Will Rogers of Mississippi State becomes emotional while discussing Mike Leach after leading a comeback victory.

Coach Mike Leach was on Mississippi State’s mind as they took on Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Monday. Mississippi State won 19-10 to put an end to their wild season.

For Mike Leach, their coach for the previous three seasons, the Bulldogs defeated Illinois 19-10. The 61-year-old guy who was well-known for his creative crimes and passion for pirates passed away on December 12 from complications from a heart condition.

Rogers played a significant role in the Bulldogs’ comeback triumph. 29 of his 44 passes were completed, totaling 261 yards and a touchdown. After Rogers’ outstanding fourth quarter, nobody will be talking about the two interceptions he threw.

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“It was tough. The coach and I were so close and losing a coach like that, a friend like that hurt me for a very long time. It will continue to hurt but to be able to get out of here with this group guys, my brothers, I can’t say enough about this team and this university,” said Rogers.

Will Rogers, the quarterback for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, throws a long pass against the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 2, 2023, in Tampa, Florida, during the ReliaQuest Bowl game. 

Simeon Price, a sophomore running back who saw limited action during the regular season, had a crucial role in that effort as well. His finest performance has been eight carries for 36 yards versus Alabama. However, Price led the Bulldogs against Illinois with 68 yards on seven carries, including a 28-yard run to the 2-yard line with 12 seconds remaining.

“Simeon has always been that guy,” Arnett said. “He is about as dependable as there is. He’s a great young man. Every day he shows up with the right attitude and mindset to get better.”

This was a strong victory over a group who fought valiantly against Michigan on the road in a 19-17 defeat on a field goal with one play remaining. Illinois had an 8-5 record. A touchdown or less separated each of the five defeats.

The Bulldogs had their first nine-win 스포츠토토 season since 2017 when they finished 9-4. They had a three-game winning streak going into the off-season.

After the game, Arnett acknowledged feeling “pulled in a number of directions.” But neither he nor his group ever lost sight of the significance of bowl games, particularly this one.

There will be a winner and a loser, according to Arnett. “This program operates with that philosophy. You enter the arena and compete whether it is full or empty. That is important to our soldiers. I’m 바카라사이트 delighted they got a win before they went.