Toledo Shocks Mississippi State in a Major Upset!
Starkville, Mississippi, was buzzing with anticipation as the Mississippi State Bulldogs faced off against the Toledo Rockets. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the excitement swiftly turned to disbelief as the Rockets delivered a stunning 41-17 blowout, leaving the home team – and their fans – in shock.
Early Lead for the Rockets
From the moment the game kicked off, it was clear that Toledo came to play. The Rockets were firing on all cylinders, scoring on four out of their first five possessions in the first half. The Bulldogs found themselves overwhelmed, managing only a single field goal in response, resulting in a staggering 28-3 deficit at halftime.
Mississippi State Struggles
After a rocky start to the season with a record of 1-2, Mississippi State looked to regroup. But the struggles continued as they failed to find their footing on offense. The Bulldogs were outgained 454-385 and struggled to establish a running game until the second half. They only managed to exceed 10 rushing yards after halftime, a startling stat for a team in one of college football’s premier conferences.
Toledo’s Impressive Performance
Toledo quarterback Tucker Gleason, who had been struggling with a 49% passer rating before this game, turned things around dramatically. He completed an impressive 23 of 28 passes for 285 yards, including three touchdown passes. He also rushed for 40 yards, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. Jerjuan Newton was a standout receiver, catching five passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns, adding to the Rockets’ mounting score.
Mississippi State’s Offensive Woes
Despite a solid performance from quarterback Blake Shapen, who completed 28 of 39 passes for 319 yards with two touchdowns, the Bulldogs couldn’t find their rhythm. The combination of turnovers, with a critical interception and a fumble, and the inability to move the ball effectively contributed to the lackluster outcome. Also, the Bulldogs were flagged for eight penalties totaling 84 yards, showcasing yet another hurdle on their path to success.
A Reflective Moment for the Bulldogs
At the post-game press conference, Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby expressed disappointment not just in the score but in the performance overall. “We’re disappointed that we played and coached the way that we did in front of our home crowd,” he remarked, acknowledging the enthusiasm of the students in attendance. “We did not come out and play how we wanted to play, and that dictated the rest of the game.”
Looking Ahead
With the loss to Toledo, the Bulldogs must regroup as they prepare to jump back into SEC play. Shapen mentioned the importance of learning from the previous weeks, stating, “There are a lot of lessons to be learned these last couple of weeks. We’ve got to scratch everything that’s happened before.” They will host Florida next Saturday, a challenge that will test their resilience further.
Toledo’s Momentum
Meanwhile, Toledo is basking in the glow of their achievement. Coach Jason Candle has now led the Rockets to their second victory over an SEC team, with their previous historic win against Arkansas in 2015. With a solid 3-0 start, the Rockets are looking promising as they prepare to take on Western Kentucky next.
Final Thoughts
As the dust settles in Starkville, it’s clear both teams have lessons to take away from this game. For Mississippi State, the challenge is to turn this experience into growth as they navigate through the tough waters of SEC football. For Toledo, it’s about maintaining this momentum and building on their early-season success. The road ahead is long, and it’s bound to be filled with unexpected turns!
