Will Rogers opens up on the biggest difference in Mississippi State's offense

Will Rogers has thrived in one of the nation’s most recognizable offenses over the past three seasons at Mississippi State. Now, after the passing of Mike Leach, the air raid is out and Kevin Barbay’s offense is in in Starkville.

While at SEC Media Days, Rogers described the biggest difference that he expects people to notice within the Bulldog’s offense. In the end, he believes the main takeaway will be the improved offensive balance with the running game being featured more within the new pro-style look.

“I think the biggest difference in this offense is just it’s going to be a more balanced attack,” Rogers said. “11, 12 personnel. More designed runs, more runs for the run game schematically. RPOs.”

“I mean it’s just a normal pro-style offense for us,” continued Rogers. “I think we really look forward to accepting that challenge and maybe expanding our offense a little bit.”

For what it’s worth, Mississippi State’s offense was ever so slightly more balanced in each of Leach’s three seasons with the program. Still, with an average of 51.2 passes per season for 328.6 passing yards per game compared to 20.7 rush attempts for 62.9 rushing yards per game in the three years, the Bulldogs were far more of a pass-centric offense.

Rogers starred at the center of that with 10,869 passing yards and 82 touchdowns on 1,639 pass attempts of his trio of campaigns in college.

Still, things are obviously about to change at Mississippi State. Offense through the air will still be plentiful with Rogers back for his senior season but, with someone new wearing the headset, he says to expect some much improved variety when it comes to their style on that side of the football.

Rogers shares his early thoughts on Barbay’s offensive scheme

Will Rogers is no stranger to leading Mississippi State, but it’ll look different in 2023.

After the heartbreaking passing of offensive genius Mike Leach, Rogers and the Bulldogs are turning to former Appalachian State offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay to lead the unit. Of course, it’s going to take some getting used to, but Mississippi State is ready for it all.

Joining On3’s Andy Staples, the Bulldogs quarterback shared his early thoughts on Barbay’s offensive scheme, and how implementation of it is going at the moment.

“It’s been good man,” Rogers told Staples. “I’m really excited about the offense come time for the season. I think Coach Barbay’s done a really, really good job of implementing his stuff, but also seeing what we did well, as a unit and as the personnel that we have.

“So he’s done a really good job, and I think everybody’s excited about the new offense.”

Still, Rogers doesn’t want to give away all the secrets. He’s going to keep the more specific details from Staples and the rest of the media.

“I guess we’ll get to see in September,” Rogers responded, not wanting to give any hints. “I mean, it’s going to look different for sure. Maybe more downfield shots. But we’re going to do what we do. Play hard, play hard-nosed football. Probably some new run schemes for sure, and we’re all looking forward to it. We’re excited.”