The Mississippi State Bulldogs’ offense has been struggling over the past few weeks, facing significant challenges on the field. Following the season-ending injury of Baylor transfer quarterback Blake Shapen during the game against Florida, the team’s record dropped to 1-3. Shapen had started the first four games of the season, and his absence forced the Bulldogs to turn to freshman Michael Van Buren as the starter for the subsequent road games against Texas and Georgia.
Despite the difficult situation, Van Buren demonstrated impressive composure during the game against Texas, but it was his performance against Georgia that truly stood out. He threw for an impressive 306 yards and connected for three touchdowns. His teammates recognize that he is in the process of developing as a quarterback. Wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi highlighted the importance of supporting Van Buren, stating, “It’s just one of those situations where you have to bring him along because he is a young guy, so the team rallies around him to make him comfortable.”
In the first half of the Georgia game, Van Buren struggled with accuracy, missing some critical throws. However, he found his rhythm in the second half, leading the Bulldogs to score 21 points. Akharaiyi commented on Van Buren’s ability to settle down, noting, “He just calmed down. Obviously, he is a young guy playing in a tough big game, but once he calms down, he can compete with anybody.
Akharaiyi himself has had a challenging season due to injuries, missing the opener against Eastern Kentucky and not being at full strength in subsequent games. Nevertheless, he had a breakout performance against Georgia, catching three passes for 72 yards and scoring his first two touchdowns as a Bulldog. His increased production is encouraging, as the coaching staff sees significant potential in the Irving, Texas native. Head coach Jeff Lebby expressed pride in Akharaiyi’s perseverance, stating, “That’s exactly why we brought him here. Kelly has been patient and has stayed the course in a great way. We’re proud of him for being exactly who he is, and we look forward to him having a big second half of the year.”
The Bulldogs’ offense struggled initially against Georgia, experiencing three consecutive three-and-outs in the first half. Lebby acknowledged that these missed opportunities could have impacted the game’s outcome. However, the team’s performance in the second half was a positive sign, showcasing their ability to build momentum.
Akharaiyi noted, “We put together drives, and receivers made big plays, and the running backs ran hard. It is just one of those things where you build on it and get better at practice.” Following a challenging stretch of games, Mississippi State is set to return to Davis Wade Stadium to face Texas A&M. There’s a renewed sense of optimism within the team as they prepare to demonstrate their progress to their home fans.
As Akharaiyi put it, “The crowd on the road is cool, but there is nothing like a home game. We are ready to get back and show fans what we are about.” This next game represents an opportunity for the Bulldogs to regain their footing and build on their recent improvements.