Mississippi State hopes its third coach in as many years settles one of the program’s most tumultuous stretches in recent memory. It’s Jeff Lebby’s turn to lead the Bulldogs, and this season will require patience in Starkville as the rookie head coach handles the growing pains of starting virtually from scratch with no returning offensive starters.
FILE - Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby calls to his players during Mississippi State’s NCAA college spring football game April 20, 2024, in Starkville, Miss. FILE - Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen speaks during the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days July 17, 2024, in Dallas. FILE - Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby calls to his players during Mississippi State’s NCAA college spring football game April 20, 2024, in Starkville, Miss.
“It’s going to be incredibly hard doing what we do. We understand that,” Lebby said. “They know it’s going to be incredibly hard, it’s going to be incredibly tough, it’s going to be difficult to do what we’re going to do. But having fun in the doing to me and for us as a culture is incredibly important.”after a 4-6 start to his only full season since succeeding the late Mike Leach in December 2022 following his death from a heart-related issue.
MSU’s 1-7 Southeastern Conference finish matched its worst since 2008 and the Bulldogs lost by an average margin of 20.4 points per game.now must climb from the cellar of an expanded SEC with Oklahoma and Texas moving from the Big 12. Those Longhorns are among six ranked foes MSU will face this fall.Oklahoma State to wear QR codes on helmets to assist NIL fundraisingAt first glance, Lebby couldn’t have walked into a tougher situation.
MSU’s new spread offense has the chance to light up the scoreboard more often after ranking near the SEC bottom last fall. Record-setting quarterback Will Rogers — who thrived in Leach’s pass-happy Air Raid scheme but struggled with injuries and in a pro-set system — has transferred to Washington. Senior Baylor transfer Blake Shapen is projected to inherit the job.“There are not a lot of expectations at the end of the day for us,” the QB said.
Lebby will call the plays in hopes of improving an offense that averaged just 328.6 yards per game and ranked 12th in the SEC.Shapen brings Big 12 experience after throwing for 4,978 yards and 31 touchdowns as a two-year starter at Baylor. He also started the Bears’ final two games as a freshman in 2021 and earned MVP honors in the conference championship game with 17 consecutive completions and 23 of 28 attempts for 180 yards and three TDs.
College Football Oklahoma Sooners Mississippi State Bulldogs Football MS State Wire Oklahoma Sooners Football Zach Arnett Mike Leach Sports Blake Shapen
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