Mississippi State football rolled to victory on Saturday night, dismantling Alcorn State 63-0. Things got out of hand so quickly (42-0 at halftime) that the third and fourth quarters were shortened to 10 minutes apiece. It was the Bulldogs' first shutout win since 2017 and their largest shutout victory since defeating Arkansas State 67-0 in 1950. With the win, the Bulldogs moved to 3-0 on the season for the first time since 2018.
No "big win hangover" for Mississippi State against Alcorn State
Coming off a win as thrilling, emotional, and pivotal as the Bulldogs' victory over Arizona State, it'd be understandable to think Mississippi State may not come out as focused in this game, especially considering the quality of the opponent. That wasn't the case, though, as the MSU offense started the game exactly like they had the first two weeks: scoring from far.
Blake Shapen hit a 75-yard TD pass to Jordan Mosley on the second play of the game, and the Bulldogs were off and running. The Bulldogs led 28-0 after the end of the first quarter, scoring the first four times they touched the ball. Look, State could've fooled around and still won this game with ease, but the immediate takeover was a welcome sight. That's a sign of a mature team.
Mississippi State defense continues to provide reasons for excitement
While there's no reason to overreact to a blowout of a bad team, the Bulldog defense continues to show it's much-improved. To record the first shutout since 2017 and allow the fewest yards of offense (155) since 2022 shows Mississippi State is capable of being respectable on the defensive side of the ball.
Even when Alcorn State looked like they were finding their way offensively, State would respond by forcing a turnover. There's still a lot of necessary growing. They've got to find more of a pass rush and ideally need more consistency. But overall, this is a solid group that State can win with.
Kamario Taylor showed why Bulldog fans are rightfully thrilled for his potential
Beyond the dominant win, if there's any one thing to be fully excited about coming out of this game, it's true freshman QB Kamario Taylor. The highest-rated QB signee in program history saw the field early in the game and didn't take long to impress, throwing a long TD off a trick play on the Bulldogs' third drive.
Taylor showed flashes operating the offense in the second half, carrying the ball for 40 yards and just three carries and leading a TD drive. His arm talent and athleticism jump off the page. There's no doubt he's got a bright future ahead of him, but he can also help this team in 2025.