Cowbell Corner

Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen Out for Season After Shoulder Injury

Senior will seek a medical hardship waiver to regain his lost year of eligibility after playing in just four games

Taylor Hodges

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen (2) walks off the field after a turnover against the Florida Gators during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen (2) walks off the field after a turnover against the Florida Gators during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images
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STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State has lost more than just Saturday’s game against Florida. The Bulldogs also lost their starting quarterback.

Mississippi State announced that senior quarterback Blake Shapen suffered a shoulder injury that will require season-ending surgery.

"We're all hurting for Blake after this unfortunate news," MSU head football coach Jeff Lebby said. "Blake is the ultimate competitor and teammate and an unquestioned leader in our program. I know he will work incredibly hard to come back stronger than ever, and he will continue to serve as a team leader from the sidelines. We will support Blake every step of the way during his recovery process and explore all options to help him seek a medical hardship waiver to regain his lost year of eligibility.”

Shapen left Saturday’s 45-21 loss to Florida early in the fourth quarter after fumbling the ball on a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line. It’s unclear when Shapen suffered the shoulder injury as he wasn’t hit on the final play.

Before he left the game, Shapen had completed 13-of-21 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown. He was also sacked twice in the game. He’ll end his season with 974 passing yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception.

Freshman Michael Van Buren played the final 14 minutes at quarterback for Mississippi State, completing 7-of-13 passes for 100 yards. The only other quarterback to see playing time this season is Chris Parsons, who went 0-for-2 against Eastern Kentucky.

Read More:

Florida Hands Mississippi State Third-Straight Loss, 45-28

Mississippi State's Defensive Woes Continue in Loss to Florida

Signs of Progress: Mississippi State Offense Shows Growth in Tough Florida Loss

What Went Wrong For Mississippi State Against Florida?

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Taylor Hodges
TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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