The Mississippi State Bulldogs haven’t wasted any time putting their mark on the 2024 season.

On the first drive of the game, QB Blake Shapen connected with Jordan Mosley for a 65-yard touchdown to give the Bulldogs their first score of the new season.

The Mississippi State defense stifled the Colonels on their first offensive drive, forcing a 3-and-out and punt. After a solid return, the Bulldogs found themselves in scoring position yet again and capitalized, with Shapen using his legs to find the end zone on a 4-yard touchdown run.

After a few stifled possessions for both squads, the Bulldogs pulled a little magic out of their hat to go up by three scores on a wild trick play. Shapen handed the ball off to the running back who tossed it to Creed Whittemore for a 41-yard touchdown.

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The Bulldogs weren’t slowing down yet, though.

Shapen found Kevin Coleman Jr. for a 23-yard touchdown pass with 7:10 remaining in the second quarter and after another defensive stand, the Bulldogs QB connected with Mario Craver on a 54-yard touchdown pass giving Mississippi State a 35-0 edge with just over three minutes left before halftime.

Eastern Kentucky finally put a drive together in the final minutes of the first half, finding the end zone with three seconds until the midway point, making the score 35-7 at halftime in favor of the Bulldogs.