USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State football will honor late head coach Mike Leach during it's season-opening matchup against Southeastern Louisiana in Davis Wade Stadium on Sept. 2, the program announced Monday.

The Bulldogs will pay tribute to Leach throughout the first contest played in the stadium since his passing, which will include an appearance by the Leach family after the end of the first quarter.

Leach died on December 12, 2022, at the age of 61. One of the masterminds alongside Hal Mumme of the Air Raid offense, he recorded 158 career wins and twice earned national coach of the year honors over 21 years as a college football head coach. 

By executive order of Governor Tate Reeves, all flags in the State of Mississippi were ordered to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in remembrance of Leach.

Kickoff between MSU and Southeastern Louisiana is set for 3 p.m. CT in Starkville, Mississippi.

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