Joe Moorhead sends message to fans about offensive production, plans for QBs
By Keith Farner
Published:
Criticism about the Mississippi State offense is mounting inside the Bulldogs’ fan base, and many fans are becoming increasingly impatient with coach Joe Moorhead.
Calls for a change at quarterback from Nick Fitzgerald to Keytaon Thompson have become louder and more often in recent days following MSU’s loss at LSU when Fitzgerald was 8-for-24 passing for 59 yards and four interceptions. Moorhead said the common theme in recent picks by Fitzgerald has been that the throws were late.
Moorhead said at his Monday press conference that the coaches have thought about giving Thompson the chance to start a drive in both the first and second halves, and if he gives the team a spark, they might go in that direction. Moorhead then added that they absolutely must find a way to generate more explosive plays while protecting the football.
The main decision to stick with Fitzgerald so far, according to the coach, is that he plays better in practice.
The Bulldogs return to action on Saturday when they play host to Texas A&M at 6 p.m. local time on ESPN.
Head coach Joe Moorhead says he appreciates the fans' patience in his attempt to make this a championship-level program.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) October 22, 2018
Moorhead: “We have, in the offensive staff room, discussed not making a change but giving KT an opportunity to start a drive in the first and second half.”
Keytaon Thompson is being discussed. There you have it.
— Brett Hudson (@Brett_Hudson) October 22, 2018
Moorhead points out the three losses are to teams with a combined 19-3 record, but he understands the frustration.
“Times like these, after losses, are usually when the suggestion box is full.”
“The criticism is warranted when we don’t perform well."
— Brett Hudson (@Brett_Hudson) October 22, 2018
Moorhead says there isn't a big disparity between Fitzgerald and Thompson in practice, but Fitzgerald is still the better player in practices.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) October 22, 2018
Moorhead says he's been in Keytaon Thompson's shoes before — a backup QB who fans are calling to be put in. Moorhead says Thompson has handled the situation well and hasn't been a distraction to the team.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) October 22, 2018
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
