WATCH: Mississippi State takes early lead with 22-yard strike from Will Rogers to Caleb Ducking
Mississippi State is looking to bounce back from a road loss at LSU and the Bulldogs wasted very little time in Week 4 in Starkville proving they’re ready to play. In fact, it took less than two minutes for starting quarterback Will Rogers to open up the scoring with a beautiful touchdown pass.
Facing a first-and-10 from the 22-yard line against Bowling Green, Rogers dropped back to throw and immediately launched a pass to the right corner of the end zone. Receiver Caleb Ducking tracked it perfectly and hauled it in for the opening score.
The Caleb Ducking touchdown reception was his team-leading fourth already this season, with the senior wideout one of three receivers who entered the day tied for the team lead with 14 receptions.
The Bulldogs have featured one of the nation’s best passing attacks since coach Mike Leach took over, and Rogers has pulled the strings excellently in his ‘Air Raid’ offense.
Even after being shut down by the Tigers last weekend in Baton Rouge the Bulldogs entered Week 4 ranked No. 12 nationally in passing offense, averaging 328.0 yards per game. Mississippi State’s 10 touchdown passes through the first three games tied for seventh nationally, with only four teams having thrown more in the first three games.
Against LSU, Mississippi State just wasn’t quite in sync.
The Tigers challenged the Bulldogs physically and made life tough on Rogers, limiting him to 24-of-42 passing for 214 yards and one touchdown. He also threw one interception in the 31-16 loss.
An early start Saturday against the Falcons was certainly no issue, though.
At the time of publication the Bulldogs had already jumped out to a 17-0 lead at home. Following the 22-yard Caleb Ducking touchdown, Rogers struck on a second touchdown pass, this time to receiver Simeon Price from 32 yards out. Mississippi State also added a field goal to make it 17-0 with 2:59 remaining in the first quarter.