Mississippi State will play in ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Illinois despite death of Mike Leach

Mississippi State will play in ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Illinois regardless of demise of Mike Leach initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Chicago

Mississippi State will play Illinois within the ReliaQuest Bowl subsequent month, regardless of the demise of their head coach Mike Leach this week. Bracky Brett, interim athletic director for Mississippi State, confirmed the choice to ESPN on Tuesday.

Leach died Monday as a result of problems from a coronary heart situation. He was 61.

Brett mentioned the gamers have been “100% behind taking part in this bowl sport” and following the expectations of Leach, a coach recognized for his tenacious competitiveness and entertaining presence.

“Everyone knows that’s what Coach Leach would need, and it’s what we should always do,” Brett mentioned.

Leach inherited a Mississippi State program that had gone 6-7 the yr earlier than. Underneath Leach’s management, the Bulldogs went 19-17 via three seasons and have been slated in opposition to the 8-4 Illini.

ESPN additionally reported that Mississippi State gamers will return to campus on Thursday and partake in a whole bowl sport observe on Friday.

The ReliaQuest Bowl is scheduled for Jan. 2 at Raymond James Stadium, house to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The higher deck of the stadium encompasses a pirate ship, becoming to honor Leach, who was recognized to have an affinity for pirates and would regularly weave the teachings of piracy into his workforce messages.

Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett took over Leach’s tasks on Sunday when the coach was hospitalized. He’ll retain that function within the bowl sport.

It will mark the primary that these two groups have met since 1980. They beforehand performed one another twice earlier than — in 1923 and 1980 – with every faculty choosing up a win to separate the collection.