Big plays highlight Mississippi State spring game

A lot of buzz surrounding Mississippi State’s offense this spring and for good reason with the arrival of offensive-minded head coach Jeff Lebby. On Saturday the Bulldogs finished off the spring with the annual spring game and the offense produced several big plays to the enjoyment of State fans.

With a unique scoring system, the offense won the day 67-53 and it was highlighted by the play of quarterback and former Baylor transfer Blake Shapen. He did all of his work in the first half and completed 18 of 22 for 312 yards with three touchdowns. Backup quarterback Chris Parson also made plays and completed 7 of 13 for 124 yards with two touchdowns, including a perfect 65-yard scoring toss to freshman receiver Mario Craver.

Craver led State’s receivers on the day with five catches for 96 yards and one touchdown. Former UTEP transfer receiver Kelly Akharaiyi added five catches for 86 yards and one touchdown.

State’s tight ends were also heavily involved in Saturday’s passing game. Seydou Traore and Justin Ball, a former Vanderbilt transfer, combined for six catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns, both by Ball.

“It’s great, honestly,” Traore mentioned. “It is awesome to get those (opportunities). I just feel like we can make plays in this offense and that’s what we are asked to do. I think we showed that already. Justin had two touchdowns and we have things rolling. Once we start going defenses are going to have a problem with that.”

State’s offensive line also paved the way for a solid showing on the ground Saturday. Johnnie Daniels led the rushing attack with six carries for 64 yards while Jeffery Pittman had 10 carries for 58 yards and one touchdown. Keyvone Lee also had seven carries for 30 yards and a touchdown.

The first-team offensive line is mostly made up transfer, including Makylan Pounders (Memphis), Ethan Miner (North Texas), Jacoby Jackson (Texas Tech) and Marlon Martinez (LSU). Leon Bell and Albert Reese are also working with the first unit this spring.

“We have meshed very well,” Reese said of the offensive line. “I feel like I’ve known those guys since I’ve been here. It really doesn’t feel new even though it is. It’s a good bunch of guys.”

Of course, Reese and company are also experiencing new offense that is big on tempo.

“We’ve tried tempo ever since I’ve been here,” Reese added. “But it’s never been this emphasized as this time around. And I feel very versatile (on the line). I have played a lot of different positions since I’ve been here, especially this spring. I’ve been rotating a decent bit at left tackle, left guard and I’ve been at right tackle. But I feel good at all of them.”

Defensively, the Bulldogs also made some plays and put pressure on the quarterback. Tyler Woodard had a forced fumble at the goal line that prevent a touchdown while Branden Jennings, Donterry Russell and De’Monte Russell all had one sack. Joseph Head also had a tackle for loss on the day along with Woodard, Kedrick Bingley-Jones and Stone Blanton.

“Just our effort,” said linebacker John Lewis. “I feel like everybody has a high motor. Everybody plays fast and runs to the ball. Once everybody comes together and we get to where we need to be, it will be good for our team.

“We got a lot of players on our team that are going after the ball and trying to make plays at the same time. We got a lot of players that are ballhawks so I am not worried about (getting) turnovers. I feel like we will get a lot of those this year.”

Overall, head coach Jeff Lebby felt good about where his team is heading into the summer months of conditioning. And for the players who have experienced many ups and downs in Starkville, they also feel renewed energy and a hunger under Lebby’s leadership.

“Probably one of the best springs I’ve had since I’ve been here,” noted senior defensive lineman De’Monte Russell. “With four different head coaches, the energy around here is different now. It is a different kind of vibe and it is better.

“Energy plays a big part and that is what Coach Lebby brought. It is not like he has to force us to come out here and practice. He has us wanting to come out here and get better each and every day.”