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Counting Down to Mississippi State Kickoff: 92 Days
We’re marking 92 days until the kickoff for the 2024 Mississippi State season, highlighting an impressive record in the program’s history.
This refers to 92 (or 92.3%), which stands as the Mississippi State program record for complete pass percentage in a single game. Specifically, it’s the record when a quarterback attempts more than ten passes. Expand the criteria to any number of thrown balls and, as far as is known, the unmatched Jackie Parker was perfect once.
In the 1953 matchup against Ole Miss, Parker completed all nine of his passes. Despite this feat, it resulted in a 7-7 tie, falling short of a win.
Jumping to more recent times, in Will Rogers’ 2021 case, being near perfection was sufficient for a victory over Kentucky. Then-sophomore Rogers threw the ball 39 times, with 36 of those passes being caught. It was Rogers’ most efficient performance as a Bulldog quarterback, showcasing the low-risk approach of Mike Leach’s air raid offense in its second year.
However, this matchup against the Wildcats showcased a bolder approach and significantly higher efficiency. Out of the 36 completions, 344 yards were gained, nearly reaching a double-digit average per completed pass. There were impressive long throws of 29, 25, and 23 yards, all to genuine wide receivers, along with five more catches resulting in double-digit gains. Remarkably, eight main wide receivers made receptions, while Rufus Harvey, operating in the slot, secured the sole touchdown catch on a 25-yard pass.
Moreover, Rogers didn’t neglect his running backs. Woody Marks caught nine passes, constituting a quarter of the receptions, and Dillon Johnson added four more. Additionally, they contributed 108 combined rushing yards.
The home game against the Wildcats was both daring and highly productive. Of the 36 completions, 344 yards were gained, almost averaging a double-digit gain per catch. There were significant long passes of 29, 25, and 23 yards, all caught by genuine wide receivers, and five additional completions resulting in double-digit gains. Impressively, eight main wideouts made receptions, with slot receiver Rufus Harvey securing the sole touchdown catch on a 25-yard pass.
Despite this focus on passing, Rogers also involved his running backs. Woody Marks caught nine passes, accounting for a quarter of the receptions, while Dillon Johnson added four more. Additionally, they contributed 108 combined rushing yards.
In the 31-17 final, Kentucky initially led with the day’s first ten points, scoring via a punt return and a field goal. However, Mississippi State didn’t score until midway through the second quarter, with Marks and Johnson both scoring via red zone rushes. Once State took the lead, they maintained it, with Thomas’ touchdown being the cherry on top. The win could have been more straightforward if not for a missed early field goal. Despite that, the Bulldogs only punted three times and controlled possession at the end of both halves, showcasing their dominance for three quarters.
This game was also Kentucky’s first on Scott Field against the former coordinator with the Wildcats when they came to campus 24 falls earlier.
So, that 92-plus percent passing day was one of Rogers’ many records, including the season passing standard of 73.9% he would set that season. He also had the second- and third-best season completions rates as well, epitomizing what the air raid was for Mississippi State during Leach’s tenure.
What the offense wasn’t, well, that’s fodder for another day’s discussion.
