Jeff Lebby wasn’t anticipated to set the world on fireplace in his first season at Mississippi State, however he was no less than anticipated to not be run out of his house stadium by Toledo.
That is precisely what occurred on Saturday night time, because the Rockets had their approach with the Bulldogs in a dominant 41-17 victory. Mississippi State by no means led in Saturday’s contest and solely scored three factors in a primary half that noticed Toledo take a 28-3 lead into the locker room.
Not even a halftime break may key the Bulldogs again in, as Toledo scored inside the first 5 minutes of the third quarter to take a 35-3 lead. A 41-17 closing rating burned into the scoreboard at Davis-Wade Stadium when the clock hit zeros, leaving many Mississippi State followers questioning how the Bulldogs bought right here.
After the premature passing of legendary coach Mike Leach, Zach Arnett was tapped to be the pinnacle coach of the Bulldogs in 2023. Mississippi State’s 2023 marketing campaign was abysmal — a 5-7 season led to Arnett’s firing after simply 10 video games as head coach.
To be truthful, no person anticipated a lot from the Bulldogs in 2023. In spite of everything, Arnett was principally seen as a placeholder till the Bulldogs discovered their subsequent everlasting choice at head coach.
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby was chosen to fill that function, however via three video games, the on-field product has arguably gotten worse than it was at any level final fall.
A 30-23 loss towards Arizona State in Week 2 could have put the writing on the wall, as late scores made the Bulldogs loss look a lot nearer than it truly was, however Saturday’s defeat was the sort that might activate the burner below Lebby’s seat.
Firing a first-time head coach in his maiden season — or after three video games, as some followers have known as for — can be absurd, however Mississippi State followers are rightfully pissed off.
Saturday’s sport wasn’t even remotely aggressive and if the Bulldogs cannot sustain with a MAC crew, how dangerous will issues get once they play the likes of Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Missouri?
All 5 of these groups are on Mississippi State’s schedule in an eight-game span, with extra SEC matchups towards Florida, Texas A&M and Arkansas on faucet.
Solely a Nov. 2 matchup towards Massachusetts looks like a positive victory for Lebby, however after Saturday’s loss, not even that is a assure.
If Lebby needs to into Yr 2 with out feeling like his job is on the road each week, he should discover a approach to string collectively wins. A winnable house matchup with Florida looms on Sept. 21, nevertheless it’ll take a justifiable share of miracles for the Bulldogs to achieve a bowl sport.
