Jason Crowder, my good friend, is a tremendous announcer who wears many hats in the broadcasting world. He is an integral part of the Mississippi State Radio Network, highlighted by his role as the beloved voice of MSU Women’s Basketball. Jason is a talk show host, works national radio broadcasts for college football, and grew to fame as the radio voice of East Mississippi Community College (Last Chance U). We always appreciate his contributions to the BI. Enjoy …

Talk about the huge improvement in year two for Mississippi State in Jeff Lebby’s second season.

It’s been an incredible turnaround from a roster standpoint. As another MSU media scribe said in the preseason, two thirds of the team actually look like SEC Players. Guys are bigger, stronger, and faster in 2025. As for bigger, that’s the o-line. These guys look more like a Jackie Sherrill era front with body size. They have certainly had their issues but have done a much better job in pass pro and run blocking as of late. Albert Reese being back from injury at right tackle has been a key in that, in particular the game. But, the biggest surprise has been on the defensive side. Sure, portal guys were added but returners like Nic Mitchell at linebacker and Hunter Washington made the biggest, most critical defensive plays in the Arizona State game. Mitchell had a 3rd and goal stuff at the goal line with a little over a minute to go that forced a field goal that helped State win with a touchdown. Washington then had the game sealing interception on ASU’s final drive. So, along with some additions, Lebby said those who remained on the roster are now year two under defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler’s system. Guys have been in the right place with gap schemes and such. Newcomers on offense like running back Fluff Bothwell (S. Alabama) and receivers Anthony Evans (UGA) and Brenen Thompson (OU) have been an important piece to the puzzle. The running back room is now the deepest it’s been in a while with Davin Booth returning and those receivers I mentioned above, they have been able to step in for departing pass catchers from 2024. They have to find a way to figure out how to win though. That’s been the issue as of late. They lost in OT to Tennessee when they gave up a scoop and score and pick six. Against Florida, Blake Shapen threw a pick with 30 seconds to go at the UF 30 yard line while in field goal range. And in the Texas game, gave up a 17 point fourth quarter lead and lost in its second straight overtime loss. The good news? This team, which was so close to busting through the door to break the 16 game SEC losing, got a great win over Arkansas this past Saturday, and are already three wins improved from the abysmal season that was 2024.

What is your take on Georgia?

A loaded roster as always. I love quarterback Gunner Stockton. Not only can he sling it, he can tuck it and tote it with physicality. The way he led UGA in the Ole Miss win was impressive. Really like the Dawgs run game with Frazier and Bowens being a 1-2 punch. If you rush for around 190 yards per game in a conference like this with really good defensive fronts, you’re pretty salty. Defensively, 13 scoreless quarters tells you a lot. Coach Smart has always had a tough, hard nosed, energetic and physical defense. They play second halves well, holding teams to less points than the first half. That lets me know this unit is deep and well conditioned. Tough, solid team.

What does MSU need to do to win?

For starters, play extremely clean. Most of State’s issues have been the shooting yourself in the foot kind. Can’t play behind the sticks on offense, as you need to win 1st and 2nd down. Have to be better with gap assignments on the defensive side against the run and must make Stockton uncomfortable and early. I think State has to force turnovers and win field position. If they can do the above, they can hang in the game.

‌Do you like how the new SEC schedule will shake out?

Ehh. Yeah, I suppose but when State gets Vanderbilt back in the schedule, they are a Top 10 team. I’ve always said, a nine game schedule hurts a Mississippi State when you need an extra give-me game to be a consistent bowl team. And it hurts your average of 7 home games a year, well, potentially. But, I do get and like that this will have players playing in every venue in the league by the time they run out of eligibility.

‌What are some of your favorite broadcasting memories?

There are plenty in my now, 27 year broadcast career. The one that stands out is calling the buzzer beating 15 footer by Morgan William that ended UCONN’s 111 game winning streak and punched State’s ticket to the 2017 Women’s Basketball National Championship game. But, I have had the honor to work broadcasts with several Mississippi State legends like Jack Cristil, Jim Ellis, Coach Richard Williams, and of course the one and only Coach Ron Polk.

Where are your favorite places to visit and eat around the SEC?

As I’ve said before, I love Athens. Had a relative by marriage play football for Georgia many moons ago and my first cousin is a UGA grad, so, I’ve always liked the Dawgs. Athens is the epitome of a great college town. I like eating blue plates at Ajax in Oxford, the meatloaf or meatloaf sandwich at Hamilton’s in Auburn, Mike Anderson’s in Baton Rouge has outstanding seafood, can’t remember the name but loved the Texas BBQ at a hole in the wall place in College Station. Once toured the state Capitol in Austin, that was cool. And Starkville gets a lot of flack but it is a fantastic college town. Even though one of the smaller ones, its charm is unmatched. If you are coming to town, give it a chance. Have some fried broccoli bites at Harvey’s, enjoy brunch at Restaurant Tyler, eat some pulled pork at Little Dooey’s, try a steak at Commodore Bob’s, take in a po boy at Obey’s, and dine on some of the best Italian cuisine with an upscale flare at Taste Italian Kitchen. I love every SEC town and enjoy calling games from each school. It’s the best conference in the land hands down. Great food, passionate fans, and some of the best sporting events you will witness because as you know, it just means more!