SEC Football Previews: Mississippi State Bulldogs navigate first season under Jeff Lebby

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - The Mississippi State football program has been in a state of turmoil since the death of former head coach Mike Leach in 2022. Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was promoted last season, but didn’t last after a 5-7 season. Now, Jeff Lebby takes over a program that has needed to retool on both sides of the ball. Here is a short preview of the Bulldogs:

COACH — Jeff Lebby 0-0 (First season at Mississippi State).

2023 SEASON — 5-7 overall, 1-7 in SEC (T-6th, West).

RETURNING STARTERS — 3 (0 offensive, 2 defensive, 1 special teams).

TOP PLAYERS — QB Blake Shapen, WR Kelly Akharaiyi, WR Kevin Coleman, TE Seydou Traore, DE De’Monte Russell, LB Donterry Russell, CB Brice Pollock, S Isaac Smith.

KEY LOSSES — QB Will Rogers, WR Lideatrick Griffin, DT Jaden Crumedy, LB Nathaniel Watson, LB Jett Johnson, CB Decamerion Richardson, S Marcus Banks, S Shawn Preston Jr.

SEASON OUTLOOK — Lebby, a long-time assistant at Baylor, dipped into the Waco well to bring in quarterback Blake Shapen, a two-year starter for the Bears. He will be the key cog in a a Lebby offense that ranked fourth in the country last season, averaging 41.7 points per game. The Bulldog’s defense has been pieced together at almost every level. However, strength lies in edge rusher De’Monte Russell, who recorded 24 tackles and a sack last season.

SCHEDULE:

Denotes SEC Conference Game.