Great article in today’s Clarion Ledger about Leach’s view of the team, the bowl game and the season. Puts it in a different perspective than evident from the more simplistic knee-jerk reactions on this message board. The above comments ignore completely two key factors in the bowl game loss: One, the team was without numerous starters and it manifested itself in wholly un-characteristic developments (for example, Tech being able to run the ball so successfully); and two, this team was young and made progress this year, leaving optimism for what lies ahead.
Not saying some of the preparedness criticisms and uneven play aren’t warranted. Instead just pointing out that there can be more than one cause fir a loss and all causes can’t be attributed to Leach.
As someone on the outside looking in, who obviously follows more closely than most non-MSU fans due to the rivalry and living in the same state.. I think MSU is clearly trending up under Leach. He’s got a track record, and he’s recruiting better than I thought he would, if I’m being honest. He’s gonna win some games.. I also recognize that you could’ve easily beaten LSU and Memphis, and you had a real weird 1H against Ole Miss. 2 of those 3 go your way and the vibe is way different. WAY DIFFERENT.
But, the flip side (and I recognize several will get upset with this, but I’m just trying to present an admittedly biased outside viewpoint), is that I don’t know that I see a lot of fire in Leach’s proverbial belly. He’s never been a Freeze rah-rah type, but he seems to have really mellowed. Maybe that’s good, I don’t know? But you can’t help but wonder if it doesn’t manifest itself in some of the slow starts.. and in the same way I saw the games you could’ve won but lost, I also saw the La Tech game, the 1H against Auburn, and the 2H adjustments or lack thereof against Ole Miss. And I’ve also seen Leach appear to be extraordinarily stubborn in terms of running the ball, even when it’s working.
I think you have way more to be excited about than concerned about. You’ll return one of the most accomplished QB’s in the country who has 2 and probably 3 years remaining. You bring back the bulk of your above average D, your DC, and have the portal available to plug a couple glaring holes. If I had a preseason vote you’d 100% be in my preseason Top 25. I think you’re in that 3-4 range in the SEC West for 2022, which means you’re a really good football team.
But, the MSU fans who have raised concerns aren’t crazy. This current iteration of Leach will absolutely win games, and upset some teams. But it’s fair to ask whether or not he has a ceiling of 8-9 wins, which granted has been both programs historic ceilings. But we all want more, rational or not.
