Mississippi State Offensive Players To Watch vs. Texas A&M

The Mississippi State Bulldogs offense has struggled, thanks in part due to injury this season.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs averaged 31.6 points and 392.9 yards per game, which both ranked eighth in the Southeastern Conference last season.

This season, those numbers are down, with the Bulldogs averaging just 22.7 points and 335.7 yards per game - ranking at or near the bottom in the SEC in all four major offensive statistical categories.

Here are three offensive players to watch when the Bulldogs take the field against the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday.

Will Rogers vs. Texas A&M / USA Today Sports

QB Will Rogers

Quarterback Will Rogers is the engine that makes this Mississippi State car go - when he's healthy.

Under the tutelage of former head coach Mike Leach, Rogers was third in the country with 4,739 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2021, following that up with 3,974 yards and 35 scores in 2022. In both years, he led the country in completions with 920 across the last two seasons.

Rogers has missed the last three games with an injury, but is aiming for a return vs. the Aggies on Saturday. While that is not official, head coach Zach Arnett, hinted at as much earlier this week. 

“He’s practicing, and he’s able to do more and more and more,” Arnett said. “If it’s determined that he’s able to go, he’s our starting quarterback, no doubt about it. If he’s unavailable to go, I have no doubt you’ll see both (Mike Wright and Chris Parson) in the game. The reps will reflect that accordingly in practice all week.”

We'll see if he's able to go on Saturday. If he can't, Wright and Parson will likely split reps.

RB Jo'Quavious Marks

Talk about a multi-faceted running back.

Last season, in addition to rushing for 582 yards, 5.2 yards per carry and nine touchdowns, running back Jo'Quavious Marks had the second-most receptions of any running back with 48, trailing Northwestern's Evan Hull by seven catches.

This season has not been as versatile a year for Marks, but he is still a threat in both areas. Through Week 10, Marks has 97 carries for 500 yards and 18 catches for 138 yards and another score. 

However, like Rogers, Marks has also missed the last couple of games with an injury, and it is unclear if he will be able to go on Saturday in College Station. 

If he can't play, Seth Davis could get the carries.

WR Lideatrick Griffin

Lideatrick Griffin was the Bulldogs leading returning receiver heading into the year, and so far this season, he has lived up to that billing by catching 38 passes for 554 yards and three touchdowns. 

Griffin will hope to have Rogers back in the lineup vs. a susceptible Aggies secondary.