Marks, Rogers Make Triumphant Returns
November 18, 2023 | Football
STARKVILLE - When Will Rogers and Jo'Quavious Marks were announced as the starting quarterback and running back for Mississippi State ahead of its gridiron matchup against Southern Miss on Saturday, the crowd in Davis Wade Stadium erupted in cheers.
The powerful student-athletes have been sidelined for the past few weeks with injuries, but they each had an incredible first game back en route to the Bulldogs' 41-20 victory over the Golden Eagles.
Linebacker Jett Johnson explained just how important it was to have the duo back in action.
"Those are two of our most dynamic players on offense, and our offense runs through them," Johnson said. "It was great to have them back."
Marks showcased his skills through the air and on the ground for the home team, posting 49 yards of total offense and hauled in a 15-yard touchdown catch. According to interim head coach Greg Knox, the standout rusher and his fellow position players were expecting to get a few extra touches.
"They knew coming into this game we were going to run the ball," Knox said.
Likewise, Rogers looked cool and collected in his return to the pocket. The Brandon, Mississippi, native went 12-of-27 passing for 144 yards and two touchdowns, even picked up 15 yards on the ground.
In a moment that put away any doubt surrounding either of the players, the senior quarterback connected with Marks for his second touchdown pass of the day. As Rogers stood tall against the pressure in the pocket, the versatile running back flashed in front of him, made the reception and scampered 15 yards into the end zone.
All in all, it was a very productive day in their returns. Rogers missed the previous four games since being injured in the win over Western Michigan on Oct. 7 while Marks was missing from the past three contests, last playing in the win at Arkansas on Oct. 21.
"It was good to go out there and get a win and finally be back after, I guess, five or six weeks," Rogers said.
The signal caller emphasized the fresh start that he felt when making his unprecedented midseason return.
"It's kind of like you're starting the season over, essentially," Rogers said. "It was nice to get the flow of rhythm back in my game a little bit."
So, what did Rogers do in the weeks leading up to his big comeback? Although other players might have chosen to take a step back in the situation, he was more than willing to do anything that was asked of him.
"I wanted to be a part of the team, wanted to travel and wanted to help the team anyway I could," Rogers said.
There was plenty that Rogers was able to do, even if he couldn't suit up for a game. He's always been a leader, and he helped his teammates prepare for competition as if he were the one who would be leading the offense onto the field for each drive.
"I have to help the team anyway I can, so talking to receivers during the week about a play or a game plan… I was trying to do anything," Rogers said. "I went to scout team three weeks ago and was working out with the scout team for two weeks in practice."
There was never a doubt about it: Rogers longed to be back on the field. When he was finally cleared to take some snaps, he knew what he wanted to do.
"If I was able to play, I was going to play," Rogers said.
Knox couldn't be happier to have one of his star players back, in more ways than one. Aside from what Rogers can do on the field, the coach said that his presence has a lasting impact on those who play alongside him.
"He has energy in the team," Knox said. "Every day in every meeting he's there, he sits up front. That young man is special."
MSU has an important game looming in the near future, as the team will host in-state rival Ole Miss in the annual Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving night. Knox stated that Rogers has already expressed that he will do whatever it takes to keep the Golden Egg in Starkville.
"Knowing him, he's going to come out Monday and he's going to go to work, and he just let the team know that in the locker room," Knox said.
