The future is bright in Starkville. Even though Mississippi State isn’t having its best season in 2021 — having lost 3 times over its first 8 games — there’s reason to believe better results are on the way for the Bulldogs in the near future.

Perhaps the biggest reason to think that is the play of some of Mississippi State’s younger players. As the Bulldogs pointed out on Twitter on Thursday, 23 of their 28 touchdowns this season have been scored by freshmen and sophomore players.

Sophomore quarterback Will Rogers has been a big part of Mississippi State’s offensive success, as he’s passed for 2,890 yards, 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. His top target has been redshirt sophomore wide receiver Makai Polk, who has 63 catches for 603 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Among the Bulldogs’ other top TD scorers thus far are sophomore running back Jo’quavious Marks (6 total touchdowns), sophomore wide receiver Jaden Walley (4) and sophomore running back Dillon Johnson (3).

Mississippi State will seek more success from its youngsters when it goes on the road to face Arkansas on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on SEC Network.