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ANTONYA ENGLISHThe new Mississippi St. coach keeps his focus on rebuilding after this season.
Sylvester Croom knew this wasn't going to be easy. But if he envisioned it would be this difficult, he isn't saying.
When Croom took over Mississippi State at the end of last season, he made history and headlines by becoming the first black coach in the SEC, one of only five in Division I-A.
But the program was in shambles, an NCAA investigation hanging over its head, three consecutive seasons of three or fewer wins.
And Mississippi State hosts No. 20 Florida at 12:30 today having won one game this season.
Croom admits he's not thrilled about the state of things in Starkville but steadfastly holds to the promise that better days are coming.
"We're pouring a foundation, there's no doubt about that," Croom said. "For all practical purposes in my mind we're re-establishing a lot of things just so we can build for the future. We're not trying to get a quick fix. I want to build things. I want to get everything in order this year for us to move forward in our recruiting and every aspect so players will know exactly how things are when they get here."
Things are rough. The Bulldogs opened the season with a win over Tulane. Then the young team was hit with injuries - its quarterback, top running back and one of its top receivers have missed games. Its three SEC losses are by a combined 125-27. But so far things remain stable among the faithful in Starkville.
"As a rule they're not patient, but I think our fans are as loyal and as patient as you could possibly ask for," Croom said. "We couldn't ask for better support than what we've gotten. I'm sure they are not thrilled about the situation. Neither am I. But it's something you've got to work through. There's no getting around it. Our situation is what it is. How we got to this point makes no difference. We're at this point. I knew coming in that this is where we were, and all we can do is work up from here."
Croom doesn't like to dwell on the historymaking aspect of his hiring, instead wanting to focus on his team, but it has had far-reaching effects.
"It's motivating to see an African-American coach. He's the first one in the SEC," Florida receiver Jemalle Cornelius said. "There's some inspiration there. You feel good for him because I know he had to work hard to get where he is. It's inspiring."
Mississippi State better hope the Gators aren't too inspired. With Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi remaining on the schedule, the Bulldogs are in danger of becoming the first SEC West team without a victory since the league split in 1992.
And as Croom tries to rebuild, the past hangs over the program. The NCAA completed its investigation of Mississippi State but has yet to hand down its sentence. Croom said he doesn't believe the players have been affected, but he'd like closure.
"We know it's out there, and we'll get the results here pretty soon," he said. ". . . Whatever the results are, we'll deal with it when it comes in. From my standpoint I'd like to know as soon as possible, just so we can address it and move on."
Croom said the job has been what he expected - for the most part. Change won't happen overnight. Or this season, for that matter. He says he's in it for the long haul.
"From every detail of the program, how we are going to go about doing things, that's all being established," he said. "Even as a team, in our practice sessions, our games, that's what a lot of this is about this year. We're trying to win games now, but the way we go about things is establishing for the long haul. We're not going to try to quick-fix things or change our plan or adjust it every week.
"At this point we want to create an identity for who we are, stick to what we're doing and keep trying to get better at it, because a lot of these guys are going to have to lead the way next year."