Mississippi State QB Mike Wright Makes Second Start Against Auburn
Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers was out for Saturday's game at Auburn, meaning backup quarterback Mike Wright got the chance to make his second start of the season.
Wright, who transferred from Vanderbilt during the offseason, has played sparingly for the Bulldogs but made his first career start for the team last week against Arkansas, where he completed 8 of 12 passes for 85 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while rushing for 60 yards on 11 carries in the 7-3 road win.
Rogers, who is suffering from an arm injury, has not played for the Bulldogs since Oct. 7 against Western Michigan. There is no timeline for Rogers' return, but Bulldogs head coach Zach Arnett had said that Rogers was day to day.
"Will’s progressing just like we expect," Arnett said in a press conference earlier this week. "If he’s able to go, he’ll go. If not, he’s not. And that goes for any other guy on the team. We have several days to evaluate, see his progress in practice, and make a determination then."
With Rogers once again out this weekend, the Bulldogs turned to Wright as they fell once more in SEC competition, 27-13.
Arnett further elaborated on Rogers' status after the game.
"He’s week to week. When he’s able to play, he will play," he said. "The offense actually did a good job moving the football today when they stayed ahead of the chains. First half, we stalled down there in the red zone, kicked a field goal. Went for it on fourth and six inches right before the half and didn’t execute well enough. Hindsight, would like to see that ball handed off and jam it up in there."
Wright finished out the loss going 16 of 32 passing for 161 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Whether or not he plays next week will be something to keep watch over.