Jul 17, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby talking at Omni Dallas Lodge. Obligatory Credit score: Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports activities Mississippi State shall be lacking key personnel when it kicks off the Jeff Lebby teaching period by internet hosting FCS foe Jap Kentucky Saturday night in Starkville, Miss.
Lebby, the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma the previous two seasons, mentioned switch receiver Kelly Akharaiyi and security Corey Ellington are usually not accessible for the opener whereas resting accidents that hampered them in fall camp. He additionally introduced that working again Jeffery Pittman is now not on the roster.
“We’ll proceed to take a look at their state of affairs as we get into the season and hopefully get these guys again sooner somewhat than later,” Lebby mentioned of the accidents. “Pitt is a man who’s now not with us this 12 months so I will not get into the main points of that inside matter.”
Akharaiyi had 48 catches for 1,033 yards and 7 touchdowns whereas incomes first-team All-Convention USA honors for UTEP in 2023. Ellington has 92 profession tackles in 31 video games for the Bulldogs.
Pittman rushed for 268 yards for Mississippi State final 12 months, however Lebby has confidence in Keyvone Lee, Utah State switch Davon Sales space, and junior faculty switch Johnnie Daniels at working again.
“I be ok with these three,” Lebby mentioned. “I believe we’re a lot, a lot improved from the spring to proper now at that place, which I believe is sweet.”
Mississippi State completed 5-7 final season beneath coaches Zach Arnett and Greg Knox, together with 1-7 in Southeastern Convention motion.
The Bulldogs shall be taking up an Jap Kentucky crew that completed 5-6 final 12 months, shedding 4 video games that have been every determined by three factors.
The Colonels are beginning a brand new quarterback in switch Matt Morrissey, who threw for two,008 yards and 13 scores final season at Western Illinois.
Giving up explosive performs was a serious concern on protection final season.
“We would play nice, nice, nice, then growth. They acquired us.,” coach Walt Wells mentioned, per the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Chief. “And we did not reply from that.”
–Subject Degree Media
