STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 16: Will Rogers #2 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs warms up before the game against the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Mississippi State football: 3 questions after MSU’s ugly loss to LSU
Sep 16, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA;Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) turns to hand the ball off to wide receiver Zavion Thomas (1) against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Can MSU’s offensive line protect Mississippi State football quarterback Will Rogers?
Will Rogers was far from efficient or effective on Saturday, but it’s worth considering how a bit of that wasn’t solely his fault.
Some of the concerns about having Rogers as Mississippi State football’s continue to start for the Bulldogs should center around whether or not MSU can effectively give Rogers time to work through his progressions and get the ball out of his hands.
The offensive line let Rogers down on a couple different occasions. While the LSU Tigers looked like they could easily win the SEC West once again, the Bulldogs looked overmatched on the line of scrimmage and that’s not a place you want to be overwhelmed.
The Bulldogs will need to keep Rogers upright, or roll him out of the pocket or move the pocket or enable Rogers to have some sort of opportunity to take care of business.
But Rogers was sacked four times Saturday and he was constantly pressured by the Tigers’ defensive front. And as a result, Rogers completed a grand total of 11 passes and only threw for 103 yards.
Something has to change with the offense and the Bulldogs are going to need some help up front. Especially with a pocket passer starting at quarterback.
