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Mississippi State

Zach Arnett recaps postgame scene, ties it back to iconic Mike Leach moment

On3 imageby: Andrew Graham01/04/23AndrewEdGraham
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TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 02: CEO Brian Murphy of ReliaQuest presents head coach Zach Arnett of the Mississippi State Bulldogs the Trophy after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini 19-10 in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 02, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

In the celebratory furor after Mississippi State beat Illinois, 19-10, in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Bulldogs running backs coach Jason Washington proposed to his now-fiancé on the field. So much was going on that head coach Zach Arnett didn’t learn of this until his postgame press conference.

And when Arnett found out, he first thought it was a player before the reporters at the press conference told him who it was. Then he riffed on a classic Mike Leach moment where the late head coach had dished out some marriage advice.

“I thought Coach Leach had enough viral moments talking about what to do in terms of marriage, you wouldn’t think that would happen. But I guess, in terms of coach Washington, I would suggest elope. I would definitely say that. But this is an emotional game, obviously. We had a lot to play for, today,” Arnett said.

The reference to elopement was Arnett riffing on an iconic leach quip from earlier in the 2022 season.

WATCH: Mike Leach gives interesting wedding advice to engaged SEC Network sideline reporter

The way to get some college football coaches to talk is an art form, and Alyssa Lang of SEC Network figured out the key to Mike Leach‘s gift of gab is speaking on weddings.

As Lang explained to Leach, she’s in the process of planning her own wedding to Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema. After relaying the information to Leach, the Mississippi State leader was more than happy to lend a moment of his time for some fascinating advice.

After learning all he could about their situation, Leach gave some interesting advice that perhaps all couples will begin to follow — at least in Starkville.

“Whatever you and Trevor decide, I would kind of keep it on the down low, which you’ve failed to do that. Trevor was probably planning to, but you didn’t,” stated Leach. “So go ahead and don’t say anything else about it, but as soon as the season’s over, or even an off week, go elope. Trust me on that, go elope. Basically every female in the family is going to terrorize you guys until it’s over.

“Once it’s over, they’ll be upset for a few days, but it’ll be over and you cruise along, have a happy marriage, have a happy life.”

Of course, Leach feels like he’s definitely doing Lang and Sikkema a solid — adding that Trevor will push for the Mississippi State leader’s idea, “unless he’s crazy.”

“Trevor, unless he’s crazy, is totally on my side, and trust me on this, if Trevor doesn’t have the sense to do that, don’t even call me. He needs to. I told all my kids, I’ll give you ten thousand dollars extra if you elope. So far they haven’t done it, but I would,” added Leach.