Mike Leach got the biggest win of his Mississippi State tenure to date Saturday night, as the Bulldogs pulled off a 26-22 upset at No. 15 Texas A&M.
Will Rogers passed for 408 yards and 3 touchdowns in the winning effort, and the Mississippi State defense came up with a huge safety late in the 4th quarter to end any chance that the Aggies had.
With the victory, the Bulldogs improved to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 in SEC play.
After the game, legendary former Texas A&M coach Jackie Sherrill showed up at MSU coach Mike Leach’s press conference to offer congratulations before Leach met with the media.
Here’s a look at what Leach had to say about the upset win in College Station:
On his team just playing the game:
Mike Leach: "We overthought less this game than any we've had since I've been here"
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) October 3, 2021
What Leach had to say about the win and to Sherrill:
Former A&M and Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill walked in during Mike Leach's press conference after his team upset the Aggies to congratulate him and said: "Coming in here and winning is a big deal." Leach replied: "I'm glad you weren't coaching." #aggies #hailstate #sec
— Kristie Rieken (@kristieAP) October 3, 2021
On the Texas A&M crowd at Kyle Field:
Mike Leach: "I get a kick out of it. Some places in the traditional SEC think they're hot, but Texas A&M's (environment) is real hot"
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) October 3, 2021
On what he told the defense on its final possession, which led to the safety:
Leach on message to defense on final possession: "Just try to keep it simple. You get in these intense, emotional games and guys will try to make more out of it than there is.
If you can settle every body down… It helps you do routine basic things."
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) October 3, 2021
Leach and the Bulldogs have a bye next Saturday before a huge home game with top-ranked Alabama on October 16.
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
