There’s no debating that Mississippi State reached new heights under Dan Mullen. The program went from being one of the worst in the SEC to annually being one of the most physical and tough outs in the league each and every season.

With Mullen off to Florida, many outsiders seem to think the MSU program will now regress. His successor, Joe Moorhead, believes the opposite will happen.

During a Tuesday appearance on WJOX 94.5 FM program 3 Man Front, Mississippi State’s coach was asked why he’s been openly campaigning for Hail State fans to set a new spring game attendance record this spring in Starkville. (The current record is just over 36,000 fans)

“Because it’s in line with the philosophical approach that we are taking. 36,000 or 35,000 is good but 50,000 or more is great,” Moorhead said on the air. “We are talking to our kids and our program and anyone that will listen that we want to elevate this program to a championship standard and bring a trophy home to Starkville. I think that could start with how well our spring game is attended.”

The Mississippi State coach also had this to say when discussing in-state recruiting. Considering the depth and elite level of Magnolia State prospects in the 2019 recruiting cycle, Hail State would potentially sign a top 10-15 class nationally if it can lock down all the in-state prospects it covets.

“Our message is that Mississippi State is not a fallback school, it’s a destination school just like it’s a destination job,” Moorhead continued. “The better we are at keeping the best players at home and play for the state university, I think it’s beneficial to us as a program and to the state as well.”

During the interview, Moorhead was also asked about the ongoing rehab of Nick Fitzgerlad. According to the Hail State coach, his quarterback is “ahead of schedule” with the anticipation of a full return by fall camp.