Mullen, Stricklin discuss Orange Bowl invite, contract negotiations
By Ethan Levine
Published:
The Mississippi State Bulldogs had a banner day on Sunday, earning their first Orange Bowl invite since 1941 just minutes after learning they’d close the regular season as the No. 7 team in the final College Football Playoff Top 25.
The Bulldogs held a press conference for head coach Dan Mullen and athletic director Scott Stricklin Sunday evening upon learning they’d be heading to the Orange Bowl on Dec. 31, and the two prominent MSU figures had plenty to say.
Here’s a rundown of what Mullen and Stricklin discussed during their media availability:
On participating in the Orange Bowl
Mullen: "We're so excited as a program. First time since 1941 that we've been in this game."
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) December 7, 2014
Mullen: "We're gonna party like it's 1941 down there." (The last year MSU played in the Orange Bowl)
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) December 7, 2014
Mullen calls the @OrangeBowl one of the best bowl games in the history of college football. Thanks @CFBPlayoff
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 7, 2014
Mullen says the plan is for the team to arrive in Miami on December 26th.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) December 7, 2014
On preparing to face Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl
Mullen says that Nick Fitzgerald might be the guy who runs the triple option offense for his scout team.
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) December 7, 2014
On end-of-season recognitions
Mullen says @15_DakP deserves to be @HeismanTrophy finalist.
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 7, 2014
MSU AD Scott Stricklin plugging Mullen for SEC/national coach of the year awards.
— David Brandt (@davidbrandtAP) December 7, 2014
On a potential contract extension for Mullen
Stricklin on possible Mullen contract extension: We're 5-of-5 extending him so far, so I'm sure we'll make it six.
— David Brandt (@davidbrandtAP) December 7, 2014
Stricklin says he's "optimistic" MSU and Dan Mullen will reach an agreement on a contract extension back out to state-max of four years.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) December 7, 2014
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
