Ad Disclosure
Down go the champs: Mike Leach leads Mississippi State to upset win over LSU in first game
Published:
Mike Leach has led Mississippi State to an upset win in his first game as the head coach with the program. And it was a victory over the defending national champions.
In a big-time offensive showdown, Mississippi State defeated No. 6 LSU 44-34 in the first weekend of the season for the SEC. It was a significant moment for both programs, as Leach was coaching in his first game for the Bulldogs. The Tigers were coming off an undefeated season in 2019.
K.J. Costello looked like Joe Burrow in Tiger Stadium, though he was wearing a different jersey. The MSU quarterback threw for 623 yards and 5 touchdowns while completing 36-of-60 pass attempts. Three different Bulldogs totaled over 100 receiving yards on the day, led by Osirus Mitchell, who had 183 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kylin Hill had 158 yards and Javonta Payton ended with 122 yards.
Hill was also the team’s leading rusher, totaling 34 yards on 7 carries.
Mississippi State ended the day with 632 yards of offense, compared to LSU’s 425.
It’s safe to say that, at least early on, it appears Leach’s offense can be incredibly effective in the SEC. It should be really fun to watch the rest of the season, as well.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB