Poor records haven’t deterred MSU seniors
STARKVILLE - Two years ago, Richie Brown led Mississippi State with three interceptions. En route to the Orange Bowl, the linebacker finished sixth on the team with 50 tackles.
Fred Ross reeled in 30 receptions for the team that was ranked No. 1 for five weeks.
The duo emerged as future playmakers within the program with their production during MSU’s historic run. Their careers come to a close this season on a much different note.
In order to reach six wins and a seventh straight season of bowl eligibility, MSU (2-5) must win three games in November against No. 10 Texas A&M, No. 1 Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
Saturday’s matchup against Samford (2:30 p.m. SEC Network) is likely the final game the Bulldogs will be favored in this season.
“There’s a lot of things to play for. You play for each other,” Brown said. “I think when adversity hits, you kind of pull closer as a family.”
For Brown, Ross and the rest of the seniors, they built their legacy years ago. They were the key cogs in a twoyear span that totaled 19 wins, the most in program history.
They’re now the link between the past and the future.
“A lot of times, fans don’t give you praise anymore,” Brown said. “The outside looking in, you kind of take a little heat. It’s kind of tough on the players.”
The 2-5 record is the first for MSU since 2008, the year before Dan Mullen became the coach. MSU began to transition into the future last week. Mullen made a point to insert younger players against Kentucky.
Injuries to seniors Brandon Holloway and Kivon Coman also sparked the youth movement.
With MSU’s bowl hopes on life support, it hasn’t detracted from the motivation of veterans like Ross and Brown.
“Anyone who’s played football has been there,” defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said. “How are you going to leave your legacy? I think that’s a big part of it. What’s your final thoughts on? What’s your final stamp on the program that you helped build?”
There’s still time left to turn their senior season around. A bowl game is unlikely, but MSU can still play spoiler in November.
This group of seniors have lost two straight to Ole Miss as well.
With the Egg Bowl trophy up for grabs, there’s always something to play for.
“The only thing I want to do every Saturday no matter what our record is, is win,” Ross said. “Just go out there and compete. I think that’s where the guys, I think that’s just what we’re motivated at is to win games.”