College football: 10 teams that will take the next step after big bowl win

College football team ready to make a leap No. 8: Mississippi State Bulldogs

Bowl Result: Def. Tulsa 28-26 in Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Unfortunately, the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl will always be remembered for the melee that transpired after the game concluded. It was an exceptionally ugly scene and one that has no place in college football. But it also mars what could be an important win for the Mississippi State Bulldogs as they move forward under head coach Mike Leach.

Leach’s time in Starkville got off to a hot start with a record-breaking offensive performance in the season-opener against LSU. But things only went downhill from there for the Bulldogs as the offense sputtered, though the defense remained a formidable unit. They were only 3-7 entering their bowl game against Tulsa, one of the best Group of 5 teams in the country.

Will Rogers and the offense weren’t spectacular but they were good enough. But it was the defense that continued to be a positive sign. The Bulldogs came up with a number of highly opportune plays, which is how teams can change games, especially in the SEC moving forward.

Historically, we’ve seen that Leach sometimes takes a year or two to get his players into the fold and start thriving on offense the way we expect his teams to. So to see the defense at this level right now and with the prospect of the offense only getting better, especially with Rogers returning, fans in Starkville should be hopeful.