Mississippi State football: Woody Marks explains his role in new offense

With Mississippi State football moving away from the Air Raid and over to Kevin Barbay’s more balanced system, Woody Marks is right to expect that his role will grow in this new offense.

Some fundamental changes are happening on the offensive side of the ball for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. With Mississippi State football head coach Zach Arnett choosing to go with Kevin Barbay to guide the offense for the Bulldogs, it seems pretty clear that the Bulldogs will be pretty balanced in how they approach things this season.

That means that the Bulldogs will be running the ball a bit more going forward. And when asked about his role with MSU’s offense in 2023, running back Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks sure anticipates more opportunities this coming season.

Marks is fresh off of a year in which he ran the ball 113 times for 582 yards and nine touchdowns. And Marks is right to believe that he and the Bulldogs’ ground game are poised for a big step forward under Barbay.

“I think it’s going to grow tremendously because we’re doing a lot of formations out of running sets and we’re still having a lot of passing sets,” Marks said during SEC Media Days, according to ASAP Sports.

Mississippi State football: Woody Marks anticipates expanded role in Kevin Barbay’s offense

Marks’ note on the passing sets is pretty important because there has been plenty of chatter about how Barbay is adaptable and willing to take advantage of the strengths on his team’s roster. Marks is clear in how he notes that as well:

“With Coach Barbay, he’s big on giving his best player the ball,” Marks explained. “So just being really on his type of scheme, and he runs a pro style scheme.”

Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense is obviously one that relies upon throwing the ball regularly. Barbay’s approach is a bit more balanced. And that will likely lead to more carries and opportunities to score rushing touchdowns for Marks, who will be a key leader in the Bulldogs’ offense this year.

And of course, the departure of Dillon Johnson will create more opportunities for carries for Marks (and other running backs on the roster as well). That should be an exciting change of pace for the Bulldogs’ running backs room.