Mississippi State Football’s Woody Marks leads SEC in rushing after 2 weeks

Mississippi State football has its feature running back in Woody Marks as he leads the SEC in rushing yards after two weeks of play.

It’s still early in the season, but it’s pretty clear that the Mississippi State football team is going to be focused on running the ball a lot this season. And so far, the Bulldogs are really trusting Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks to lead this offense.

It’s worked out after two weeks. Marks has burst onto the SEC rushing scene this season and is the clear leader in the conference in rushing yards per game right now. Two weeks of play down and the Miss. State Bulldogs‘ running back has racked up 250 yards on the ground, pummeling defenders from the Southeastern Louisiana Lions and Arizona Wildcats along the way.

There are a lot of questions to be asked about new offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay and this offense after two weeks, but Marks’ ability to thrive in it isn’t one.

Woody Marks emerges as feature back for Mississippi State Bulldogs

Marks’ early success this season comes thanks in large part to the new offensive system that Barbay brought to town. The offense wasn’t all that innovative or creative or thrilling on Saturday against Arizona, but it did give Marks plenty of opportunities to shine.

It’ll need to be more innovative, creative, and thrilling to really give MSU a shot against SEC competition.

Still, despite how odd the offense has looked, Marks has gained 250 yards, scored three touchdowns, and is averaging 5.81 yards per carry. Barbay’s offense and this emphasis on establishing a rushing attack this season has provided plenty of opportunities for Marks.

Mississippi State football star running back Woody Marks leads SEC in rushing yards

There were more than just a handful of Mississippi State football fans who clamored for a more balanced offense over the past three years because they distrusted the Air Raid. And what we’ve gotten so far is an offense that loves to run the ball (but hasn’t really explored many exciting passing concepts despite the talent and depth at wide receiver).

There are questions that will need to be answered, but the small sample size that we have right now seems to indicate that Marks will continue to have chances to thrive this year and prove that he is the perfect ball carrier to lead MSU this season.

And whenever he needs a break, the Bulldogs do have some fascinating talent in Jeffery Pittman and Seth Davis, who have both demonstrated some exciting plays as well.