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WATCH: MSU HC Zach Arnett details QB situation ahead of A&M

IMG_4594by:Tanner Marlar•11/06/23•

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ARNETT
Nov 4, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Zach Arnett reacts during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett met with the media Monday at noon to detail the plan of attack this week against Texas A&M and namely, the quarterback situation moving forward.

Chris Parson’s first looks

Arnett said that freshman quarterback Chris Parson, despite the flashes he showed in the game, still had some things to improve upon. Timing seemed to be the theme, and that comes with repetition. Arnett did mention that there were plenty of positives to point to as well.

“Simply put, I just like the confidence that he plays with,” said Arnett. “He plays with a confidence, and other people gravitate towards that. It gets other people going.”

Arnett also mentioned that Parson is “plenty smart enough” to watch the film form his limited snaps and realize that there are some things he’s got to get a lot better at.

Kam Jones video

In reference to this video of Kameron Jones on Saturday during one of the many scuffles, reports surfaced Monday morning that Kentucky sent this video off to the SEC. Kam Jones can clearly be seen trying to drag down a Kentucky player by the face mask. Mississippi State has received no word from the conference.

Youth vs. Experience

At the 4:20 mark, Arnett was asked about his thoughts as they pertained to continuing to strive for bowl eligibility and play guys with the most experience or let the younger members of the roster get more minutes. Arnett could not have been more clear in his answer.

“The only objective is to win,” said Arnett. “You only put guys out there that you feel give us a chance to win. We have young guys playing for us who we think do that, and then obviously when you lose some guys due to injuries throughout the end of the year, that creates more opportunities…make no mistake about it, the objective is to win games.”

Playin in College Station

Arnett mentioned that playing in College station is no small feat. It’s an electric environment that always has a large crowd. Arnett last made the trip as a defensive coordinator, and he said that he would let the older members of the team communicate to the younger guys just how tough of an environment Texas A&M can be.

Starting QB vs. Texas A&M

It took a few questions, but Arnett got around to talking about the starting quarterback situation at Texas A&M this weekend. If Will Rogers can go, he will be the starter. Rogers has missed the past two games due to a non-throwing shoulder injury that he sustained in a win against Western Michigan earlier in the year.

“If it’s determined that (Will) is able to go, he’s our starting quarterback,” said Arnett. “No doubt about it. We obviously have a few days for that to get sorted out, and then, if he’s not able to go, I have no doubt that you’ll see both quarterbacks in the game.”

Arnett specifically said that he feels as though it is too early to name a starter, but rest assured, if Will Rogers is healthy enough, he will suit back up against A&M.

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