Mike Leach explains how Sam Westmoreland's death impacted MSU's prep last week

Mississippi State has been going through a period of mourning. Head coach Mike Leach announced on Wednesday, October 19th that freshman offensive lineman Sam Westmoreland died. It was an emotional week, and it will be an emotional season for the Bulldogs going forward.

On Saturday, Mississippi State took the football field for the first time since Sam Westmoreland’s death. There, Mike Leach watched his team struggle against Alabama in a 30-6 loss.

“It was tough,” Mike Leach said.

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Later in his press conference, Mike Leach was asked about what he saw from his team in practice leading up to the Alabama game.

“It’s tough,” Mike Leach reiterated. “I mean, everybody cares a great deal about a fellow teammate, and so, you know, it’s tough because everybody’s wrapped up with that, and understandably so.”

Mississippi State will now have a bye week to regroup before the Bulldogs take on Auburn on November 5th.

Teams honor Sam Westmoreland

Following Sam Westmoreland’s death, there has been an outpouring of condolences and support for both his family and the Mississippi State community. Several teams and places have found different ways to honor Westmoreland since his death.

That starts with Mississippi State itself, which is adding a helmet decal to honor him. Sam Westmoreland’s old high school, Tupelo High School, also added a helmet decal to honor him.

𝐵𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 🖤 pic.twitter.com/sTHTpcRYSN

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) October 22, 2022

Even rival Ole Miss offered condolences for Sam Westmoreland and the Mississippi State community. They tweeted, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the @HailStateFB community.”