State claims 48-7 win over Southeastern Louisiana in opener

Story from MSU Athletics:
STARKVILLE – The Zach Arnett era at Mississippi State kicked off in dominating fashion as the Bulldogs outscored Southeastern Louisiana 28-0 in the second half to secure a 48-7 victory in the season opener at Davis Wade Stadium.

The first touchdown of the season for the Bulldogs came on a one-yard rush from senior running back Jo’Quavious Marks, who rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Marks also hauled in four receptions and 59 yards through the air.

Freshman wide receiver Creed Whittemoresecured his first career touchdown in the Maroon and White via a 33-yard pass from quarterback Will Rogers to add to MSU’s lead late in the second quarter.

Rogers threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns in the win, which allowed the gunslinger to pass former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel for 7th on the all-time Southeastern Conference career passing yards list with 10,916 yards in his tenure at MSU so far. Quarterback Mike Wrightcomplimented the successful passing outing from Rogers by rushing for 95 yards on five carries.

The dynamic linebacker duo of Nathaniel Watson and Jett Johnson led the ferocious Bulldog defensive unit with a combined 14 tackles, 2 ½ sacks and three forced fumbles in the victory.

MSU’s special teams unit also shined in the victory over the Lions. Freshman Kyle Ferrienailed a 47-yard field goal and a 49-yarder for his first two scores of his collegiate career. In the fourth quarter, John Lewis blocked a punt and Avery Sledge returned it for a touchdown.

Whittemore added a 53-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter to put the exclamation point on the victory.

Next up for the Bulldogs…

Mississippi State faces Arizona in Starkville on Saturday, September 9. The contest between the Bulldogs and the Wildcats is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on the SEC Network.