Jeff Lebby, Blake Shapen address controversial final play in Florida loss

Mississippi State did not lose to Florida because of one play.

The Bulldogs had plenty of chances throughout the game to not be in a position of needing to kick a game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

Unfortunately, that’s not how sports fans react to games like this one and Blake Shapen’s interception with less than 30 seconds in the game has already drawn criticism from fans.

Many people have already made up their minds about the fateful playcall and execution of the play. Not much is going to change those opinions, but we do at least have explanations from the two most important figures involved: coach Jeffy Lebby and Shapen.

Lebby and Shapen talked about the play in the post-game press conferences. Before we get to what they had to say, let’s refresh our memory of the situation.

On first and 10 from Florida’s 29-yard line and 38 seconds on the clock, Shapen runs a draw play for no gain.

Mississippi State calls its final timeout with 29 seconds left in the game. From here, Kyle Ferrie would be faced with a 43-yard field goal.