Mississippi State coach explains why he rode ATV onto field before Egg Bowl

Knox was asked to explain the meaning behind the four-wheeler. The 60-year-old called it the embodiment of a “life lesson.”

“This is about handling adversity,” said Knox. “Opposition. When you face things that’s tough in life, this is a life lesson. This is what we’ve learned in the 11 days that I’ve been here. This is a life lesson!”

Knox kept his answer equal parts vague and motivational. But there’s a deeper meaning to the moment that he probably just didn’t have time to get into.

Knox told Mississippi Clarion-Ledger’s Stefan Krajisnik that the four-wheeler was to pay homage to former Tennessee player Inky Johnson, who was partially paralyzed following an injury.

Knox showed the Mississippi State players a motivational video of Johnson speaking about "an experience when he and his son fell off a 4-wheeler. Rather than being deterred, Johnson encouraged his son to get back on the 4-wheeler and keep riding."

Knox took over for former head coach Zach Arnett after the latter was fired earlier this month. Mississippi State won its first game under Knox, a 41-20 victory over Southern Miss. The Bulldogs lost the Egg Bowl, 17-7.