Toledo Hands Mississippi State a 41-17 Defeat in Starkville

Sep 15, 20242 min read

Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen passing — © Matt Bush-Imagn Images

Toledo (3-0) scored first and never looked back in a dominating 41-17 victory against Mississippi State (1-2) at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss. on Sept. 14.

Game Summary

Toledo, of the Mid-American Conference, came out strong in the first quarter, with quarterback Tucker Gleason connecting on a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Junior Vandeross. Gleason would go on to pass for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also completing 23-of-28 passes. Wide receiver Jerjaun Newton would also play a large part in Toledo's passing attack with 2 touchdown receptions on just 5 catches. The Rockets' defense shut down the Bulldogs' offense in the first half only allowing a field goal and entered halftime with a 28-3 lead.

The Bulldogs would find some success in the passing game later in the second half. Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen would end the game with 319 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Bulldogs' leading wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. ended the game with 77 receiving yards and a touchdown. However, the Bulldogs' rushing attack struggled against Toledo's defense gaining only 66 rushing yards. Although the Bulldogs had more success in the second half, the lead was insurmountable as the Rockets were able to practically do whatever they wanted on offense putting up 454 total yards.

What It Means for Mississippi State

The Bulldogs were favorited in this game at home but were not able to slow down the Rockets offense. This was their last "tune up" game before starting Southeastern Conference play at home against the Florida Gators (1-2) on Sept. 21, followed by back-to-back road games against No. 2 Texas (3-0) on Sept. 28 and No. 1 Georgia (3-0) on Oct. 12. The Bulldogs need to make adjustments quickly for them to make a bowl game in head coach Jeff Lebby's first season.

What It Means for Toledo

The Rockets secured their second all-time victory over a SEC team and starts their season 3-0 for the first time since 2017. Toledo will go on the road against Western Kentucky (2-1) of Conference USA in Bowling Green, Ky., on Sept. 21 before starting conference play.