Mississippi State’s final availability before heading to Tampa saw a number of coaches and players speak to the local media, and it was interesting to see how their minds were split between the present task of preparing for Iowa and the coming offseason and the look ahead to 2019. Running backs coach Charles Huff couldn’t help but smile as he talked about what he’s expecting not only in the Outback Bowl, but from Kylin Hill next year.
Bulldog defensive line coach Brian Baker spoke some about the upcoming match up with a physical Iowa team, but mainly about his star pupil Jeffery Simmons, and how he expects him to continue to be successful as he transitions to the next level.
As for Simmons, you could tell he was emotional about making his decision public, but he felt it was best to do it now before it became a distraction on site at the bowl game.
Mississippi State will practice one more time in Starkville, then take a break for the Christmas holidays, then reconvene to head to Tampa on the 26th.
