Zach Arnett, Mississippi State football updates at 2023 SEC Media Days: Live coverage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mississippi State football, led by coach Zach Arnett, takes center stage on Tuesday as the Bulldogs partake in the 2023 SEC Media Days.
Arnett will be accompanied by a trio of seniors – quarterback Will Rogers, running back Jo’quavious Marks and defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy. For Rogers and Marks, it’ll be their first appearance at the annual event. Crumedy was part of the traveling party for MSU in Atlanta last year.
Arnett is another newcomer to SEC Media Days as he enters his first full season as a head coach. He was promoted from defensive coordinator – a position he has held at MSU since 2020 – in December after the death of Mike Leach.
What will the Bulldogs be asked throughout the day? What answers will they provide? Will Arnett talk more about his drink of choice or favorite pizza toppings?
Follow along below for live updates from Mississippi State’s time at SEC Media Days.
When will Zach Arnett speak at 2023 SEC Media Days?
Time: 2:25 p.m. CT
TV: SEC Network
TOPPMEYER: Inside Zach Arnett's vision for Mississippi State post Mike Leach
Which Mississippi State football players are at 2023 SEC Media Days?
Mississippi State will be represented by quarterback Will Rogers, running back Jo'quavious Marks and defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy at SEC Media Days.
Zach Arnett, Mississippi State football updates from 2023 SEC Media Days
Zach Arnett believes Mississippi State football can compete in expanded College Football Playoff
The first order of business for MSU in Nashville was meeting with local media. In the scrum, Arnett reiterated his belief in the Bulldogs contending for the College Football Playoff when the field expands to 12 teams.
"Everything is available to the young men who come into our program," Arnett said. "You can compete and win at the highest level in all of college athletics. You receive a world-class education. You can turn your dreams into reality."
Zach Arnett honors Mike Leach at 2023 SEC Media Days
Despite wearing a tie and giving an opening statement, Arnett spoke highly of Leach during his time at main podium.
"I would like to acknowledge and mention that I have seen the graphic list in word count for every head coaches' opening statement last year at this event and coach Leach's was seven words," Arnett opened. "I've already said too much and combined with wearing a tie, I'm sure I've disappointed him a little bit here today. But in recognition of his tremendous impact and influence on not only the game of football but on myself, I'm going to do my best to keep this short and sweet."
Zach Arnett says Mike Leach should be in the hall of fame
Leach has a .596 career winning percentage, which puts his just below the threshold for getting into the College Football Hall of Fame. However, Arnett believes Leach should be in.
"I got to spend three years under what, in my opinion, is a first ballot hall-of-famer," Arnett said.
Mississippi State QB Will Rogers pokes fun at Tennessee's Joe Milton
Part of Rogers' offseason featured a trip to the Manning Passing Academy. While there, he worked closely with Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton who stole the show with his arm − highlighted by a 70-plus yard pass.
When asked about Milton, Rogers took the chance to poke fun at him.
"He's almost got as strong an arm as I do," Rogers joked. "I'm kidding, he's got like the strongest arm in the world. I told one of my friends the other day that I think − pro or college, it doesn't matter − he's got the strongest arm I've ever seen."
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Zach Arnett, Mississippi State football live updates at 2023 SEC Media Days
