Jeff Lebby explains decision to start games on offense over defense

Mississippi State has won more than just its two games early in the 2025 season. Both coin tosses were won by the Bulldogs, giving Jeff Lebby decisions to make. Most head coaches would defer to the second half. However, on both occasions, Lebby decided to start the game off with the ball.

Rewards were instantly cashed, as Mississippi State went on opening drive touchdowns against Southern Miss and Arizona State. Still, an unusual move from Lebby and one he explained heading into the Alcorn State matchup.

“For us, especially on Saturday, it was about keeping their offense off the field and dictating how the game was played,” Lebby said on Monday. “I wanted our guys out there first, offensively, creating juice, momentum, being able to put a drive together. We’ve been able to do that two weeks in a row. We have not sustained the way we need to but that was the thought behind that.”

In the Southern Miss game, Blake Shapen only needed six plays and 1:25 to go 75 yards. An even quicker strike with Arizona State on the other side, scoring in four plays in 1:09. Quite an efficient script from Lebby, something he is well-known for from his offensive coordinator days. No better way to start out a football game than with a 7-0 lead before either team can blink.

Lebby pointed out how Mississippi State needed to find a way to be more consistent. The second drive tells the story alone, having two turnovers in there. One interception from Shapen and a turnover on downs vs. Arizona State the following week. First half point totals wound up 13 against USM and 17 against ASU, showing the ability to stall once getting the first touchdown.

Winning 10 more coin tosses during the regular season would be a remarkable feat for Mississippi State. Even if they are on the losing end, some teams might ultimately decide to put the Bulldogs’ offense out there, wanting to receive the third-quarter kickoff. Or now, opposing coaches might know what Lebby is looking for early in the game and attempt to throw the Bulldogs off their scent. Possibly a cat-and-mouse game for the set of captains to play when meeting at midfield.

Either way, results through two weeks have been good. Mississippi State will certainly look to keep the juice flowing early, allowing them to dictate how games are being played.