Blake Shapen's health key for Mississippi State football's quarterback room

Mississippi State football kicks-off the 2024 season in less than two weeks. The Bulldogs will begin a new era of football under first-year head coach Jeff Lebby. Lebby brings an explosive offense to Starkville, but in order for that offense to perform at a high level, he'll need a quarterback he can lean on to run the show.

How does Mississippi State's QB room look heading into the season?

Who makes up Mississippi State's quarterback room?

Senior Blake Shapen transferred-in from Baylor to lead the Bulldogs in their first year under Jeff Lebby. Shapen, who led the Bears to a Big 12 title as a freshman, has thrown for over 5,500 yards and 36 TDs in his career. Behind him are a pair of young but talented passers in redshirt freshman Chris Parson and true freshman Michael Van Buren.

Reasons for optimism in Mississippi State's quarterbacks

Blake Shapen has tons of experience as a starting QB at the power conference level and has played in plenty of big games. When he's been healthy, he's shown the ability to play at a high-level. Shapen's arm talent and athleticism make him a great fit for Jeff Lebby's offense, and Lebby is one of the nation's best QB coaches. If Shapen picks ups the system quickly, he should be in for a big season.

Reasons for concern with Mississippi State's quarterbacks

Shapen has battled injuries throughout his career, and if that were to continue in 2024, State doesn't have veteran options behind him. Chris Parson and Michael Van Buren are both very talented, but neither are experienced. Parson played in two games last season, including a start at Texas A&M (that he was not ready for), while Van Buren's college career is just beginning. The ceiling is high for both, but they don't seem ready to be starting SEC QBs. So if Shapen were to miss time, it could prove costly.