Mississippi State football is off to a poor start to the 2024 season. The Bulldogs are 1-2 through their first three games with losses to Arizona State and Toledo. So far, it's very clear the new HC Jeff Lebby inherited a rebuild.
So how do I grade the team a quarter of the way through the season?
Grade for the Bulldog Offense: C
I'm content with what I've seen so far under Jeff Lebby. The first game showed why there was so much hype in the offseason. Quarterback Blake Shapen was able to command the offense with poise and leadership. Shapen finished the day with 3 passing touchdowns for 247 yards. Overall, Eastern Kentucky had no answer for this offense. The next game was a wall to climb versus Arizona State. The Bulldog offense was able to wake up in the second half, scoring 20 points, but it was too late to mount a comeback. Against Toledo, the offense was a complete disaster, and it cost the Bulldogs an upset loss. They couldn't find a rhythm, as they were only on the field for about 23 minutes. The schedule does not get any easier for the Bulldogs, so it's important Jeff Lebby can maximize what's worked so far and fix their miscues.
Grade for the Bulldog Defense: D
I'm concerned that the defense will struggle even more as they face stronger offenses. The first game was a warm-up for the defense, and although it was against Eastern Kentucky, the performance was solid. However, Arizona State exposed Mississippi State’s run defense, with Cam Skattebo rushing for 262 yards on 32 carries. The defense didn’t show up, and it cost them. The game against Toledo was equally disappointing, as a lackluster effort led to a loss at home. I'm not convinced it's going to get better, either.
Grade for the Bulldog Special Teams: B
The Bulldogs average 24 yards on kick returns and 22.17 yards on punt returns. Nick Barr-Mira has punted 9 times for a total of 432 yards, with an impressive average of 48 yards per punt. Kyle Ferrie has made 2 of 3 field goals, contributing 18 points this season. On kickoffs, Ferrie has 17 attempts, averaging 63.59 yards per kick. The special teams unit is doing their part to help the Bulldogs this season.
Overall Grade for Mississippi State Football: C
The Bulldogs' current level of play is insufficient for success, and that's why they sit at 1-2. Although improvements are possible, the tough schedule may accelerate the need for change. We'll see if any improvements can happen in conference play in spite of the schedule difficulty.