Opening TD Set The Tone For State's Offense

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State's offense was certainly clicking to the tune of 547 yards in its 49-23 season-opening win over Memphis on Saturday night.

And it was apparent right from the very beginning.

The Bulldogs marched 75 yards in 10 plays on their first possession of the year and demonstrated a solid balance to boot. Five runs, five passes and ultimately capped the opening drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Will Rogers to Rara Thomas.

"I thought it was particularly important because it identified to our guys and they drew some confidence about how well they could play together if everybody does their job," said head coach Mike Leach. "I thought that confidence continued throughout the game."

Rogers was a perfect 5-for-5 passing on the opening drive with Thomas hauling in three of those throws for 42 yards. Dillon Johnson totaled 24 yards on the drive on two carries and a catch while Jo'quavious Marks added nine yards three rushing attempts.

"Every time you have the ball you want to score, especially the first drive," Rogers said. "You want to start the season right and the game right. I think we did some really good things on that first drive and kind of got the ball flowing a little bit and it's huge anytime you can do that."

Rogers finished the game completing 38 of 49 passes for 450 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. It was the fifth-most passing yardage in Bulldog history and the sixth time he'd eclipsed 400 yards in his career. The junior's five touchdown tosses are tied for the second-most in the school's single-game annals as well.

Rogers connected with a dozen different receivers during the game and found new targets on all five of his scoring strikes. Jaden Walley (9), Caleb Ducking (35), Rufus Harvey (33) and Justin Robinson (23) all had touchdown grabs in addition to the one Rogers tossed to Thomas to start the game.

"I really think it was probably one of the best performances he's had as far as seeing the field," Leach said of Rogers.

Johnson led the Bulldogs with 106 all-purpose yards while Marks added two rushing scores.

"I just think 'Woody' and Dillon are probably two of the best players on the team," Rogers said. "They've played more snaps than a lot of other people and they're dang good with the ball in their hands. Obviously, we're kind of a pass-first offense. But anytime those two guys have the ball, we're in good shape."

Rogers was also quick to credit his offensive line as well. That group helped State churn out 6.6 yards per play and only surrendered one sack.

"They were terrific in every phase," Rogers said. "I thought they run blocked really well and I thought they pass blocked really well…I can't say enough about those guys."

Mississippi State outgained the Tigers 294-29 in the first half and possessed the ball for 22:22 longer than Memphis during the game. The Bulldogs also only punted twice.

But even as dominate as MSU was during a majority of the contest, Leach saw plenty of areas in which his offense can improve before it takes the field next Saturday at Arizona.

"We've got a lot of work to do but this is a good starting point," Leach said.

Opening TD Set The Tone For State's Offense

Players Mentioned

Caleb Ducking

Rufus Harvey

Dillon Johnson

Jo'Quavious Marks

Justin Robinson

Will Rogers

Rara Thomas

Jaden Walley

Mississippi State University Athletics