Jeff Lebby expresses confidence in his defensive staff following loss to Missouri

Mississippi State football has been horrific on defense this season, and that continued in their 39-20 loss to Missouri. The Tigers' 39 points and 472 yards were the most they've had against power conference competition all year.

State fans are ready to see some big changes on that side of the ball, but the head coach of the Bulldogs doesn't seem to agree with the changes being called for.

Jeff Lebby still has confidence in his defensive staff despite Bulldogs' struggles

If there's one thing the Mississippi State fanbase is in almost total agreement on, it's that changes are needed to the defensive staff. Specifically, the majority of the fanbase is adamant that defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler must be let go following the season.

But Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby has remained consistent in expressing his belief in Hutzler and the other coaches on that side of the ball. When asked about having confidence in his defensive coaching staff during his postgame press conference, Lebby didn't hesitate to say he still believes in that group.

"From staffing, I do have confidence. I see those guys every day. I see their fight and energy and toughness. I see how consistent they've been."

- Miss State HC Jeff Lebby

That's not an answer fans are going to be happy to hear, but to be fair to Lebby, I'm not sure there's anything else that would be appropriate for him to say. Regardless of whether or not he's going to make changes to his staff after the season, he's not going to publicly call out his coaches.

Lebby did detail what changes he believes Mississippi State needs on the defensive side of the ball. Referencing MSU's struggles to stop Missouri from sustaining drives on the ground, Lebby said the biggest thing the Bulldogs need is better depth in their front seven.

"We have to get guys in here on the defensive line and second level to give us a chance...We have to get the bodies we need to give us a chance to create some rotation, play multiple guys, and be better up front."

- Jeff Lebby

There's no doubt depth is an issue for the MSU defense. They've been plagued with injuries along the defensive line, and that's made things worse for them. But talent is also a major problem. The Bulldogs simply don't have SEC-caliber players across the board on defense.

That flaw shows up most noticeably in the front seven because of how physically inferior State is against opposing offensive lines. But the secondary isn't up to snuff either. Adding several legitimately talented defenders who can come in and start immediately out of the portal is an absolute necessity whether Jeff Lebby chooses to retain Coleman Hutzler or not. Without better talent, you won't see significant defensive improvement next season.