Excitement Builds for Michael Van Buren’s First Start in Starkville
STARKVILLE — The atmosphere in Starkville is buzzing as the Bulldogs prepare for an exciting showdown against No. 1 Texas this Saturday. With college football season in full swing, all attention is on Michael Van Buren, the true freshman quarterback, who is set to make his first start following a challenging week for the Mississippi State football program. Van Buren’s debut as the typical starter comes as veteran Blake Shapen faces a season-ending shoulder injury. But from the sounds of it, the team is rallying behind their new leader.
Finding Strength in Adversity
In terms of skills and build, Van Buren shares notable similarities with his teammates, Chris Parson and Blake Shapen. All three stand at an impressive 6 feet, 1 inch and weigh between 200 and 215 pounds. They possess strong arms, capable of making long throws and connecting deep down the field. However, experience sets them apart, with Shapen clocking in 27 starts while Van Buren and Parson have a total of just one start. Wide receiver Jordan Mosley noted, “I really feel like they’re all similar. Chris and Mike are a little bit more mobile. They can get out on the edge and run a little bit. But as far as playmaking, they all can throw the ball.”
A Smooth Transition
Fortunately for the Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1 Southeastern Conference), the coaching staff has indicated that little change will be required for the offensive playbook with Van Buren stepping in. After demonstrating his capabilities in a recent game against Florida, where he led the team on a touchdown drive, the confidence in him has risen significantly. Head coach Jeff Lebby expressed pride in Van Buren’s performance, emphasizing that “getting to live that experience is huge for him.”
Building a Strong Offensive Line
The offensive line had a standout performance against the Gators, helping the team rush for a remarkable 240 yards. However, with Keyvone Lee out for an extended period, the responsibility will now shift to Davon Booth and Johnnie Daniels to provide reliable protection for Van Buren in what promises to be a hostile environment. The Bulldogs made multiple adjustments to their lineup earlier in the season, trying to find combinations that work. But as they head to Texas, they will revert back to a setup they hope will support their rookie quarterback’s ability to shine.
Confidence is Key
As noted by offensive lineman Albert Reese IV, there’s an emphasis on staying cohesive and executing well. His observations about Van Buren are positive: “He’s very confident and he’s not jittery. He’s very excited for the opportunity.” That excitement stems from his time at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, where he faced some of the toughest high school teams in the nation. Van Buren’s achievements, such as being named MVP of the Under Armour All-America Game, provide further evidence of his readiness to tackle the challenges ahead, completing 10 of 15 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown in that game.
Mikey’s Moment
His teammates have affectionately nicknamed him Mikey, showcasing the camaraderie they share. Mosley shared, “He’s a cool, laid-back guy. He’s used to playing highly competitive teams. A lot of the guys he’s going against (at Texas), he’s probably played a couple of them in high school.” With such a strong belief in his skills and strong work ethic, there seems to be an energy that the Bulldogs will carry as they head into an important game.
The Support of the Community
As anticipation builds, the support for local journalism is more relevant than ever, emphasizing the essential role it plays in bringing stories like this to the forefront. In these dynamic moments of sports and community, every article matters, and every voice contributes to the larger narrative.
With all of Starkville cheering for Mikey, one thing is for sure: this Saturday’s game against Texas will be a thrilling start to a new chapter for the Bulldogs.
