Lebby feels 'layups' could reignite State's offense
- Story byNortheast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo
- Lebby feels 'layups' could reignite State's offense
STARKVILLE – Every minute matters.
In the midst of a four-game losing streak that's included a slew of injuries, both lingering and season-ending, Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby is working to get the most it can out of those that are able to go. So far the results have not been stellar, as the Bulldogs have scored just 18 points in their last 13 quarters.
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During the team's press conference on Monday, Jeff Lebby mentioned the importance of "making the layups."
"There were a lot of layups in the first half of that game on Saturday that we needed to make to give ourselves a chance to go in at half in a completely different situation, and ultimately that applies pressure to the other side," Lebby said. "Does it change the outcome? Nobody will ever know, but you apply pressure by making those layups in the first half to give yourself a chance."
For Lebby, making the layups includes doing the things that force the opponent to play a clean game.
Things that did not help against then-No. 11 Texas included, but were not limited to, committing a false start on their first fourth down of the game and dropping a pass on third-and-long that would have resulted in a chunk play on MSU's next drive. There was also the drive to open the second quarter where a play went for a loss of six yards, then the field goal attempt a few plays later bounced off the right upright and was no good.
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"It's really frustrating and disappointing how we went and played offensively," Lebby said. "There's a ton to build on defensively, and then we have to get out of our own way on offense."
Lebby also acknowledged that this offense is not what it was when Kamario Taylor was healthy, but times like these are why Lebby signed up for the job.
"That's why they call us coach," he said. "I've got to put these guys in positions to go make the play. I got to put our guys in positions to go make the layups and play good enough to win on offense."
Lebby did not have updates on the health of tailback Fluff Bothwell or quarterback A.J. Swann.
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Auburn kickoff time
Mississippi State's contest with Auburn will kick off on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. on either ESPN or ESPN2. Channel broadcast will be determined at a later date.
The Tigers lead the all-time series 66-28-2, but the teams have split the last 10 meetings dating back to 2014. Auburn won their last duel, a 27-13 triumph in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
