The big news in the SEC this week was the firing of Les Miles by LSU.

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen addressed the firing in his Week 5 SEC Media Presser, saying he understands the cutthroat nature of college football:

“I was shocked, [but] I understand the pressure we are on — you are basically as good your last game,” he said. “We won last week so I guess I’m good this week. Getting fired in-season, I don’t think it’s good for the game or the kids in the program. I just don’t think it’s healthy for a program to do it at this time.”

Another big happening this week was Mississippi State AD Scott Stricklin leaving Starkville to take the same position at Florida.

Mullen said he appreciates all the hard work Stricklin did for the Bulldogs during his tenure at the school:

“I worked for him,” he said. “It will impact me in the future. I’m not shocked by it, looking at the job he did here — all the facilitates upgrades under him and attendance. We have won more games than Florida over the last six years.”

Mississippi State hasn’t announced a replacement for Stricklin yet, but Mullen said he’s not too worried about who takes over:

“To be honest, for all of us, it doesn’t matter for us coaches,” he said. “It’s about winning the games. There’s anxiety for us on that. Haven’t had any discussions with anyone about the next AD, but hope to this week.”

Mississippi State has a bye this week. The Bulldogs will return to the field on Saturday, Oct. 8, against Auburn.