The Mississippi State Bulldogs were picked to finish last in the SEC West this season during the media’s poll last month.

The good news for MSU and Mike Leach is that they escaped the SEC East’s top 2 teams — Florida and Georgia, as they face Vanderbilt and Kentucky in 2021; however, the brutal West gauntlet awaits.

A perceived easier SEC East slate — and a more favorable home/away schedule — wasn’t enough for the media to be convinced that MSU won’t finish in last place.

During Monday’s post-practice media availability, Leach was asked about being picked last in the division and whether he uses that as bulletin board material for his players.

“I pretty well ignore it,” Leach said. “I don’t ask those guys opinion on anything else. Probably not going to start with that.”

Mississippi State kicks off the 2021 season against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, September 4. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m and will be televised by ESPNU.