Arizona State a 'great measuring stick' for Bulldogs Saturday in the desert
It was an opening game to remember for Jeff Lebby last week, but the first-year Mississippi State coach spent more time after the game trying to make his team better.
A 56-7 win over Eastern Kentucky more than set the tone for the start of the Showtime Era in Starkville and Lebby was certainly pleased with many things. His main takeaway, however, is that State has a whole lot longer to go on this journey in 2024.
“For us, it is making sure we are learning lessons through victory,” Lebby said. “I think with the guys as they showed back up in the building (Monday) morning and as they were around (Sunday) for treatment and to get a meal, our guys have great intent inside these walls right now. We look to improve in a bunch of different areas. There’s stuff all over the tape that we’ve got to continue to clean up.”
Arizona State matchup becomes much more interesting after teams’ performances
EKU was one thing, but the Bulldogs are facing an entirely new animal on Saturday night. For one, Lebby’s squad will be traveling to the west coast to take on Arizona State in a 9:30 p.m. (ESPN) kick back home in central time.
On top of all of the logistics of playing a road game in that part of the country at night, the Sun Devils impressed in week one. Behind Michigan State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt, ASU had 499 yards of total offense with 258 and two touchdowns through the air from the QB.
Like the Bulldogs, the Sun Devils also got points outside of the offense with an interception and fumble return for scores. Four turnovers on defense and an efficient offensive performance has certainly put the Bulldogs on notice.
“What I see is a group from Arizona State that played with a ton of confidence, a ton of energy. There was great excitement inside their stadium, and we’ve got a great challenge on our hands,” Lebby said. “Being able to go out there, play on the west coast, 9:30 kickoff for us. Our guys have to do an incredible job of preparing. We as coaches have to put them in position for success. We have a great challenge on our hands and we look forward to it.”
Kenny Dillingham has the Sun Devils looking a lot different in year two on the job. The former Memphis, Florida State and Oregon offensive coordinator was a fast-riser in the coaching ranks went from a high school coach to a head coach in the Power 4 in 10 years.
After taking over a program that was in disarray after Herm Edwards’ firing, he was 3-9 last year. This season looks like it is headed for a significant jump and they will try to do what they can to start 2-0.
The Bulldogs are wanting to make a similar jump under Lebby and a bowl game is one of the main goals. To get there, this game feels essential.
“I think it’s going to be a great measuring stick. Again, you look at Arizona State and the way they played in all three phases Saturday night. Just an incredibly dominant performance over a well-coached, tough Wyoming football team,” Lebby said. “You watch the tape and see these guys are a completely different football team than they were a year ago.
“So for us, having the mentality and mindset to be able to go in and play with great detail. Our effort, execution and physicality at the end of the day is what will give us an opportunity to go win. It’s a great measuring stick for us to see where we are at.”
