Mississippi State football blew past Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in their season-opener. We got to see Jeff Lebby's high-flying attack in full display, and State fans online expressed their elation with finally having an exciting offense to watch.
State strikes quickly and Bulldog fans couldn't be happier.
It took just three plays for Mississippi State fans to fall in love with this new era a Bulldog football. Jeff Lebby's offense is known for explosive plays, and on the third play of the season, we saw that. Blake Shapen took a shot down the sidelines to a wide-open Jordan Mosely for a 65-yard TD.
32 seconds in, and the Lebby Era has its first touchdown!#HailState
— Dudy Noble Field (@DudyNobleField) August 31, 2024
It was a beautiful sight for State fans everywhere.
ITS OVER FOR ALL OF YOU
— Brooks Bryant (@brooksbryant10) August 31, 2024
GET READY TO LEARN DIMETIME DUMMIES
I haven’t seen a pass over 7 yards since I was a toddler. That was unbelievable. Almost forgot that was legal.
— Noah Mashburn (@Noah_Mashburn) August 31, 2024
Unfortunately, not all fans got to witness the opening score.
Right at the start of the game, the broadcast experienced technical difficulties. For most, things were fixed before the opening kickoff. But for some unlucky Bulldogs, their stream of the game didn't return until after the Mississippi State offense had found the endzone.
Wish I had any clue what was going on. Thanks ESPN https://t.co/yHi60FKGKH
— Coltweezy (@coltweezus) August 31, 2024
Thankfully, Mississippi State provided plenty more excitement throughout the rest of the game to make-up for missing the beginning.
Blake Shapen made believers of State fans.
QB Blake Shapen had a big day in his Mississippi State debut, completing 75% of his passes, had 291 yards of offense, and scored four TDs.
We knew Shapen's potential in this offense was high, but after seeing it in action, everyone is bought in with him leading the offense.
Deliver us from evil pic.twitter.com/Z1VjE8sYHP
— Brooks Bryant (@brooksbryant10) August 31, 2024
THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN BOYS
— Ghost of Allyn McKeen (@AllynMcKeen) August 31, 2024
The contrast between Lebby's offense and Kevin Barbay's is night and day.
State's offense under Kevin Barbay a season ago was an absolute disaster. The Bulldogs were ineffective and horrid to watch. That's a night and day difference from the Jeff Lebby offense, and Bulldog fans made sure to get a final shot in towards their last OC for torturing their eyeballs last year.
Kevin Barbay watching an MSU offense push the ball downfield pic.twitter.com/Ye2anzBBK1
— cristilmethod (@cristilmethod) August 31, 2024
Game one was a massive success for Jeff Lebby's program. We saw exactly what we needed to to be excited for the future, which was besides getting a win, was easily the biggest goal in Saturday's game.