STARKVILLE — Mike Leach is returning to Pullman. Sort of.
Sources confirmed to The Dispatch Wednesday that Mississippi State and Washington State — Leach’s former employer — have agreed to a home-and-home series for the 2030 and 2031 seasons. An official announcement was made later Wednesday afternoon.
“We’re thrilled to add another home-and-home series against a quality opponent and institution like Washington State to our future schedules,” MSU Athletic Director John Cohen said in a news release. “These will be the first-ever meetings between the two programs and should be an exciting opportunity and experience for our student-athletes and fans.”
The first game of the series will be held Aug. 31, 2030 in Starkville, while the return trip to Pullman will occur on Aug. 30, 2031.
During his eight seasons at Washington State, Leach compiled a 55-47 record, including an 11-win season during the 2018 campaign. He also took the Cougars to six bowl games over that span.
MSU will also face Pac-12 opponents during the 2022-23 and 2024-25 seasons when they will face Arizona and Arizona St., respectively.
The last Pac-12 opponent to visit Starkville was Oregon in 2003. The Ducks defeated the Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium 42-34 en route to an 8-5 season.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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