Despite loss at Georgia, Mike Leach points to areas where Mississippi State improved

Mississippi State showed remarkable improvement on Saturday despite the 31-24 loss at Georgia.

The Bulldogs had a 3-0 lead after the first quarter, and the game was tied at halftime, and after three quarters.

QB Will Rogers was 41-for-52 passing for 336 yards and a touchdown. Dillon Johnson chipped in two rushing touchdowns on just eight carries and 19 yards.

Mississippi State returns to action at the Egg Bowl next week.

Here is a sampling of what coach Mike Leach shared with the media after the game:

Mike Leach: “I think this was the best game we’ve played this year.”

He adds that it was “by a significant margin.”

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) November 22, 2020

Mike Leach on postgame radio: “This is the best game we’ve played this year.”

— Ben Portnoy (@bportnoy15) November 22, 2020

Leach says that the offensive line took a step forward this week.

“We played together better tonight, what sucks is we fell short.”

— Ben Portnoy (@bportnoy15) November 22, 2020

Leach said that MSU’s ability to stay in front of the chains was a mix of Rogers’ decision making, better blocking and receivers running sharper routes.

— Ben Portnoy (@bportnoy15) November 22, 2020

Mike Leach was asked how the Mississippi State coaching staff performed tonight.

He gave all the credit to his players.

“Our players in particular deserve the biggest pat on the back. We’re proud to be on a team with them.”

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) November 22, 2020

Mike Leach: “I think our offensive line took a step forward, which was good.”

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) November 22, 2020