Mississippi State releases depth chart ahead of Week 1 game

On Monday, Mississippi State released its depth chart heading into the 2021 season. However, there are still some key positions that don’t have defined starters, most notably at quarterback.

The Bulldogs have their first-string QB listed as either sophomore Will Rogers or senior Chance Lovertich, indicating that head coach Mike Leach still hasn’t officially decided who will be under center for Saturday’s season opener against Louisiana Tech.

Rogers and Lovertich have been battling for the quarterback job throughout camp. Rogers played 9 games for the Bulldogs last season, passing for 1,976 yards, 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Lovertich transferred from South Alabama, where he played in 6 games last season.

That’s not the only position with an undefined starter. At running back, Mississippi State will start 1 of 2 sophomores — Jo’quavious Marks or Dillon Johnson. Meanwhile, redshirt senior Austin Williams and sophomore Jaden Walley are listed as co-starters at one of the wide receiver spots.

There are also co-starters listed at punter (redshirt senior Tucker Day and redshirt sophomore Archer Trafford) and long snapper (redshirt freshmen Hayes Hammond and Colby Cox).

It’s also worth noting that the Bulldogs did not include senior defensive end Jordan Davis on the depth chart. Davis tore an ACL earlier this month and will miss the entire season, according to Matt Zenitz of On3 Sports, but the team never confirmed or discussed the injury.

Mississippi State and Louisiana Tech will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium on ESPNU.

Jake Rill

Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.