. McCarron.  Given Sabin's impressive coaching record at Alabama, and many fans speculating on another championship season, recruiting has gone well this year for the class of 2014 roster.

Alabama is ranked No. 6 in recruiting overall by 247Sports website and expected to rise.

Men's College World Series

SEC Baseball Tournament: catch the action

Miss State Baseball "Built it and they came"

Commemorative pin

For college baseball fans, and especially those who 'Hail' from Mississippi State University, it is no secret that Dudy Noble Field offers the ultimate college baseball experience.

Tonight celebrates 5 Million Fans through the gates as Miss State plays South Carolina, and the first 5,000 fans will receive a pin to commemorate this milestone.  The baseball program is known for drawing large crowds and for setting attendance records.

A long history of winning baseball teams, and trips to the College World Series mark the colorful baseball history of Mississippi State University.  The field was originally named for C.R. "Dudy" Noble who served as athletic director for many years.  In 1998 the name was updated to Dudy Noble Field, Polk-DeMent Stadium to honor longtime Miss State coach Ron Polk and the late Gordon DeMent, supporter and fan.

The bulldogs have seen 40 years of baseball on this diamond, and I was fortunate to be there during a portion of the Ron Polk years.  The 1985 season with greats like Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro on the field, the SEC Championship and a trip to the College World Series helped drive attendance that has successfully grown into a baseball legacy.  In 1987 a $3.5 million expansion project paid off and today Dudy Noble Field is a premier baseball facility with several projects over the years creating a successful college baseball program.

For those students who remember the old bleachers, and a Left Field Lounge with no waiting list and our folding chairs in the back of a pickup truck, the new stadium is possible because of your loyalty over the years.  Congratulations to the Bulldog players, coaches, alumni and students - "If you build it they will come".

Egg Bowl moves to Thanksgiving on 2013 Schedule

Starla M. Brown

An announcement today from both ESPN and the Southeastern Conference regarding the Egg Bowl will see Mississippi State and Ole Miss play Thanksgiving night.  The game is scheduled for November 28, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

The traditional season end game between these two SEC rivalries for the coveted Egg Bowl trophy, and bragging rights until next season, has been played on Thanksgiving in the past. ESPN will televise the game and according to one article this time slot should significantly improve viewers.

For those die-hard fans who made the Hail State or Hotty Toddy choice you will find a great evening of football after the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Auburn Football Program under former Coach Gene Chizik possible NCAA violations

Starla M. Brown

The Auburn Tigers may face several violations that would include bribes and altered grades under former coach Gene Chizik according to a story in USA Today.

The alleged violations were part of Auburn's National Championship season and are reportedly NCAA violations for offering cash incentives to players as well as altering grades for eligibility to play.  

Chizik was fired at the end of the 2012 season with a dismal record.  During Chizik's tenure as coach, Gus Malzahn served a two year coaching position as the offensive coordinator for the Tigers.  Malzahn was hired as Chizik's replacement by Auburn earlier this year.

During the time of the alleged NCAA violations, Auburn performed a perfect winning season.  The allegations are stemming from comments made by former Auburn players to reporter Selena Roberts.

Auburn Fans: New Coach - Spring Game

For Auburn fans here is the link on how to get your Head Coaches autographs. If the stars align maybe this season your new coach, Gus Malzahn, can get this program back on track.

The Spring Game is slated for April 20th.

http://athweb.auburn.edu/pr/Autographs.aspx

SEC Featured Conference

While it is no secret I am an avid supporter of college football, I will mention that I have a fondness for the the Southeastern Conference.  Maybe I am a little partial, but let's just look at this past season and understand what we have to offer.

Starla M. Brown

There was Alabama's Crimson Tide and Coach Nick Sabin, oh and let's not forget "Johnny Football" and the Heisman Trophy.  It wasn't too bad opening our arms to Texas A&M and Missouri this past season.

Long have been the NFL players who hailed from SEC teams and this year the draft picks once again get a great feast at the pro-ball buffet.  Although I will mention the ACC does hold the all time record for first round picks by 1 player in a single year.

For those of us who love our college football this off season time can be a real chore in determining 'what to do with our Saturdays?'  So as we while away the hours, days, months and time until the next kick-off, we can share some thoughts on 2013.  I look forward to your comments.