Mike Leach unleashes rant on players opting out of bowls

Players opting out of their bowl games has become a growing trend, and Mississippi State coach Mike Leach isn’t having it. In a media availability Saturday, Leach offered his thoughts to the media.

“They think they’re gonna have a storied, 10-year NFL career,” he said. “Then they can’t play one more college game. Well, that’s ridiculous… It’s one of the biggest absurdities that I’ve seen.”

Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal and Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks are among the most notable names to opt out of 2021 bowl games. So far no Mississippi State player have opted out of the Liberty Bowl.

The Bulldogs are set to face Texas Tech, Leach’s former team, on Dec. 28 in Memphis. Leach coached the Red Raiders from 2000-09, amassing a 84-43 overall record.

Leach is currently in his second season leading Mississippi State after eight years with Washington State. He coached the Bulldogs to a victory in the Armed Forces Bowl in 2020, and is looking to improve to 2-0 in bowl games as the MSU head man.

Like most everywhere else he has been, the coach has employed a high-powered aerial attack in Starkville. Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers led the SEC with 4,449 yards passing in addition to 35 touchdowns. More than 70% of Mississippi State’s plays this season have been passing.

Red Raiders interim head coach Sonny Cumbie is set to lead them into the bowl game despite accepting the head job at Louisiana Tech. With a situation like this, it seems there could be a potential for more Texas Tech players opting out against Mike Leach and Bulldogs.

Although players opting out does make the games less entertaining for fans, it’s hard to blame them when their NFL futures are at stake. This is especially true in cases such as that of Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, who hasn’t played in weeks due to an injury.

Kickoff for the Liberty Bowl is set for 6:45 p.m. ET on Dec. 28 in Memphis.