Mississippi State loses to Toledo despite paying out $1.2 million to Rockets

Mississippi State was dealt a humbling and humiliating defeat by the Toledo Rockets on Saturday night. Toledo thoroughly dominated MSU all night long, coming away with a 41-17 road upset. Not only that, the Rockets went home much richer thanks to Mississippi State paying them $1.2 million for the game, according to Steve Berkowitz of USA Today.

The Rockets outscored the Bulldogs 28-3 in the first half and never looked back, cruising to the easy upset victory. They moved to 3-0 this year, dropping Mississippi State to 1-2 overall in the beginning of the Jeffy Lebby era in Starkville.

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Toledo dominated the time of possession on Saturday night, holding the ball for more than 30 minutes. They had over 420 total yards of offense and the Mississippi State defense simply couldn’t find any solutions for much of the night.

Toledo quarterback Tucker Gleason had an impressive night. He completed 23 of 28 passes for 285 yards, while tossing in three touchdowns and no interceptions. Toledo did most of their damage in the second quarter, when they outscored the Bulldogs 21-3. Holding a 28-3 advantage at half, the game was essentially in hand by halftime. The Rockets still tacked on 13 points in the second half, to ensure that no magical comeback was happening. The scoring was capped off by a 23-yard field goal by kicker Dylan Cunanan with 1:11 left in the fourth quarter.

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Mississippi State did score 14 points in the second half, but it was far too little, too late. Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen tossed in two touchdown passes in the second half. Mississippi State got touchdown catches from Kevin Coleman Jr. and freshman speedster Mario Craver.

Craver has already hauled in two touchdowns in his career in Starkville. The 5-9, 150-pounder played on the same high school team as Alabama freshman Jaylen Mbawke, one of the nation’s top corner prospects. The tandem dominated at Clay-Chalkville (Birmingham, Alabama), leading them to a perfect 14-0 record and a 6A Alabama State Championship in 2023.

Up next for Toledo, they’ll face off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday September 21st. Mississippi State will try to bounce back on Saturday Sept. 21 against the Florida Gators.