APR Released

The NCAA released its APR numbers a few weeks back. In case you aren't aware, this is the NCAA's attempt to put more of an emphasis on the "student" in student athlete. Every year, you are given 2 points for every scholarship player in good standing, 1 point for scholarship players that leave a school before graduating in good standing (i.e transfers) and 0 points for scholarship players not in good standing. If the sport falls below 925, the NCAA can hand down penalties such as loss of scholarships, loss of practice time, etc. You can view Mississippi State's report here if you so choose.

The numbers in the big three:
Football - 924
Basketball - 901
Baseball - 967


Now first of all, Mississippi State didn't receive any penalties in any sport this year. As you can see, baseball isn't even close to being in any danger any time soon. Football is barely below the 925 minimum, but that isn't all that concerning. Don't be expecting penalties here in the future.
The real concern is the 901 in basketball. It isn't hard to figure out why the number is so poor, mass transfers. While no penalties were handed down this year, if it doesn't go up next year I wouldn't be surprised to see a scholarship taken away. I'm less than confident you'll see that number going up though with Hansbrough transferring and Gordon leaving early. At least Hansbrough left in good standing, but rumor is Gordon quit going to class (as many early entries do) and will be saddling MSU with one of those dreaded 0's.

Losing a scholarship actually wouldn't be that devastating. MSU played with just 12 scholarship players this past year and currently only has 11 scholarship players for next year. Loss of practice time or recruiting visits would be more harmful.