Radio call of Mississippi State-Illinois bowl game will be 'tribute' to Mike Leach

Play-by-play commentator Bill Roth understands the magnitude of calling the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl involving the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Illinois Fighting Illini following the death of Bulldogs coach Mike Leach.

"We’ve actually discussed it as the crew that’s doing the game, about the sensitivity that we need to show for this one and how in a way it’s a tribute to Coach Leach," Roth told Mark Berman of The Roanoke Times about the Bowl Season Radio broadcast for the matchup. "It’s such a loss for the sport, but it’ll be an honor to call that game." 

Mississippi State confirmed that Leach died this past Monday at the age of 61 due to complications related to a heart condition. As noted by Chris Low of ESPN, the Bulldogs are going through with plans to face the Fighting Illini on Jan. 2 despite the tragedy because "that's what Coach Leach would want" for the players and program. 

"It’s going to be an honor to be there to see and describe how the Mississippi State family … handles playing in that game," Roth continued. "Their players are going to want to win one for Coach Leach, and it’ll be almost like a Coach Leach tribute game." 

Leach was affectionately known as "The Pirate," and it isn't lost on Roth that the bowl game will occur at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a stadium that features a pirate ship behind an end zone and also pirate logos throughout the venue. 

Roth didn't elaborate on exactly how he and the crew will honor Leach before and during the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Bowl Season Radio broadcast will be available via SiriusXM radio and other outlets.