Mississippi State football film study: Michael Van Buren is the future in Starkville

Mississippi State was forced into playing a true freshman quarterback in Jeff Lebby's first season, but through that, they've found a future star.
Oct 19, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA;Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) drops back to pass against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (4) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA;Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) drops back to pass against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (4) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images / Matt Bush-Imagn Images
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Following Mississippi State football's home loss to Florida, what was already a bad season looked destined to become a total disaster. Starting QB Blake Shapen, a talented passer who had transferred in to be a veteran leader for Jeff Lebby's first offense in Starkville, had gotten hurt against the Gators and would miss the rest of the year.

While the Bulldogs had been struggling, Shapen had played fairly well. Without him, the offense would be turned over to one of two young and inexperienced QBs, and it seemed inevitable that things would go from bad to worse.

But that's not been the case. Though the losing streak has continued for State, they've suddenly found themselves playing much better football, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. And it's happened with a true freshman running the show, Michael Van Buren.

A 4-star recruit out of Maryland, Van Buren flipped his commitment from Oregon to Mississippi State shortly after Jeff Lebby was hired. By all accounts, he had been Lebby's guy throughout that recruiting cycle, and with Lebby running his own program, he made sure to land him.

Of course, Lebby had no intentions of Van Buren being the starting quarterback as a true freshman in 2024. But once Shapen went down, it was Van Buren who entered the game against Florida and was named starter for the team's trip to then #1 Texas. The ability that had attracted Lebby to Van Buren as a recruit were standing out in practices. He had earned the job.

And through three starts against Top-15 competition, all Michael Van Buren has done is wow Mississippi State fans. Against a murderers' row of Texas, Georgia, and Texas A&M, he's passed for 692 yards and six scores, adding another touchdown on the ground. During this time, State has gotten increasingly more competitive as a team. And while I'm of the opinion that the Bulldogs still would've gotten into a groove with Blake Shapen at QB, there's no denying the spark that's been brought-on by Van Buren.

Van Buren's talent has jumped off the page, and it's become clear very quickly that he has a chance to be a superstar in Starkville. Let's take a look at what he brings to the table and why Mississippi State fans should be very excited about the future with him running the show.