[Tuck4Bama]

STARKVILLE — Paul Mock is accustomed to things like bruises, breaks and sprains. But this?

The Mississippi State head trainer has found himself in deep with a viral infection that's found its way into the Bulldog football team. Five players - fullback Jeremy Jones, defensive tackle Jessie Bowman, defensive back Keith Fitzhugh, defensive tackle Quentin Wesley and defensive back Anthony Johnson - missed practice Wednesday with symptoms that include up to a 102-degree fever.

"I have a myriad of others, including coaches, who are sick," Mock said Wednesday.

MSU coach Sylvester Croom has had a tissue near his side for most of the past 48 hours, trying to fight off the same malady.

G-W CONNECTIONS

For it to be such a small school in an obscure place, there sure are plenty of connections between Mississippi State and Gardner-Webb, the Bulldogs' opponent at 6 o'clock Saturday night.

Football notes: Bug hits 5 Bulldogs