Mississippi State relieved head football coach Zach Arnett of his duties Monday morning. Arnett compiled a 4-6 record (1-6 SEC) in the 2023 season through 10 games in his first year as full-time coach. Senior offensive analyst Greg Knox will serve as Mississippi State interim coach through the final two games of the season, according to ESPN.
Arnett was elevated from defensive coordinator to interim coach in 2022 following the untimely death of the legendary Mike Leach. After leading the team to an emotional victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl, the administration decided to promote Arnett to full-time coach during the offseason in lieu of conducting a national search for Leach's replacement.
The move to fire Arnett comes on the heels of a 51-10 loss for Mississippi State to Texas A&M in Week 11. Ironically, Arnett is not the first coach to be fired amid the fallout from that game. On Sunday, Texas A&M made the move to fire Jimbo Fisher despite the convincing win for the Aggies.
I know an available coach that likes maroon & white and dog mascots..
ESPN has the same order I do in my head, best teams over most deserving. Michigan and Washington are both tied at 1 for me but Michigan was ranked higher previously so I’m giving them the edge. Would’ve been way more interesting/controversial if Jordan Travis was still healthy and FSU dominated Louisville. We really might not have had an SEC team in the playoff for the first time ever.
Michigan
Washington
Texas
Alabama
For Clemson, it’s looking like the Holiday Bowl against either Oregon State or USC. I’m fine with either school. The matchup against DJU would’ve been an interesting one and the Riley Bowl matchup would be fun. Never played the Beavers before but we’d have a chance to avenge our lone loss to the Trojans back in checks notes 1966.
Good luck to everyone, may the Bowls be ever in your favor!