In his inaugural season as head coach of Mississippi State, Jeff Lebby faced a challenging landscape. The Bulldogs finished with a disappointing record of 2-10, marking their worst overall and conference performance since the early 2000s. With an 0-8 record in the SEC, the season was a tough one for fans and players alike. But how does this translate into Lebby’s future with the program?
Mixed Reviews for Jeff Lebby
Greg McElroy, a former college football quarterback and now analyst, offered a candid assessment of Lebby’s first season on his show ‘Always College Football’. He assigned a grade of C to Lebby, stating, “Year one? Not a success though I’ll give it a C for Jeff Lebby.” This grade reflects the struggles that the team faced, but it also acknowledges some of the potential that Lebby brought to the table.
Offensive Potential Amidst Struggles
Despite the disappointing record, there were glimmers of hope for Mississippi State’s offense. Lebby, known for his innovative offensive strategies from his previous roles at Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and UCF, aimed to inject excitement into the Bulldogs’ play. McElroy noted, “We knew the offense was going to be exciting. That was the reaction when Jeff Lebby got the job – ‘Well, he’s going to score but what will things look like on the defensive side?’”
Indeed, the Bulldogs averaged 25.8 points per game and 377.2 yards of offense, which was an improvement from the previous season under Zach Arnett. While it wasn’t the high-octane offense that fans might have hoped for, it was a step in the right direction. McElroy emphasized that there were “a lot of things that were fun to watch last year with Mississippi State.”
Challenges and Expectations
However, the challenges were significant. The Bulldogs faced a daunting schedule, including trips to Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. They encountered five teams ranked in the Top 15 at the time of their matchups. McElroy pointed out, “They went winless in the SEC for the first time in 22 years and they were outscored 311-169 in league games.” With such a tough slate, it’s understandable why the team struggled to find its footing.
Lebby’s first season was also marked by a massive overhaul offensively, with significant personnel changes through the transfer portal. The loss of their starting quarterback compounded the difficulties. “Losing to Toledo the way they did? Losing to Arizona State the way they did? Not great. But really tough schedule,” McElroy remarked, highlighting the uphill battle that lay ahead for the Bulldogs.
Looking Ahead: Year Two Under Lebby
As Mississippi State looks forward to year two under Lebby, there is a sense of cautious optimism. McElroy expressed uncertainty about the team’s trajectory, saying, “There’s a lot of room for growth. Almost impossible to get a feel for where this team could go here in the future.” With a renewed focus on building a competitive squad, the Bulldogs aim to return to bowl eligibility after a two-year absence.
The expectations for the upcoming season are tempered by the reality of last year’s performance. “They had an interesting season…Their first-year record was just 2-10. It wasn’t great. It was about where a lot of people expected them to be, at least in the SEC. They were picked to finish 15th out of 16. So it’s not a massive surprise that they went just 2-10,” McElroy noted.
What’s Next for Mississippi State Football?
As the Bulldogs prepare for the next chapter, the focus will be on improvement and resilience. The coaching staff will undoubtedly work to refine the offensive strategies that showed promise, while also addressing the glaring issues that led to last season’s struggles. With a new season on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a turnaround. Can Lebby harness the talent on his roster and turn the tide for Mississippi State football?
In the world of college football, every season brings new challenges and opportunities. For Mississippi State and Jeff Lebby, the journey is just beginning. Will they rise to meet the expectations? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion for college football remains unwavering, and the Bulldogs will be looking to make their mark in the upcoming season.
