Starkville MS, October 9, 2025
News Summary
As Mississippi State University navigates its college football season, the team is using its bye week to prioritize player health and refresh team dynamics. Head Coach Jeff Lebby has reported positive news on running back Fluff Bothwell’s medical status while emphasizing finishing games. The Bulldogs face challenges with injuries and performance issues, particularly on offense, but aim to improve through focused practices during the week. Special teams have shown strength, and maintaining an optimistic morale is essential as they prepare for future matchups.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University is utilizing its bye week to focus on healing and recharging as their college football season reaches its midpoint. Head Coach Jeff Lebby has reported positive news regarding the health of running back Fluff Bothwell, with all medical images returning favorable results, although no specific timeline has been established for his return to the field.
Finishing games has been emphasized as a crucial area for improvement by Lebby, particularly for a young program seeking to gain experience and confidence. The Bulldogs are currently navigating through significant injuries, which necessitates a stronger performance from other players, especially in the running backs room where Bothwell’s absence is keenly felt.
In reviewing the recent loss against Texas A&M, Lebby noted that the offense faced challenges with negative plays, which resulted in an average third down distance of 11 yards, significantly hampering their chances of securing a win. The defense showed promise in the first eight drives of the game but ultimately struggled to maintain that strong performance through to the end.
On a positive note, the special teams unit was highlighted for its strong showing, managing to avoid penalties and executing key plays effectively. Team morale remains optimistic, with focus on taking each game as it comes and being excited for upcoming opportunities.
The team’s goals for the bye week include fostering health among players, refreshing overall team dynamics, and honing situational practices, particularly focusing on first and second downs. The plan for the week includes team meetings, weight training, and practices scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a break until Sunday to regroup.
Among the individual players recognized for their contributions, punter Ethan Pulliam has been noted for his performance, while kicker Kyle Ferrie’s ability to convert long field goals has been acknowledged as a strategic advantage for the Bulldogs. However, the team faced some setbacks recently, as four players—Tomareo Johnson, Caleb Triplett, Maurice Jones Jr., and Charles Humphrey—submitted their decommitments from Mississippi State’s 2026 recruiting class.
With a record of 4-2 and 0-2 in SEC play, Mississippi State has encountered three opponents ranked in the top 15 this season, which adds to the difficulty of their schedule. As they move forward, the Bulldogs have an opportunity to reset and refocus their efforts for the upcoming games.
Coaching salaries also come into highlight, with Lebby earning $4,350,000, placing him as the 55th highest-paid coach in college football, alongside a potential bonus of $1,900,000.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Bye Week Goals | Focusing on getting healthy, refreshing team dynamics, and situational practices. |
| Player Health | Fluff Bothwell’s medical images returned positive; no return timeline established. |
| Offensive Challenges | Averaging third-and-11 on third downs due to negative plays. |
| Defensive Performance | Strong in first eight drives but failed to finish strong against Texas A&M. |
| Special Teams | Played well with no penalties and key plays executed effectively. |
| Coaching Salary | Jeff Lebby’s salary is $4,350,000 with a potential bonus of $1,900,000. |
FAQ
What are the goals for Mississippi State’s bye week?
Goals for the bye week include getting healthy, refreshing the team, and focusing on situational practices, especially for first and second downs.
What is the current health status of Fluff Bothwell?
Coach Lebby reported that all medical images came back positive, with no hard timeline established for Fluff Bothwell’s return.
How has the offense performed recently?
The offense has struggled with negative plays, averaging third-and-11 on third downs, particularly in the recent game against Texas A&M.
What is the current record of Mississippi State?
Mississippi State currently holds a record of 4-2 and is 0-2 in SEC play.
What is Jeff Lebby’s coaching salary?
Jeff Lebby’s coaching salary is $4,350,000, making him the 55th highest-paid coach in college football, with a potential bonus of $1,900,000.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Tomareo Johnson Mississippi State Football Recruiting
- Clarion Ledger: Jeff Lebby 2025 Contract Details
- Gainesville: Florida Football vs Mississippi State
- Sporting News: Florida Football Updates
- Knox News: Charles Humphrey Decommitment
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State University football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- Google News: Mississippi State Bulldogs
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
