Will Rogers shares his early thoughts on Kevin 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, as he’s keeping 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.”

Continuing, Rogers was rated as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2020, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. Playing in the Air Raid offense under Mike Leach, he thrived, becoming Mississippi State’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions in just three seasons.

He’s also the SEC’s all-time leader in completions, with it being conceivable he becomes the SEC’s career leader in passing yards during the 2023 season.

Last season, he completed 68.0 percent of his passes for 3,974 passing yards, while tossing in 35 touchdowns with just eight interceptions. In 2021, Rogers posted some mind-boggling stats as a sophomore for the Bulldogs, throwing for 4,739 passing yards (third most in SEC single-season history) in his second year as the starting quarterback in Starkville.

Change is upon Mississippi State, but Rogers remains the constant, and he’ll be hoping to have his best season yet in 2023, which would be saying something. Time will tell, but we’re not willing to doubt him entering the season.