Cowbell Corner
Taylor Hodges

Taylor Hodges

Joined: Feb 22, 2024

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Zach Arnett talks to an ESPN reporter after a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State won 7-3.
Football

Former Mississippi State coach Zach Arnett lands new job at Florida State

The Bulldogs' coach that followed Mike Leach has a new job in Tallahassee after a quick and awkward exit from Dan Mullen's staff at UNLV.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese (3) fields a bunt by Texas A&M second baseman Ben Royo (10) but makes a wild throw to first in the first round of the SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met.
Baseball

Mississippi State's Ace Reese named All-American by Perfect Game USA

In what is likely the first of many All-American designations, the Bulldogs' third baseman's return to Starkville next season becomes even more valuable.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State Fans during the Brian O’Connor Welcome Event at Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, MS.
Baseball

Portal patience: Mississippi State fans await roster-defining moves

Based on a recent report, the Bulldogs are the favorites to land the transfer portal's top rated player. It just might take a while.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State Outfielder Bryce Chance (#38) during the Brian O’Connor Welcome Event at Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, MS.
Baseball

What would a Mississippi State starting lineup look like next season?

New coach Brian O'Connor has been hard at work retaining valuable starters and recruiting the best transfer portal players to build a championship-caliber roster.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State Head Coach Brian O'Connor during the Brian O’Connor Welcome Event at Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, MS.
Baseball

Is Mississippi State a college baseball blue blood program?

The Bulldogs recent coaching hire and transfer portal additions, plus its history, puts them close to blue blood status but there's more that needs to be done.

Taylor Hodges
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Virginia Cavaliers left fielder Aidan Teel (7) gets an out during the eighth inning against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Charles Schwab Filed Omaha.
Baseball

Mississippi State receives fourth commitment from former Virginia player

Bulldogs' new coach continues to build a championship-caliber roster with another former Cavalier, Aidan Teel, who ranks as one of the best players in the portal.

Taylor Hodges
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Matt Mitchell's latest YouTube video puts the different "southern" states in an argument about the best bbq sauce (and cole slaw) that's a great distraction while waiting for more transfer portal news.
News

What to do while waiting for transfer portal news? Argue about the best BBQ sauce

Mississippi State fans got its first batch of new from the transfer portal, but more is expected. Until then, let's argue about bbq sauces.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State Head Coach Brian O’Connor during his first day Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, MS.

First transfer portal commitments of Brian O'Connor era are made

The Bulldogs received a flurry of commitments in a short span of time, with three former Virginia players committing to Mississippi State.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon talks with Mississippi State Head Coach Brian O’Connor during his first day Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, MS.
Baseball

NCAA transfer portal players Mississippi State should target to reach lofty goals

New Bulldogs coach Brian O'Connor knows what the expectations are in Starkville and will need to bring in a great transfer portal class to achieve them.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State's catcher Ross Highfill (22) leans back to dodge a pitch during the game between Mississippi State and the University of Memphis at FedExPark in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Baseball

Mississippi State's Ross Highfill to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

The Bulldogs roster turnover continues as new coach Brian O'Connor begins to make room for a wave of transfer portal players.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State's new baseball coach Brian O'Connor takes in the sights at Dudy Noble Field.
Baseball

The best Fast and Furious memes for Mississippi State's Brian O'Connor

The obvious connection between the Bulldogs new baseball coach and Paul Walker's iconic Fast and Furious character is hard to miss. Here's some of the best memes and gifs we could find.

Taylor Hodges
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Mississippi State's new head baseball coach Brian O'Connor (center), stands with Director of Athletics Zac Selcom (left) and President Mark Everett Keenum at Thursday's introduction celebration at Dudy Noble Field.
Baseball

Everything Mississippi State coach Brian O'Connor said in first meeting with media

Following the welcome celebration at Dudy Noble Field, the Bulldogs' new baseball coach met with media members for nearly 30 minutes. Here's everything he said.

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