Will Rogers quiets fan frustration as Mississippi State's late score revives sluggish offense
Mississippi State struggled to find a rhythm on offense on Saturday in the first half against N.C. State. Thankfully for the Bulldogs, they got a 100-yard kickoff return from Lideatrick Griffin to open the game.
The Bulldogs’ first 3 drives only went 3 plays each, and then a 10-play drive ended on downs early in the second quarter. But Will Rogers extended a late first-half drive with a fourth down conversion to Makai Polk as they marched into field goal range.
Whatever fan frustration there was in the first half, Rogers quieted it with a 21-yard pass to Malik Heath with 1:09 remaining to give the Bulldogs a 14-3 lead. That capped a 13-play, 83-yard scoring drive.
The MSU defense, though, was stellar in the first half, as the Wolfpack was held to 39 rushing yards and 91 passing yards and just 2-for-9 on third down conversions.
Here’s a sampling of the first-half reaction:
Pack starting to wear down on defense. Asking your defense to carry the team against a Mike Leach offense was always going to be a curious strategy
— Andrew Schnittker (@aschnitt53) September 12, 2021
Mike Leach is so bad. Why would SEC school hire a mediocre gimmick offense coach?!? Surprisingly his defense which is usually horrendous is playing incredible 1st half vs Wolfpack
— Dymes (@NickeyDyme) September 12, 2021
Our offense is so predictable, it’s easy to defend with 8 deep. It’s a no brainer for defensive coordinators. I don’t know what we were expecting with Leach. This offense was hot in 99….
— Jo Jo Buzzy (@OldJoe49597859) September 12, 2021
Defense is playing lights out. Will Rogers is holding this offense back. Playing like hot garbage. Holding the ball
— ReputableVestibule (@ReputableV) September 11, 2021
MSU’s defense has been outstanding in this first half.
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulk247) September 12, 2021
Assuming nothing crazy happens here, NC State will end the first half with 39 rushing yards.
NC State had 293 rushing yards last week.
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) September 12, 2021
I also believe Steve Spurrier Jr. was the first to meet Heath on the sideline and was *fired up*
I mean, Fired Up. https://t.co/9Khe2SXnBG
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) September 12, 2021