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Mississippi State football will need better pass-protection against Toledo

Toledo's got talent on defense, but if the Bulldogs can protect their QB, they should find success.

By Andrew Miller

Sep 24, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Braxton Burmeister (5) is pressured by Toledo Rockets linebacker D'Andre Ragin (44) during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
Sep 24, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Braxton Burmeister (5) is pressured by Toledo Rockets linebacker D'Andre Ragin (44) during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images / Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
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Mississippi State football's offense has had plenty of exciting moments through two games, but last week against Arizona State, they got off to a painfully slow start that proved costly. They now face a Toledo defense that has some legitimate talent to deal with. Here's a look at the Rocket defense...

Toledo has plenty of talented pieces on defense

While their offense led the way in 2023, the Rockets still fielded one of the better defenses in the MAC. Several key players from that unit are gone, but there's still a good bit of talent here. DE D'Andre Ragin and DT Darius Alexander are a very good duo along the DL. LB Daniel Bolden recorded 94 tackles last season. The safety room is strong with All-MAC performer Maxen Hook leading the way.

UMass managed to throw the ball some on Toledo

Toledo got the win over UMass 38-23 last week, and while the Rocket defense had a solid game, they did allow UMass to move the ball effectively, specifically through the air. UMass passed for 259 yards, and they had multiple long drives stall-out. It could've been a bigger day for the Minutemen. Where Toledo made them pay though was with pass rush. The Rockets had five sacks.

If Mississippi State can protect Blake Shapen, he'll have chances on the outside

If there's a likely weak spot for the Rocket defense so far, it's at cornerback. The Rockets had to replace both corners from last season, and those were major losses. Through two games, there have been some opportunities in the passing game throwing downfield against Toledo. With State's talent at WR, they should have a significant edge there. But if they're going to take advantage, Blake Shapen has to have time to throw. Toledo's best pieces on defense are along the defensive line, and they do a good job of pressuring opposing QBs. State showed some issues in pass-protection last week, but when he wasn't under pressure, he played well. The Bulldog OL needs to show some improvements this week, and if they can, State should be able to find success throwing the ball.

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