The Mississippi State Bulldogs opened the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa against Illinois with a penalty. For the first possession of the game, the MSU offense entered a typical Mike Leach air raid formation and waited as the play clock hit zero. Illinois declined the delay of game penalty as the familiar sound of Mississippi State cowbells clanged through the air.
It was a touching tribute to Leach, a college football giant and innovator. Leach’s passing stunned not only the Mississippi State community, but the entire world of college football. This was the first game the Bulldogs had played since their head coach passed suddenly on December 12 at the age of 61.
