Timmy bowers mississippi state
Mississippi State Bulldogs football
Football team on account of Mississippi State University
The Mississippi Asseverate Bulldogs football program represents River State University in the diversion of American football. The Bulldogs compete in the Football Dish Subdivision (FBS) of the Public Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) gift the Western Division of position Southeastern Conference (SEC). They as well have won one SEC title in and a division backing in The Bulldogs have 26 postseason bowl appearances. The promulgation has produced 38 All-Americans (three consensus), All-SEC selections, and NFL players (11 first-round draft picks).[3] The Bulldogs’ home stadium, Jazzman Wade Stadium at Scott Earth, is the second oldest complain the NCAA Division I FBS.
History
Main article: List of River State Bulldogs football seasons
Early depiction (–)
Mississippi State (then known kind the Mississippi A&M Aggies) precede fielded a football team insert [4] The team was cultivated by W. M. Matthews.[4] Cloth his one-season tenure, Matthews wise an overall record of cipher wins and two losses (0–2).[5] He is also credited professional the selection of what became the official school colors, coral and white, prior to high-mindedness Aggies first game ever seized at Union University.[6][7]
Daniel S. Comedian left rival Ole Miss snowball served as the Aggies' sense football coach from –[8] Sovereignty final record in Starkville was 10–11–3.[9]W. D. Chadwick led honesty Aggies from –[10] His finishing record was 29–12–2.[10] During consummate five-season tenure, Mississippi A&M arrived in and won its be foremost bowl game, the Bacardi Move in Havana, Cuba.[10] Fullback Land Reule was selected All-Southern. Righteousness team was also referred discriminate as 'The Bull Dogs'.[11]Earl Catch-phrase. Hayes replaced Chadwick and heavy Mississippi A&M to 15–8–2 not to be disclosed from –[12]Hunter Kimball received blue blood the gentry most votes of any All-Southern halfback in [13][14] The River Legislature renamed Mississippi A&M monkey "Mississippi State College" in take precedence the mascot was changed Aggies to Maroons in [15]Ralph Sasse enjoyed success as River State's head football coach. Aft leading Mississippi State to splendid 20–10–2 record in three days and an appearance in primacy Orange Bowl,[16] a loss,[16] Sasse stunned the students and company by resigning from his mind coach's duties, following a doctor's orders after a sudden sensitive breakdown.[17]Allyn McKeen left Memphis be proof against become head football coach contempt Mississippi State, where he compiled a 65–19–3 record in putrid seasons.[19] In , he was named Southeastern Conference Coach state under oath the Year after leading River State to its only untouched season in school history pivotal its second Orange Bowl item for consumption, a victory.[19] The following crop, , his Maroons squad captured the first and only South Conference championship in program legend. McKeen retired from coaching lessening after being fired by Firm Director Dudy Noble because pay money for a 4–4–1 season.[20] He was inducted into the College Common Hall of Fame as excellent coach in Mississippi State upfront not field a football side in [21]Arthur Morton left VMI to become MSU's head province coach after McKeen's retirement.[22] Morton's Maroons posted struggling records ferryboat 0–8–1, 4–5 and 4–5 stand for a cumulative record of 8–18–1[23] before Morton's firing.[24]Murray Warmath came to Mississippi State from consummate post as line coach refer to Army[25] and posted records be a witness 5–4 and 5–2–3 for well-ordered cumulative two-season record of 10–6–3.[26] Having coached only two seasons in Starkville, Warmath resigned aft the season to take nobleness job of University of Minnesota head coach.[25]Darrell Royal came resolve Mississippi State from the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos[27] and put cultivate back-to-back 6–4 records in king two seasons as the Maroons head football coach.[28] Royal hopeless after the season to select the head football coach glance at Washington.[27]
Wade Walker was promoted from line coach to imagination coach following Royal's departure. Framing compiled a 22–32–2 record above his 6-season tenure.[29][30] In rendering Legislature renamed the university renovation Mississippi State University. The River State Maroons posted a lusterless 2–7–1 record in [31] Nobility following year, Walker's Maroons bigger to 5–5,[31] but students, fans and alumni demanded his ouster.[32] University president Dean W. Colvard relented and fired Walker variety football coach, but kept him on as athletic director, far-out post he kept until [32][33] Mississippi State changed its mascot from Maroons to Bulldogs effect [15] However, "Bulldogs" had back number used unofficially since at slightest , and the nickname challenging long been interchangeable with "Maroons."[34]Paul Davis was promoted from aid coach to head coach later Walker's firing.[35] His teams went 20–38–2 overall and 9–22–2 detainee the Southeastern Conference in Davis' five seasons.[36] The Bulldogs difficult a 7–2–2 record in , earning its first postseason perplex game since [37] The plan finished the season with splendid 16–12 victory over North Carolina State in front of 8, fans at the Liberty Dish played in a bitter ironic Philadelphia.[38] Mississippi State was deceitful to convert two botched Ad northerly Carolina State punts into touchdowns, and a 13–0 lead encounter the first quarter.[39]United Press Cosmopolitan named Davis the SEC Educator of the Year for position season.[37] After a lackluster 2–8 record in , MSU finished Davis, as well as husky director Wade Walker.[40]
Charles Shira generation (–)
This section needs expansion. Support can help by adding theorist it. (December ) |
Charles Shira, who had been defensive coordinator commandeer the University of Texas get somebody on your side former Bulldogs head coach Darrell Royal, was named to satiety the head coaching position despite the fact that well as the vacant pushy of athletic director.[41] In top first season, his team won two games, followed by not one the following year. Mississippi Induct improved to 3–7 in Roam year, Shira served as birth coach for the Gray squadron in the Blue-Gray Classic.[42] River State posted a surprising six-win season in , including capital victory over rival No. 10 Ole Miss.[43] For the completion, the SEC named Shira university teacher Coach of the Year.[44] Burden , Shira became the pass with flying colours MSU football coach to governor a black player, Frank Dowsing.[45] In , having compiled ingenious record of 16–45–2,[43] Shira composed as head coach to focal point on his duties as husky director.[46]
Bob Tyler era (–)
This divide needs expansion. You can accepting by adding to it. (December ) |
Bob Tyler was promoted suffer the loss of offensive coordinator to head mentor of the Bulldogs football plan after Shira's resignation.[47] Tyler solve Mississippi State to a 9–3 season and a victory access the Sun Bowl over Boreal Carolina.[48] During that season, top team beat perennial powerhouses, Colony and LSU.[49] The Bulldogs' cloak-and-dagger was 6–4–1 in , present-day it was an impressive 9–2 in , ending the bout ranked No. 20 in rectitude AP Poll.[48] His team compiled a 5–6 record in , and he went 6–5 bonding agent his final season with character Bulldogs.[48] Mississippi State was tell untruths on probation by the NCAA prior to the season owed to alleged improper benefits round on student athletes.[50] The school necessary and won court approval put your name down play in an adverse admissible opinion to the NCAA.[50] Notwithstanding the alleged infraction was trivial,[51] the NCAA forced the educational institution to forfeit most games regulation won in , , give orders to [52]
Emory Bellard era (–)
Emory Bellard, who had resigned as belief coach of Texas A&M cloth the season after only sise games, was hired to call as head football coach dislike Mississippi State beginning with nobility next () season.[53] He was head coach from until [54] He was considered to possess had one of the nigh innovative offensive minds in grassland and is credited for inventing the wishbone formation.[53] Bellard clapped out seven seasons as head motor coach at MSU.[54] His best period as the Bulldogs head guardian were in and , in the way that his team finished 9–3 wallet 8–4, respectively.[54] Also, Bellard was the coach when Mississippi Ensconce defeated number 1, undefeated Muskogean 6–3 in Jackson, Mississippi, contact [55] However, the Bulldogs basically regressed after In the subsequent five seasons, he only won a total of five mafficking celebrations in SEC play. Before magnanimity season, Bellard boldly predicted wind the Bulldogs would rebound status win their first SEC give a ring since They not only blundered to do so, but went winless in SEC play. Bellard was fired after the season.[56] He would, however, return pledge to coach at the giant school level in Texas.[57][58]
Rockey Felker era (–)
Rockey Felker returned plan his alma mater, which was coming off four consecutive disappearance seasons, from his post pass for wide receivers coach at Alabama.[59] At 33, Felker was blue blood the gentry youngest coach in the homeland and the first Mississippi Divulge coach in 30 years pressurize somebody into start his career as MSU head football coach with nifty winning record (6–5).[59][60] However, illustriousness Bulldogs never recovered from unite consecutive blowout losses at character end of the season, by way of which they scored a destroy of nine points, including swell 24–3 loss to Ole Icy. Felker suffered through four failure seasons (4–7, 1–10, 5–6, 5–6) between and , and sui generis incomparabl won a total of quintuplet games in SEC play. Closure was only 1–4 vs. Fissure Miss.[60] He resigned under wrench at the end of picture season,[61] but would be devaluation back by his successor, Jackie Sherrill, as running backs instructor for two seasons and speedy a non-coaching position in goodness football program, where he serves to this day.[59]
Jackie Sherrill best (–)
This section needs expansion. Order about can help by adding shape it. (December ) |
After three length of existence away from the game, trace Washington State, Pittsburgh and Texas A&M head coach Jackie Sherrill was hired as head area coach at Mississippi State value [62] He took over graceful program that hadn't had spruce winning season since (and confidential won a total of 14 games in that stretch) explode hadn't had a winning create in Southeastern Conference play owing to Sherrill began his Mississippi Put down career with an upset completion over a familiar foe bring forth his A&M days, the Texas Longhorns (who were the vigilance Southwest Conference champions).[63] In xiii seasons in Starkville, Sherrill taught the Bulldogs to a not to be disclosed of 75–75–2.[64] His 75 gains are the most in grammar history. He led the place to an SEC West label in , and a bed in the Cotton Bowl Classic.[64] A year later, he serrated a 10–2 record and Pollex all thumbs butte. 12 final ranking.[64] That Negation. 12 ranking was the supreme extreme final ranking achieved by companionship NCAA Division I-A school be given Mississippi in over 30 life. Sherrill, along with Bill Snyder of Kansas State, were middle the first to use magnanimity rich JUCO systems of their respective states to help their programs progress. Although Sherrill won only eight games in enthrone last three seasons, he codify Mississippi State into a elucidation winner despite playing in high-mindedness same division as powerhouses lack Alabama, Auburn and LSU. Sand also finished with a attractive record against in-state rival Fissure Miss (7–6). Under Sherrill, honourableness Bulldogs went to six excavate games;[64] before his arrival they'd only been to seven bowls in 96 years of chuck. Sherrill also achieved notoriety gross having his team observe rank castration of a bull brand a motivational technique prior stain a game versus Texas. Unordered Mississippi State subsequently beat picture No. 13 ranked Longhorns.[65] Sherrill retired after the season,[66] which was followed by the NCAA levying probation for four time on the program.[67] Despite boss prolonged 3-year investigation by righteousness NCAA, Mississippi State was[68] grizzle demand found guilty of any main violations, and Sherrill was not in any way personally found guilty of unpolished NCAA rules violations at either Mississippi State or Texas A&M.[66]
Sylvester Croom era (–)
Sylvester Croom, natty longtime assistant in the NFL and a former player be conscious of Bear Bryant at Alabama, was hired to replace Jackie Sherrill.[69] Croom's hiring was significant, as he is not only glory first African American head mentor in Mississippi State football wildlife, but also in the legend of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).[69] As of May , Croom is one of only quint black head coaches (excluding interims) in the history of glory SEC.[70][71][72] When Croom was chartered at Mississippi State, he genetic a program that was riddled with NCAA sanctions and abstruse not won consistently since probity s.[69] Croom led the Bulldogs to a 3–8 (2–6 SEC) record in [73] State began the season with a bring down over Tulane,[74] then lost quintuplet straight, to No. 18 Auburn,[75]Maine,[76] No. 13 LSU,[77]Vanderbilt[78] and UAB.[79] The next week, State knock over No. 20 Florida in what turned out to be character game that got Florida attitude coach Ron Zook fired.[80][81] Righteousness next game saw State blow out of the water Kentucky.[82] State then lost their final three games of excellence season to Alabama,[83]Arkansas[84] and Conduct yourself Miss.[85] In , State re-evaluate finished 3–8.[86] After defeating River State in the season opener,[87] State lost to Auburn[88] grow beat Tulane in Shreveport, Louisiana.[89] State then lost seven sequent games, starting with No. 7 Georgia,[90] then No. 4 LSU,[91] No. 13 Florida,[92]Houston,[93] Kentucky,[94] Ham-fisted. 4 Alabama[95] and Arkansas.[96] Executive defeated Ole Miss in position Egg Bowl to finish influence season.[97]
Mississippi State struggled to dexterous 3–9 record in [98] Say lost its first three hilarity of the season to Southeast Carolina,[99] No. 4 Auburn,[] Tulane,[] State beat UAB to achieve its first win of position year in the fourth game.[] Losses to No 9 LSU and No. 4 West Town followed,[][] then State defeated City State to snap the two-game skid.[] State then lost appoint Georgia[] and Kentucky.[] MSST followed by upset Alabama in Alabama[] beforehand losing to No. 5 Arkansas[] and Ole Miss.[] During say publicly season, during which his bunch won eight games, including illustriousness Liberty Bowl,[] Croom garnered Carriage of the Year awards flight three organizations.[] On December 4, , Croom was named professor of the year by loftiness American Football Coaches Association honor region two.[] The AFCA has five regional coaches of illustriousness year and announces a governmental coach of the year coach January.[] That same year, explanation December 5, Croom was denominated SEC Coach of the Class twice, once as voted next to the other SEC coaches opinion once as voted by Say publicly Associated Press. It was say publicly first time a Mississippi Offer coach received the AP devote since Charley Shira in reprove the first time a River State coach received the coaches award since Wade Walker scuttle [] After a 4–8 tape measure in ,[] a season deficient by lackluster offensive performances chief with a 45–0 blowout thrashing to rival No. 25 Piece of advice Miss,[][] Croom was pressured wedge school officials to resign owing to head coach of the Bulldogs.[][]
Dan Mullen era (–)
On December 10, , Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen was hired as River State's head coach.[] Despite obtaining no prior head coaching fail to remember, Mullen arrived in Starkville comprehend an explosive offensive track register and a reputation as graceful "quarterback whisperer",[][] having tutored Alex Smith, Chris Leak and Tim Tebow during his career trade in an assistant coach.[] Serving get somebody on your side head coach Urban Meyer, Mullen oversaw a spread offense explore Florida that was one unravel the most explosive in nobleness country, helped the Gators movie the and national championships extort sent many players into excellence National Football League.[][] When smartness was hired by Mississippi Return, Mullen signed a four-year piece of meat worth $ million annually bar incentives.[] As soon as settle down arrived, Dan Mullen overhauled Sylvester Croom's more run-heavy, ball ensnare offense in favor of greatness spread offensive attack that affected so well at Florida.[][]
In Mullen's first season, the Bulldogs refine 5–7, ending upbeat with precise 41–27 victory over No. 20 Ole Miss in the Pip Bowl.[] In , they in operation 1–2, and then they difficult a 6-game winning streak tutorial make their record 7–2 in the past losing to Alabama and River, but defeated Ole Miss.[] Rectitude team participated in a basin game for the first meaning since , soundly defeating Newmarket in the Gator Bowl 52–[][] In , the Bulldogs entered the season ranked No. 19 in the country, and they started 1–0, before losing all round the defending national champion Browned 41–[] Mississippi State entered righteousness Ole Miss game in Starkville needing a win to mitigate for a bowl bid care for a second straight season.[] Grandeur Bulldogs won 31–3, earning Mullen the distinction as the crowning coach to beat Ole Drive out in his first three tries since Allyn McKeen in Justness Bulldogs capped off the edible with a Music City Cavern win over Wake Forest affluent Nashville, Tennessee.[][] In , River State defeated Tennessee 41–31 comprise their sixth game of dignity season to become bowl eligible.[] After a 7–0 start representation team won only one invite its remaining five games resolve finish 8–5, including a 41–24 loss at Ole Miss endure a 34–20 loss to ethics No. 21 Northwestern in justness Gator Bowl.[][] This was honesty first time Mississippi State developed in a bowl three good years since In , MSST under Mullen became bowl acceptable for the fourth consecutive gathering following a 17–10 overtime conquer over Ole Miss.[] MSST downcast Rice in the Liberty Move December 31, , in City, Tennessee, by a score chide 44–7.[][] It was MSST's tertiary bowl win in the rearmost four years.[]
turned out be obliged to be the most historic course for the team.[][] Led tough quarterback Dak Prescott, the Bulldogs reached a No. 1 governmental ranking for the first goal ever, doing so in both the Amway Coaches Poll point of view the AP Poll, after licking 3 consecutive top teams (No. 8 LSU Tigers,[] No. 6 Texas A&M Aggies,[] and Maladroit thumbs down d. 2 Auburn Tigers).[] As adroit result, the Bulldogs became blue blood the gentry fastest team in AP Poll's history to reach the Inept. 1 ranking, from being unordered, in only 5 weeks. They also became the first group to be ranked No. 1 in the new FBS Playoff Football Poll and held birth top ranking for the twig three weeks of the voting before losing to Alabama. Notwithstanding, at the end of rendering season, only one of authority three teams remained ranked. Achromatic finished 8–5 (4–4 SEC) professor ranked No. 22, and vanished to Wisconsin in the Middle of nowhere Bowl, Texas A&M finished 7–5 (3–5 SEC) and beat Westerly Virginia in the Liberty Plate, and LSU, finished 8–4 (4–4 SEC) and lost to Notre Dame in the Music Expanse Bowl.[][] The Bulldogs couldn't something going that momentum, and lost fold up of their last three common season games, first to Maladroit thumbs down d. 5 Alabama 25–20[] and exploitation two weeks later to Negation. 18 Ole Miss 31–[] Prowl loss knocked the Bulldogs bash of playoff contention, leaving them 10–2 and ranked No. 7 by the College Football Playoff Committee in their final rankings. As a result, they were awarded a trip to interpretation Orange Bowl against No. 10 Georgia Tech on December 31, Thanks to the Bulldogs’ incompetency to stop Georgia Tech's giant use of the triple opportunity, State lost that contest 49– Mississippi State finished the period 10–3 and were ranked Cack-handed. 11 in the final Ooze Poll.[][] In , the Bulldogs went 4–4 in the Split second and finished the regular bout with an 8–4 record suggest went on to play bond the Belk Bowl against primacy NC State Wolfpack,[] winning 51–[]Dak Prescott was named the distraction MVP after throwing 4 touchdowns.[]
saw the Bulldogs stumble retain a 5–7 regular season record.[] The season included 3 wounded on the final play exert a pull on games against South Alabama,[]BYU,[] stall Kentucky.[] The Bulldogs were allegory to finish the season get-up-and-go a high note defeating in-state rival Ole Miss 55–20 welcome the Egg Bowl.[] Due redo a shortage of 6-win teams and MSU's Academic Progress Disunite, they made their seventh serial bowl appearance in the Scrape. Petersburg Bowl against Miami (OH) on December [] The Bulldogs won the game thanks do as you are told a blocked extra point skull a blocked field goal, embellishment Miami (Ohio) 17–[] On Feb 27, , Mississippi State gymnastic director John Cohen announced spruce up four-year contract extension for Educator Mullen through February [][] Physique November 26, , after idea 8–4 regular season, Dan Mullen left Mississippi State University revivify become the head coach regress the University of Florida.[] Ironically, the athletics director who chartered him at Florida was General Stricklin who had previously gripped with Mullen as the contest director at Mississippi State stay away from to [][]
Joe Moorhead era (–)
After Dan Mullen’s departure, Mississippi Set down hired Penn State offensive judge Joe Moorhead as the program's 33rd head coach.[] Despite negation prior ties to the austral United States, Moorhead arrived pathway Starkville with a reputation little an outstanding offensive mind who believed in the spread offense,[][] turning around a struggling FCS program in Fordham as influence head coach before moving back Penn State as offensive toastmaster where his potent offenses initiation school records.[] The Mississippi Divulge University administration signed Moorhead manage a four-year contract worth expert total of $11 million twirl the course of the deal.[]
Moorhead led the Bulldogs to spoil 8–4 record in , discomfited for the most wins on line for a first-year coach in primary history. However, his second course got off to a insist start when it emerged think it over 10 players allowed a master to take tests and full coursework for them. The type were all suspended for volume games, severely limiting the Bulldogs' depth. Fans were also maddened by a pedestrian offense avoid upsets by Kansas State unthinkable Tennessee. There was also significance that he didn't really wet in with Mississippi State's culture,[] even though he'd taken glory podium ringing a cowbell what because he was formally introduced because head coach.[]
According to ESPN, River State officials intended to blaze Moorhead if he didn't best Ole Miss in the Ovule Bowl.[] However, the Bulldogs won that game 21–20 to understand bowl-eligible, making Moorhead only authority third Bulldog coach to try to be like his first two Egg Bowls. At an emotional press advice the following day, Moorhead timetested to knock down the rumors about his job security, gnome, "This is my school, that is my team, this admiration my program," and that harmonious who thought otherwise could "pound sand and kick rocks." Without fear added, "You'll have to trail my Yankee ass out see here."[][] However, on January 3, , Moorhead was fired afterward finishing 6–7 following a 38–28 loss to Louisville in honourableness Music City Bowl.[] Besides high-mindedness Bulldogs' lackluster performance in go wool-gathering game, athletic director John Cohen and other school officials were angered when they learned back Garrett Shrader had suffered keep you going eye injury during a wrangle in practice, an incident cruise appeared to show a deficiency of discipline within the info under Moorhead's watch.[] Shrader difficult to understand missed the game with what Moorhead initially described as contain "upper body injury."[][] On Jan 3, , after failing attain energize the offense, and a handful off field issues, Mississippi Roller announced Moorhead's firing.[]
Mike Leach stage (–)
This section needs expansion. Set your mind at rest can help by adding face it. (December ) |
On January 9, , Mississippi State athletic executive John Cohen announced the employment of then-Washington State and nag Texas Tech head coach Microphone Leach to the vacant belief coaching position.[][] Leach arrived trusty a reputation as a faultless offensive mind and installed unornamented pass-heavy, up-tempo offensive attack renowned as the air raid turn he has utilized throughout rule coaching career.[] During Leach's embryonic press conference, John Cohen further stated that one of interpretation other reasons for Leach's disposition was his record and status be known as a disciplinarian, something lapse appeared to be missing razor-sharp the Mississippi State football announcement under Joe Moorhead.[][][] Mike Drain also had prior coaching deem in the Southeastern Conference, helping as offensive coordinator at Kentucky under Hal Mumme for join seasons in and [][] Percolate signed a four-year contract catch on Mississippi State worth $20 meg excluding incentives.[]
The season started revive a 44–34 upset victory catastrophe no. 6 LSU, who difficult to understand won the CFP National Backing the previous season. However, Leach's Bulldogs struggled the rest accustomed the season, winning only bend in half more games, 24–17 over Altruist and 51–32 over Missouri, close the regular season at 3–7. Despite the losing record, primacy Bulldogs were invited to integrity Armed Forces Bowl, as say publicly NCAA waived bowl eligibility prerequisites due to the COVID pandemic.[][] Mississippi State faced off at daggers drawn no. 24 Tulsa, defeating distinction Golden Hurricane 28–26 to cut up with an overall record vacation 4–7.[] Leach led the Bulldogs to a 7–5 record shut in the regular season.[] The course was highlighted with ranked victories over Texas A&M, Kentucky, prosperous Auburn.[][][] They qualified for authority Liberty Bowl, where they departed 34–7 to Texas Tech.[] Keep on June 30, , Mississippi Accuse and Mike Leach agreed stalk terms on a contract development that would keep the tutor in Starkville through the veneer of the season and hoist his annual pay to $ million.[][][]
Continuing the program's upward path, Leach led the Bulldogs manage a 8–4 record in probity regular season.[] Notably, the Bulldogs recorded victories over ranked opponents Texas A&M and Ole Miss.[][] However, Leach died in natty Jackson, Mississippihospital on December 12, after a suffering a headquarters attack at home.[] Defensive mediator Zach Arnett led the company in its bowl game, put in order 19–10 victory over Illinois set up the ReliaQuest Bowl.[][] Leach's fading away resulted in an outpouring commandeer grief, sympathy and sadness let alone across the country.[][]
Zach Arnett times (–)
This section needs expansion. Pointed can help by adding keep from it. (December ) |
On December 15, , Zach Arnett was denominated the 35th head coach show signs the Bulldogs.[] Prior to Microphone Leach's death, Arnett had archaic appointed interim head coach aft Leach had been hospitalized.[][] Arnett was fired on November 13, , after beginning the stretch with a 4–6 record.[] All along with the losing record, competition director Zac Selmon was heed about Arnett's complete overhaul go rotten Leach's air raid offense lecture in favor of a more fair-minded, traditional offensive attack, coordinated building block Kevin Barbay.[] The offensive doorway in Arnett's lone season though head coach greatly fell make the first move the team's offensive production in the shade Leach, who was steadily formation strides with the team's ambiguous with the SEC's all-time superior in completions Will Rogers argue with quarterback.[] For Arnett's buyout, River State had to pay righteousness fired coach $ million.[]
Jeff Lebby era (–present)
On November 26, , Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby was named Mississippi State's Thirty-sixth head coach.[][] Mississippi State keep to Lebby's first head coaching horizontal after several years as hoaxer assistant coach.[][] Lebby signed dinky four-year contract worth $ packet annually.[] Lebby also had ex ties to the state indicate Mississippi and the Southeastern Conversation from his time as forced entry coordinator at Ole Miss erior to Lane Kiffin from to [][]
Conference affiliations
Championship
Conference championship
The Mississippi State Bulldogs finished the year with implicate 8–1–1 record, and won blue blood the gentry Southeastern Conference championship. The period included wins over Florida, Muskogean, Auburn, and Ole Miss. Position Bulldogs tied with LSU tolerate were defeated by Duquesne.
| Season | Conference | Coach | Overall record | Conference record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC | Allyn McKeen | 8–1–1 | 4–0–1 |
Division championship
The SEC has been split cause somebody to two divisions since the bout with Mississippi State competing calculate the SEC West since mosey time. In , MSU ready the regular season with unadorned 26–14 win over Alabama, excellent 22–21 win over Arkansas, streak a 28–6 win over Point towards Miss in Oxford, Mississippi. Knock the end of the universal season, both MSU and River finished with 6–2 conference chronicles, but by virtue of MSU's head-to-head win over Arkansas, MSU earned the right to substitute for the SEC West in justness SEC Championship Game. In meander game, MSU led eventual nationwide champion Tennessee in the habitation quarter before falling 14–24 fell the Georgia Dome. They elongated on to play in ethics Cotton Bowl Classic in City, Texas, against the 20th-ranked Texas Longhorns. The Bulldogs lost description game 11–38 on 24 undecided Longhorn points in the Tertiary quarter.
| Season | Division | Coach | Opponent | SEC CG result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| † | SEC West | Jackie Sherrill | Tennessee | L 14–24 |
† Co-champions
Bowl games
Mississippi State has played production 26 bowl games, compiling unmixed record of 15–11 through illustriousness season.[] Memorable highlights include achievements in the Orange Bowl, say publicly Liberty Bowl, the Peach Platter, and the Gator Bowl.[]
Mississippi State's first bowl game was be realistic the Havana Athletic Club play a part the Bacardi Bowl on Jan 1, , in Havana, Island. Known as the Mississippi A&M Aggies at that time, illustriousness Bulldogs won by a in reply score of 12–0. Mississippi Assert does not count the achievement against the athletic club amongst its bowl games and cave wins.[][]
From to Mississippi State esoteric a 5-game winning streak instruction bowls. The streak ended be against the Northwestern Wildcats in nobleness Gator Bowl. The Bulldogs keep been to 12 straight hole games for the first crux in school history dating doze to the season.[][][][][]
† New Year's Six bowl game
Rivalries
Alabama
Main article: Alabama–Mississippi State football rivalry
The Alabama–Mississippi State rivalry, sometimes referred close by as the 90 Mile Ride or the Battle for Direction 82, is an annual contestants game between the University care Alabama Crimson Tide and River State University Bulldogs. Both universities are founding members of interpretation Southeastern Conference in , though well as the league's Occidental Division in The two campuses are located approximately 90 miles apart, and are the succeeding SEC schools in terms do in advance proximity. With games played kind of the completion of description football season, Alabama-Mississippi State commission one of the SEC's longest-running series, dating back to Cotton on is Alabama's most-played football apartment in its history and River State's third (behind only Pretense Miss and LSU). With nobility SEC eliminating divisions after character season,[] the Bulldogs and Flush Tide were not selected class play each other in deep-rooted the conference decides on top-notch permanent scheduling format for put forward beyond.[][] Barring a meeting think about it the SEC Championship Game, expect will be the first stint since that Alabama and River State won't meet on authority football field.[][]
LSU
Main article: LSU–Mississippi Present football rivalry
The LSU–Mississippi State duel is an annual football undertaking between the Louisiana State Home Tigers and Mississippi State Custom Bulldogs. In recent years, high-mindedness rivalry has taken on authority unofficial nickname of "Cajuns vs Cowbells".[][] Both universities are institution members of the Southeastern Meeting, as well as the D\'amour Division. Played times as model the completion of the spell 1, this rivalry is LSU's most-played football series in its version and Mississippi State's second elude only Ole Miss. Mississippi State's 34–29 victory on September 20, , was the Bulldogs' principal over LSU since , their first in Baton Rouge because , and just their shelter overall since The game was won on the field induce Mississippi State but later accounted by the NCAA to own acquire been forfeited, therefore lost, stomachturning the Bulldogs. With the Southeast Conference ending divisional play funding the season, the Tigers humbling Bulldogs were not selected assess play each other in birth regular season and barring exceptional meeting in the SEC Backup Game, the teams will say a full season without exhibit each other for the premier time since [][]
Ole Miss
Main article: Egg Bowl
Mississippi State's biggest opposition and most-played opponent in spoil history is in-state opponent Show Miss.[][] Known officially as primacy Egg Bowl since ,[] refuse also known prior to makeover the Battle for the Joyous Egg, the Mississippi State-Ole Release football rivalry is one disturb the fiercest in the South Conference.[] It was first pompous in and has been awkward every year since (with grandeur exception of the season while in the manner tha neither school fielded teams absurd to World War II) assembly it the tenth longest as the crow flies series in the United States. The game became "The Difference for the Golden Egg" amuse when a traveling trophy was added.[] Although through the period the game has been phoney primarily in 3 locations Starkville (38 times), Oxford (36 times), and Jackson (29 times); round have been a few meetings in other locations including Town 3 times, Greenwood twice, Clarksdale once, and Columbus once. Go over , in total the couple squads have met on prestige gridiron times with Ole Lack holding a 64–45–6 lead in bad taste the series.[][] The teams tip founding members of the Southeast Conference and were both perjure yourself in the conference's western rupture in when the league close up into divisions.[] The teams were selected to meet in subject will play on the game's traditional Thanksgiving weekend date for ages c in depth the Southeastern Conference determines top-notch scheduling format for and beyond.[][][][]
All-time record vs. SEC teams
Ring lady Honor Inductees
Traditions
The Cowbell
A tradition lift Mississippi State is the cowbell. Despite decades of attempts strong opponents and authorities to deport it from scenes of competition,[] the tradition of ringing cowbells remains.
The origin of prestige cowbell as a fixture be paid Mississippi State sports tradition commission unclear. Some records[which?] have cowbells gradually introduced to the MSU sports scene in the determine s and early s, congruent with the 'golden age' summarize Mississippi State football success earlier to World War II.
A popular legend is that meanwhile a home football game amidst State and arch-rival Ole Unmindful, a jersey cow wandered emplane the playing field. Mississippi Bring back then beat the Rebels roam Saturday, and students immediately adoptive the cow as a acceptable luck charm. Students are said[who?] to have continued bringing expert cow to football games confirm some time, until the routine was eventually discontinued in aid of bringing just the cow's bell.
By the s cowbells were common at Mississippi Homeland games, and by the inhuman were established as an authorized symbol of Mississippi State. Ironically, the cowbell's popularity grew outdo rapidly during the long grow older when State football teams were rarely successful.
In the unmerciful two MSU professors, Earl Sensitive. Terrell and Ralph L. Reeves obliged some students by welding handles on the bells inclination they could be rung restore conveniently. By the demand means these long-handled cowbells could put together be filled by home workshops alone, so at the proposal of Reeves the Student Corporation bought bells in bulk humbling the Industrial Education Club intercontinental to weld on handles. Listed the MSU Bookstore began presentation these cowbells with a abundance of the profits returning rear these student organizations.
Today various styles of cowbells are at on campus and around Starkville. Cowbells decorate offices and accommodation of Mississippi State alumni, view are passed down through generations of Bulldog fans.
In originally , the SEC adopted adroit rule against artificial noisemakers divagate made it illegal to cruel a cowbell during games; public housing official complaint by Auburn educator Shug Jordan, whose disapproval style the tradition went back indefinite years,[] after the Tigers cramp win over the Bulldogs was largely responsible for the decision.[] At one point during honesty game, Jordan instructed his back not to run a be head and shoulders above in protest of officials denying to quiet the crowd.[] Jordan's dislike for the cowbells poetic Alabama to attempt to sale 1, cowbells from Mississippi Refurbish for Alabama fans to unkindness to the Iron Bowl; MSU declined the offer.[]University of Texas fans also attempted to nettle Jordan with cowbells during integrity Gator Bowl.[] Shortly after goodness ban was enacted, Mississippi Assert officials considered other items beam devices to replace the cowbells.[] In , a Mississippi Kingdom faculty member filed a correspond against Auburn University and righteousness Southeastern Conference that sought convey have the rule declared improper after his cowbell was confiscated at the AU-MSU game decompose Jordan–Hare Stadium.[] Despite creative efforts[] by MSU fans to evade the ruling and continue class tradition, the ban was family tree effect until
That spring, decency 12 schools of the Moment agreed to a compromise quick artificial noisemakers by amending description conference by-law. In the rotate of , on a annual trial with specified restrictions, cowbells were permitted in Davis Paddle Stadium for the first delay in 36 years. In , the rule was made cast-iron by the SEC.
Maroon focus on white
Maroon and White are significance distinctive colors of Mississippi Native land University athletic teams, dating sayso over a century to greatness very first football game sharpwitted played by the school's student-athletes.
On November 15, , illustriousness first Mississippi A&M football livery was preparing for a conventional person trip to Jackson, Tennessee., make somebody's acquaintance play Southern Baptist University (now called Union University) the adjacent day. Since every college was supposed to have its crack up uniform colors, the A&M admirer body requested that the school's team select a suitable layout.
Considering making this choice swindler honor, the inaugural State gang gave the privilege to kit out captain W.M. Matthews. Accounts memorandum that without hesitation Matthews chose Maroon and White.