Cowbell Corner

Recapping Mississippi State's NCAA Tournament Resume, Coaching Search Update

There isn't much drama around the Bulldogs' chances to make the field of 64 teams next week, but off the field we're in the calm before the storm.
Taylor Hodges|
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.
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. | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mississippi State’s hot streak since firing Chris Lemonis came to crashing halt this week at the SEC Baseball Tournament by the SEC’s other maroon team.

The Bulldogs’ 9-1 run to end the season ended Wednesday morning when Texas A&M beat them 9-0. But Mississippi State’s season still has at least one week left.

The one-and-done experience in Hoover, Ala. was disappointing, but it didn’t take Mississippi State out of the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs will be a No. 3 seed in a NCAA Regional when the field of 64 is announced.

Here’s a quick recap of the Bulldogs’ NCAA Tournament resume:

  • Overall Record: 34-21
  • SEC Record: 15-15
  • RPI: 33
  • Strength of Schedule: 35
  • vs T25: 7-14
  • Quad 1: 8-17
  • Quad 2: 3-3
  • Quad 3: 9-1
  • Quad 4: 14-0

That record against top 25 teams isn’t great, but everything else is good enough to get into the NCAA Tournament. Even if Texas A&M keeps its conference tournament run going, the Bulldogs are secure. It’s also unlikely upsets in other conference tournaments, resulting in a surprise automatic qualifying team, would take away their at-large invitation.

So, basically, Mississippi State fans can sit back and watch the rest of SEC Tournament with ease.

The 2025 NCAA baseball tournament field will be officially announced at noon Monday on the official selection show. The show will be broadcasted on ESPN2 or ESPNU.

Coaching Search Update

There really isn’t much to report, which isn’t surprising. It’s very likely we won’t hear anything beyond rumors and speculation until next week. But there are other potential developments that could impact the Bulldogs’ search.

Texas A&M is on a deep run in Hoover and still may not get into the NCAA Tournament without winning the whole tournament. If the Aggies don’t make the field of 64, they could potentially do what Mississippi State did and fire its coach.

That would definitely impact the coaching carousel and Texas A&M has the money to hire pretty much whoever they want (except for Jim Schlossnagle). It wouldn’t be surprising if the Aggies and Bulldogs have the same list of candidates and a bidding war emerges.

Virginia coach Brian O’Connor’s name continues to pop up in the rumor mill and was reportedly a candidate to replace Schlossnagle in College Station last year. Would he be a candidate again?

The Cavaliers aren’t likely to make the NCAA Tournament, which would open the window for Mississippi State’s chance next week. So, we may be closer to knowing something than we think.

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Taylor Hodges
TAYLOR HODGES

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, but he was taken to Razorback pep rallies at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth before he could walk. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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