Jason Crowder, my friend and outstanding young announcer at Mississippi State, gives us his insights on Saturday’s SEC battle. Jason is the voice of MSU Women’s Basketball, and works with several sports at State, including baseball and football. He is involved in national football radio broadcasts and rose to fame at East Mississippi Community College, as seen in Last Chance U.

There has been a lot of turnover at MSU, going back to the tragic death of Coach Mike Leach, do you feel the program is now back on solid footing and headed in the right direction?

Well, that’s hard to say at this point. But, I’d like to think so. But, it will take time to get things turned around and the fruits of that may not be seen for a period of time. Jeff Lebby has been successful as an offensive coordinator everywhere he has coached, however, he is learning how to manage things as a head coach and not just a coordinator. To say there is a huge difference between the two positions is an understatement. I believe he was a great hire. I love his demeanor in good and bad times as he is even keel and not emotional. That’s important when navigating rough times. It’s just as much about a culture change too. Coach Lebby is laying his foundation and to do so, you have to create your own environment, to set forth your rules and expectations. Patience is non-existent in college football but for State, that is a must right now. Because 4 coaches in 7 years doesn’t equal consistency and consistency is what it’s going to take for the Bulldogs to get back to bowl games.

 It looked like the team made some major strides forward against Texas, what did you see?

I saw a team that hasn’t quit or mentally checked out. That’s a huge plus given how things have gone the three games prior. When you lose a game at home between the two bottom dwelling teams, that can’t be demoralizing and frustrating. Especially when you take into count you lose your starting quarterback to injury and get your leading tackler banged up in that contest. I saw a freshman quarterback with fearless confidence versus the league’s top defense in front of 100,000 hostile fans. He is a playmaker with a good arm, speed and quickness. The defense played hard, with energy and effort. The Bulldogs were stingy against the run in the first have. After the first four Texas drives, the Longhorns were -1 yard rushing and totaled just 10 at the half. The offensive tackles struggled and the whole offensive front has struggled to be blunt honest. State’s defensive front is undersized in ways and just doesn’t have the depth. Linebackers lack some speed and tackling is an issue. It’s a chore at times for State to get guys in the ground. Yards after contact are too much. When your leading tackler is your safety, well, that means you have issues with your front 7. State can improve but in ways, they are what they are. But, if they will stick together and keep fighting, they can continue to make small steps in improving.

 What are the qualities that you believe make Jeff Lebby the right coach at Mississippi State?

For starters, he has lived in and recruited Mississippi before. He has relationships with high school coaches as It’s imperative to keep talent in the Magnolia State. He has a high football IQ. I mean most head coaches do, right? Yes, but some have an it factor and I get the feeling Lebby has it. I love his offensive knowledge and creativity. In today’s college football, entailment is important and we all know offense sells tickets and a high octane offense is just good marketing and State is always in competition with the “Big Brands.” Plus, I’m just a believer in offensive minded head coaches. And again, it’s how he is changing the culture and doing it in an even keel way that has set him apart.

 What is your take on Georgia?

Extremely talented, despite one opinion that UGA lacks elite talent. Regardless, Georgia has enough talent and good coaching to compete for a National Championship. Even though Carson Beck had a rough first half in Tuscaloosa with some inconsistent throws and turnovers, in the second half, he showed why he has won the job the last two seasons. His passes were timely and he showed his arm strength. Is he a guy like Milroe who can create, not make, but create plays with his athleticism, no but he is good enough to make plays with the guys around him. Love the Red and Black on defense. I know they struggled against the Tide but overall, love how they are stingy on third down which is an important stat. the Dawgs have speed and toughness. Look, you are going to have let down games, even if you win them, there is still a sense of a let down. Example, the Kentucky game. But, when you have a target on your back, and with the league having some parity, you have those type games. Plus, the environment Between the Hedges is second to none. Will be tough for MSU. I like this team a lot and the ceiling is high.

How would you like to see the SEC football schedule set up, beginning with the 2026 reset?

On one hand, I’m all for saving the old border war rivalries like Georgia/Auburn, Alabama/Tennessee, and etc. And, players need to be able to experience as many different league venues during their career. However, as a fan of Mississippi State Football, sticking to an 8 game schedule benefits the Maroon and White. State needs to be a consistent 6-8 win team and in my opinion, to be a consistent bowl participant, MSU needs that extra non conference game. 8 SEC games are hard enough but 9 makes it obviously harder especially when you added programs like Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC rotation.

Talk about what the baseball national championship meant to the people of Mississippi State.

EVERYTHING. Look, State has been on the nation’s biggest stages, the Orange, Peach and Cotton Bowls, the Final Four in men’s AND women’s basketball, the College World Series and so on but what did the Bulldogs lack? A National Championship and in ways, not having one in baseball seemed most unforgivable. That’s the one sport MSU was consistently in the spotlight for. It was a night those who don the maroon will never forget. The 25,000 seat Charles Schwab Field was 95% State and had an SEC Football atmosphere to it. You still see National Championship flags and gear across the whole state. That title changed the way MIssissippi State is perceived and that is you absolutely can win here.

What are some of your favorite stops when traveling around the SEC?

Well of course downtown Athens and the charm it offers. Believe it or not, this Bulldog fan enjoys Oxford, Mississippi. Visiting Square Books and having a delicious blue plate at Ajax is a must. Baton Rouge gets a bad wrap by some but I love its Louisiana culture, Cajun cuisine … here’s looking at you Mike Anderson’s … and Tiger Stadium. Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille has a great filet and Brussels sprouts in Gainesville. Auburn is a great college town with good eating at Hamilton’s. Honestly, I love every SEC town. Each one is unique and has its own southern charm. There truly isn’t a conference in the country that compares to the towns, the food, and the atmospheres and pageantry of the SEC. It truly just means more.