Mike Leach tribute: Crews reveal painted turf at Raymond James Stadium

Mike Leach tributes will be all around the ReliaQuest Bowl on Monday when Mississippi State takes on Illinois at
Raymond James Stadium and crews unveiled the turf tribute for Leach on Sunday night.

A “MIKE” is painted on the field in Mississippi State colors with a cowbell in place of the ‘i,’ which is the same design as helmet stickers in Leach’s honor that have been worn by teams around college football this bowl season.

The Bulldogs never hesitated about the issue of playing in the bowl game, as they said it’s what Leach would want them to do after he died on Dec. 12 following complications from a heart condition.

Zach Arnett, who was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach 3 days after the death, and QB Will Rogers have both said there’s no better way to honor Leach and show their respect for him and his family than to go out there and play a complete game and compete like he would expect. Rogers even referred to that in a hype video ahead of the bowl game.

First look at the Mike Leach tribute on the field at Raymond James Stadium, as crews continue to transform the playing surface for Monday’s ReliaQuest Bowl @robbiefaulk247 pic.twitter.com/D32ADMo4L5

— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret) January 2, 2023

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.