Cowbell Corner

Mississippi State Football: Key Strategy to Elevate Michael Van Buren's Success

What can Mississippi State do to alleviate pressure off a freshman quarterback?

Jacob Bain

Sep 7, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Ethan Miner (67) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Ethan Miner (67) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Mississippi State will be without its starting quarterback for the rest of the season. Blake Shapen suffered an injury during Mississippi State’s loss to Florida that will require season-ending surgery.

Freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren will draw the start for the Bulldogs this Saturday on the road against number one-ranked Texas.

It is challenging for any true freshman to make his first career start, but to do it in front of 100,000 fans against a highly talented team makes matters even worse.

The former 4-star's nerves will be high, and asking him to take control of the offense like Shapen is not fair and likely will not happen. However, Mississippi State will expect to compete this weekend and throughout the season; what can they do to make the transition from a veteran to a freshman easy?

Mississippi State Must Simplify the Offense

By now, Van Buren has a full grasp of the offense, but can he run every concept as flawlessly as Shapen? Probably not. Does that mean Mississippi State can have no success on offense? No.

This means Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby must find ways to give the youngster a few easy completions to build confidence. Once his confidence is built up, the offense can be smooth, but Lebby has to find a way to give him that.

Mississippi State's Offensive Line Must Play Well

Mississippi State finally had some success running the ball last week against Florida, rushing for 240 yards. Texas will be the unit's biggest test of the year, and if they play poorly, it will be a long day for the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State has to rely on the running game and provide Van Buren enough protection to take shots down the field. The road test for the freshman quarterback will be daunting, but if the veteran Mississippi State offensive line can play well, it will take a lot of pressure off his shoulders.


Read More Mississippi State Bulldogs on SI:

Michael Van Buren Could Prove Himself for Mississippi State in 2024

Mississippi State Football: How the Bulldogs Can Show Progress Against Texas

Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for Texas: New Starters for Bulldogs

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Jacob Bain

JACOB BAIN

Jacob Bain first joined Cowbell Corner as an intern, and was promoted to lead day-to-day coverage in Starkville of Mississippi State sports in 2023. His primary beats include football, baseball and basketball. He's originally from Fulton, Miss.

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