Mississippi State Players Adjusting To New Offensive Scheme

After three years under the legendary Mike Leach and his infamous Air Raid offense, Mississippi State players are adjusting to a new scheme.

Preseason camp has started for the Bulldogs, and the offense is undergoing some changes. Luckily for MSU, it has a three-year starter in Will Rogers as quarterback.

“Yeah, now we're flying around pretty good. You know we're getting after it. We're practicing hard,” Rogers said.

Perhaps the player who is the happiest about the transition to a more run-heavy offense is senior running back Jo'Quavious “Woody” Marks. Marks is another three-year starter for the Bulldogs and has plenty of film for NFL scouts to see him catching the ball out of the backfield.

He has 191 career catches and needs ten more to break Fred Ross's record for career receptions for a Bulldog. He is ready to show he is a complete back.

“I like it a lot because we get the ball, and we can show what we can do between the tackles, and we still get the ball in the passing game to show you a complete back,” Marks said.

The Air Raid was notorious for not having many plays. Often Air Raid coach's play sheets look like an index card.

While transitioning to a pro-style scheme, the Bulldogs are adjusting to a more expanded playbook.

“Oh, it adds a lot because we had to stay in a little over 30 minutes, so everybody just ready to dial in everything so we can just come out on the field and just execute,” senior receiver Tulu Griffin said.

The position group that will experience the most change is the offensive line. Pass blocking 50 times a game is more finesse as opposed to run blocking, which is more physical.

Offensive linemen are built for physicality and welcome running the football more.

“I love the running game. I love the system that Coach Barbay has brought in,” senior center Cole Smith said.

With Sept. 2 rapidly approaching, the offense is getting more comfortable. In limited viewing time during practice, it is clear the offense is getting more comfortable with things.

Currently, five seniors make up the first group of offensive linemen. The Bulldogs have a lot of experience and are ready for the challenge.

Senior tackle Kam Jones will tell you that.

“We are ready to smash something."