Mississippi State Football: 3 Takeaways from the spring football game

The Mississippi State Football team played its first spring football game under Mike Leach on Saturday. I reviewed the film and stats, and there is plenty to love, a lot to like, and definitely some areas of improvement that need to be made. The great thing about having the spring game is we got to see what the team will look like to some degree when fall comes.

Several new faces also made their debuts in maroon and white and made their presence felt in more ways than one. Here are my three takeaways from the spring football game

Spring Football Takeaway #1:The QB battle will continue into the fall

Some quarterback battles are won in the spring, but Mississippi State’s quarterback battle will continue into Fall camp once Sawyer Robertson arrives on campus. Will Rogers threw for 255 yards, one touchdown, and one pick while completing 60% of his passes.

USM transfer Jack Abraham surprised everyone throwing for 162 yards, two touchdowns while completing 67% of his passes. True freshman Daniel Greek played for both squads in his debut.

I have no issues with Mike Leach waiting on Sawyer Robertson to get on campus to decide on his quarterback for next season. Robertson is a dynamic passer and put up video game-like numbers in high school.

Judging from fans’ responses on social media, some would say Jack Abraham outperformed Will Rogers. We have to remember that this was a split-squad practice game. I knew what we would get out of Abraham when he decided to become a Bulldog.

After seeing how sticking with a struggling quarterback can impact the season, I do not blame Leach for keeping the competition open.

Spring Football Takeaway #2: There are plenty of options at wide receiver

After Jaden Walley left the spring game with an injury, everyone held their breath, hoping that he was not seriously injured. Thankfully, he was not hurt too bad, but several talented players were available to step up if he was. In my preview, I mentioned Tulu Griffin and Rufus Harvey as potential impact players.

Harvey and Griffin did not disappoint as the duo combined for 7 catches for 163 yards and two long touchdowns. Makai Polk also hauled in a 33-yard touchdown in his debut, and Malk Heath and Geor’quarius Spivey caught touchdowns as well. Newcomers Christian Ford and Carson Banks reeled in touchdowns.

In the air raid, you can never have too many receivers to throw to, as every position needs to be a threat to hurt a defense. With the way defenses schemed to stop the Bulldog offense, it is imperative to have quality depth at the receiver position. More potential weapons will be available when Teddy Knox, Rara Thomas, Jacobi Moore, and Antonio Harmon report to Fall camp.

Mississippi State has struggled to put receivers in the NFL, but if Mike Leach has his way, that trend will end during his tenure.

Spring  Football Takeaway #3: Defense Defense Defense

Mississippi State is known for having a stout defense, which did not change when Mike Leach was hired. Zach Arnett coordinated a solid defense, and in year two, expectations will not wane. My biggest defensive surprise was the Jett finally has landed. Jett Johnson is not going to get Nathaniel Watson to claim the MLB spot without a fight.

Johnson tallied a team-high 16 tackles, with 7 of those being solos. I have been waiting for Johnson to emerge as he has been buried on the depth chart basically since his arrival on campus. Dylan Lawrence had 12 tackles, Creme Brule garnered 11, and Tyrus Wheat had 5 and one sack.

Upfront Nathan Pickering, Jaden Crumedy, and Jevon Banks collected sacks. Central Florida transfer Randy Charlton also made his debut with two tackles. Jordan Davis was nearly unblockable as he was held all day long as he finished with 2 tackles and one QB hit.

The Bulldogs have two of the best cornerbacks in the SEC in Martin Emerson and Emmanuel Forbes, but the secondary is still a work in progress. Jalen Green made 5 tackles in his debut.

If Mississippi State is to have a successful season, there needs to be improved play in the secondary, especially from the safety position. Mississippi State was torched continuously last season with quarterbacks attacking safeties over-the-top.