Mike Leach entered the SEC on fire, then quickly flamed out in 2020 (thanks to Kentucky’s defense). Entering the Pirate’s second season, Mark Stoops sees a Bulldog offense that has reignited thanks in part to second-year quarterback Will Rogers.
In his first game as the Mississippi State head coach, the Bulldogs dethroned the defending National Champion LSU Tigers with a 44-34 win. KJ Costello set an SEC record with 623 passing yards in the victory. Two weeks later he was temporarily benched when Kentucky picked off six Bulldog passes. Star running back Kylin Hill opted out shortly after the 24-2 loss to the Wildcats.