Jeff Lebby has no interest in moral victories for Mississippi State football

Mississippi State football fell 35-13 to Texas in Austin on Saturday. Despite the loss, most Bulldog fans came away pleased with what they saw from their squad. State, who was a massive underdog entering the game and was coming off multiple bad showings, held tough with the Longhorns for three quarters, looking far more competitive than they have for much of the season.

But MSU head coach Jeff Lebby isn't on-board with treating this game as a positive for his program. In his post-game press conference, he expressed that his team wasn't looking to just show up and play hard. They were there to win.

"It wasn't the outcome we expected. Our intention wasn't to come and show up. You strap-up and step into the arena to win the football game. That was the intention inside the building all week long. Disappointed and frustrated we weren't able to find a way."

- Miss State HC Jeff Lebby

Lebby cited the several missed opportunities his team had and costly penalties as points of frustration, as they could've had a chance late if not for those mistakes. That said, he did give his team credit for the fight they displayed on Saturday.

"Proud of our guys to continue to fight, and we've done that all year. Their willingness to fight is very evident. "

- Lebby

But even though Jeff Lebby is proud in his team's effort against the Longhorns and for the season as a whole, he's made it clear that he has no interest in celebrating moral victories. The goal for his program is to win, regardless of opponent and circumstance.

"We did some good things today, and we will continue to build on those. We intended to have a happy locker room, though, and not the way we're sitting here. The moral victory part will not creep into our building. We just have to find ways to get better. "

- Lebby

Realistically, Saturday was a positive showing for Bulldog football. To be in the game entering the fourth quarter with the #1 team was a good thing for a rebuilding program that's struggled this year. But it's also a positive that Lebby is making clear to his team and fanbase that more is expected. If you ever want to compete for championships, you have to establish a culture that only accepts the very best.

Mississippi State still has a very long way to go to reach that point, but engraining that mentality from the get-go is a good start.