Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen says a little bit of adversity isnt always a bad thing and tough times can make a team better.If thats the case, the Bulldogs hope the results come sooner rather than later.Theres no denying its been a rough first half of the season for Mississippi State (2-4, 1-2 Southeastern Conference), which has lost three of its last four games, including last weeks 28-21 double overtime loss at BYU.The BYU setback was undeniably frustrating -- especially since Mississippi State led for a big chunk of the evening -- but at least there was some reason for optimism. The Bulldogs were much more competitive than the week before, when they fell behind 35-0 at home before losing to Auburn 38-14.Mullen said the team played physical and hard in the BYU loss, but crucial mistakes -- including personal foul penalties and missed assignments -- are keeping the Bulldogs out of the win column.Some of the silly penalties we had overshadowed some tremendous efforts we had on the defensive side of the ball, but you see some young guys start to make plays and play a little better, Mullen said.Mississippi State appears to have a few winnable games ahead of it, starting with a road matchup against Kentucky (3-3, 2-2) on Saturday. The Bulldogs have won seven straight games in the series dating back to 2009.But Kentucky has played better of late, winning three of its last four.Mississippi State hasnt had nearly as much to celebrate lately.Mullen said he hopes the Bulldogs will do a better job in the passing game against Kentucky after an up-and-down week against BYU. Sophomore Nick Fitzgerald continued his inconsistent play, completing 17 of 36 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.One bright spot was Fitzgeralds short pass to freshman Keith Mixon, who ran 44 yards down the sideline for the Bulldogs first touchdown against BYU. Other than that, Mississippi State struggled to create big offensive plays.Mullen says hes willing to take shots downfield. Its up to his players to execute.I dont think weve decreased the number of shots we have taken down the field, Mullen said. I think weve decreased the efficiency of our shots downfield. I think we have to hit a couple of those.Mississippi States offense is working around the absence of starting running back Brandon Holloway. The senior missed the BYU game because of an ankle injury and his return for the Kentucky game is in doubt.Thats meant larger roles for others like sophomore Aeris Williams, who ran for a team-high 82 yards against BYU. Mixon, who has scored a touchdown in two straight games, and sophomore Malik Dear have also become a bigger part of the offense.Its just opportunities for someone else to take and step up, Dear said. Brandon (Holloway) is a great player and we are going to try to do what he does best and to fill his role. But Brandon can only be Brandon, Keith can only be Keith and Malik can only be Malik. So we are going to go out there and do what we can do.-----Follow David Brandt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbrandtAP . AP College Football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org . Justin Bour Jersey . DAmigo scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the San Antonio Rampage 5-4 in American Hockey League action. Brian Anderson Jersey . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. http://www.marlinsteamproshop.com/Marlins-JT-Realmuto-Kids-Jersey/ . McPhee said that Ovechkins father Mikhail is in stable condition after having the surgery this week and is no longer in intensive care. "Weve told him to stay as long as necessary with your dad," he said. Ovechkin and his Russian national team were eliminated from the mens hockey tournament in Sochi on Wednesday with a 3-1 quarter-final loss to Finland. Andre Dawson Jersey .S. hockey team after paying his dues as an NHL general manager for more than three decades and giving up a lot of his free time to help USA Hockey. Jose Fernandez Jersey . Varlamov made 33 saves and Ryan OReilly had a goal and scored in the shootout as the Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1 on Thursday night. BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres will look to extend a rare three-game winning streak on Thursday when the rival Toronto Maple Leafs come to town.The Sabres (4-3-2) havent had many winning streaks in recent years. Buffalo had only two three-game win streaks all season.The Sabres picked up their third win in a row on Tuesday by grinding out a 2-1 road victory over the Minnesota Wild, the same team that shut them out days earlier in dominant fashion.The winning goal came from Johan Larsson with 6:26 remaining after the forward drove to the net. It resulted in Minnesotas first loss at home this season.Were a part of the shutout streak. Were a part of (Devan Dubnyk) stopping 39 shots in two periods against us in Buffalo, Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma said after the victory. Knowing the run theyre on, knowing the run hes on, we talked about it and felt like we needed to get some traffic in front of him. It was going to have to be a longer shot and then pick up the pieces afterward, and thats exactly what it was.It felt good to see that puck find the back of the net against a guy thats been playing so well.Robin Lehner made 27 saves in the victory for Buffalo for his second consecutive win. Lehner is back between the pipes for the Sabres after missing three games due to illness.Its fun to play when we play the right way and we work together, Lehner said, according to the Sabres team weebsite.dddddddddddd.Buffalo may be without defenseman Zach Bogosian when the Maple Leafs come to town. Bogosian left in the first period of the win over Minnesota after injuring his knee.It was unfortunate, Bylsma said. He went down on the wall and his skate got caught in a rut. He had a tweak of the knee, so I dont have any idea of the prognosis right now.The rebuilding Maple Leafs (3-4-3) are coming off a 3-2 overtime win over Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Center Nazem Kadri had two goals, including the winner 12 seconds into overtime.There are a lot of people coming in here thinking its easy to play the Leafs, Kadri said. Thats part of the identity were trying to create here -- hard to play against. Coming into Toronto its going to be a tough building to play against. We did a pretty good job and were able to find a way to get two points.After a slow start to the season, Frederik Andersen made 44 saves in the win over the Oilers.The Maple Leafs continue to get strong contributions from their top young prospects.William Nylander was named the NHLs Rookie of the Month for October with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in nine games.Top overall pick Auston Matthews is right behind him with 10 points (six goals, four assists) in nine games. 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