ESPN SEC Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

In a lot of ways, it's like looking into a mirror for Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom.

The only catch, disappointing as it is for Croom, is that it's a mirror from a year ago.

Vanderbilt has done all the little things right this season in soaring to a 5-0 start. The Commodores are forcing turnovers, making things happen on special teams, getting it done in the second half and winning the close games.

It's exactly the recipe the Bulldogs used last season in going 8-5 and winning the Liberty Bowl. This season, they haven't done those things and take 1-4 record into Saturday's home game against the Commodores.

"We've turned the ball over too much," Croom said. "We've had way too many penalties. We've had too many missed assignments and haven't paid attention to the details as we should."

Sure, there are other factors in the Bulldogs' disappointing start. For one, they've had several key injuries, whereas they only lost one player the entire season a year ago.

"That's hurt us, but the biggest thing we haven't done up until this point, the things Vanderbilt has done and like we did last year, are the things it takes to win games," Croom said. "It starts with discipline. Just say a lack of discipline (for the Bulldogs). That's what Vanderbilt is doing. They're playing very disciplined football."

Croom's West Coast offense, as well as his offensive staff, has been a constant target of the fans. The Bulldogs plan to go with Tyson Lee at quarterback again Saturday, but Croom was adamant that he has no plans to make wholesale changes.

"We haven't changed the offense. We just want to execute what we're doing a lot better," said Croom, whose Bulldogs are ranked 103rd nationally in total offense and tied for 114th nationally in scoring offense.