The Mississippi State football program will be honoring late coach Mike Leach on Monday afternoon in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Illinois at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Mike Leach passed away last month and was nicknamed The Pirate.
For the game, Mississippi State will be taking the field with an alternate helmet featuring the pirate logo and Leach’s initials.
In addition to the helmet, the ReliaQuest Bowl will be honoring Leach with a flower arrangement on the pirate ship at Raymond James Stadium. Leach’s name will also be on the field.
Such a very cool & 1st class gesture by @ReliaQuestBowl to honor Mike Leach w/flower arrangement on the pirate ship & name on field at today’s game b/w @HailStateFB & @IlliniFootball #RIPMikeLeach pic.twitter.com/CTOYMUSNaJ
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 2, 2023
Do you have chills yet?
𝑆𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟. 𝑆𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑. #HailState🏴☠️ pic.twitter.com/JdBOelqWcR
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) January 2, 2023
Kickoff between the No. 22 Bulldogs and Fighting Illini is set for 12:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
Entering Monday afternoon’s game, Mississippi State is a slight 3.5-point favorite over Illinois while the over/under is set for 46 total points. Let’s see if the Bulldogs are able to prove the oddsmakers right and pull off the win in Mike Leach’s honor.
