On Monday, the Mississippi State Bulldogs will be playing with heavy hearts after the tragic passing of head coach Mike Leach. The legendary coach’s death has overshadowed the ReliaQuest Bowl between Mississippi State and Illinois.
For Mississippi State, defensive coordinator Zach Arnett has been named head coach and has helped stabilize the program. A Bulldogs victory in the bowl game would commemorate Coach Leach and celebrate his legacy. It will also usher in a new era of Mississippi Football under Coach Arnett.
While other TCR writers will further preview the Illini, it’s important to discuss something Coach Leach was less known for: the Mississippi State Defense.