Zach Arnett discusses Will Rogers, Mississippi State's plan at quarterback
Mississippi State has a trio of quarterbacks who have been seeing time this season. Still, depending on how this week goes, Zach Arnett has a clear plan for how he’d like that position to shake out for the Bulldog’s next matchup at Texas A&M.
Arnett addressed Mississippi State’s QB1 spot during his press conference on Monday. With Will Rogers missing the past three games with a shoulder injury, he made it clear that, if he’s ready to go against the Aggies, he will be the starter this weekend.
“In reality? We’re going to see what Will’s availability is this week,” said Arnett. “He’s practicing and he’s able to do more and more and more. So, if it’s determined that he’s able to go? He’s our starting quarterback – no doubt about it. We obviously have a few days for that to get sorted out.”
Rogers, one of the SEC’s all-time leading passers, has completed 61.4% of his passes as a senior. That has led to 1,275 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He hasn’t made an appearance since their win over Western Michigan, though, with that injury.
That has left the quarterback duties to Mike Wright and Chris Parson with varying results from both.
Wright, the more experienced of the two, has completed 56.4% of his passes for 108 yards per game, two touchdowns, and three picks in the last three games. He has also rushed for 143 yards. Meanwhile, as the third-stringer turned backup, Parson, a former four-star, made the first appearance of his freshman season in their latest loss against Kentucky. In that defeat, he went 6-14 for 67 yards.
If Rogers ends up a no-go, Arnett says both Wright and Parson will make an appearance in College Station. The game and specific play calls will decide who’s the starter and the specific quarterback at a given moment from there.
“If he’s unavailable to go? I have no doubt you’ll see both quarterbacks in the game,” said Arnett. “Their reps will reflect that accordingly in practice all week. Then the final game plan and situation, obviously, kind of determines who’s in there on that particular play.”
Arnett seems to be holding out hope that Rogers could make his return this weekend against A&M. That’s why, to start this week, he elected to not reveal too much when it comes to their plan at quarterback.
“I think it’s too early to name you a starter,” Arnett said.