Matt Luke comments on Elijah Moore's costly celebration penalty in Egg Bowl loss
Matt Luke’s Ole Miss Rebels fell to rival Mississippi State in heartbreaking fashion on Thursday night. Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore caught a touchdown with 4 seconds left that gave the Rebels a chance to tie the game 21-21 with the extra point. Moore’s celebration of lifting his leg to urinate like a dog (a la DK Metcalf) earned him an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which sent the PAT try back 15 yards. The kick was no good and MSU held on to win 21-20.
Luke was asked about Moore’s celebration penalty after the game.
“Just disappointed. It’s not who we are. We’ve been a disciplined team all year,” Luke told reporters after the game. “Just disappointed that it happened. I was disappointed – that’s not who he is. Elijah’s a good kid. He got caught up in the moment.”
Matt Luke and John Rhys Plumlee’s reaction to Elijah Moore’s celebration in the endzone. pic.twitter.com/DV8TFFMI1G
— Samaria Terry (@samariaterry) November 29, 2019
Brian Scott Rippee of Sports Talk Mississippi shared a few other notes from Luke’s postgame press conference in Starkville:
Luke said Plumlee was healthy and he felt Corral could give them a spark. Said they will evaluate the QB situation in the offseason. Wasn't ready to address it now.
— Brian Scott Rippee (@bsrippee) November 29, 2019
Luke said he does not anticipate staff changes as of now.
— Brian Scott Rippee (@bsrippee) November 29, 2019
Matt Luke said he was going to kick the PAT and go to OT even if the penalty had not occurred.
— Brian Scott Rippee (@bsrippee) November 29, 2019
Ole Miss fell to 4-8 on the season and 15-21 in three seasons under Luke (one interim, two full-time).