At Oklahoma, where Lebby was the offensive coordinator in 2023 before being hired by the Bulldogs, the Sooners didn’t have an issue with slow starts. Oklahoma scored seven opening-drive touchdowns in 12 regular season games, punted four times and had one turnover. In those seven touchdowns, Oklahoma had five drives with a play of at least 30 yards.

The opportunity was there for Mississippi State football. The Bulldogs (2-8, 0-6 SEC) didn't play a clean first half, but only trailed by two possessions with Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava knocked out of the game at halftime with an injury.

Mississippi State has another tough road test this weekend when the Bulldogs visit No. 7 Tennessee. It will also be a reunion for MSU head coach Jeff Lebby and Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. They worked together at Oklahoma as assistants in 2004, and Lebby was Heupel’s offensive coordinator at UCF in 2019.