STARKVILLE — Another week, another question mark at quarterback for Mississippi State.
As has been the case most of 2019, coach Joe Moorhead enters the week needing to make a decision under center between graduate transfer Tommy Stevens and freshman Garrett Shrader.
Speaking with the media Monday, Moorhead said both Stevens and Shrader are as healthy as they’ve been this season, though the former took the majority of the No. 1 reps last week.
While Shrader was named the starter over Stevens following MSU’s loss against Tennessee, the Charlotte native has battled a lower body injury that forced him from a Nov. 2 win over Arkansas.
In his place, Stevens torched the Razorbacks for 172 yards and two touchdowns on 12 of 18 passing, while adding another 74 yards rushing on 15 carries.
“The Arkansas game was the first one where Tommy was completely healthy for quite a time.” Moorhead said. “So seeing him throw it accurately, create explosive plays and, more than anything, see him run the ball was good.”
With a looming matchup against No. 4 Alabama Saturday, Moorhead said both quarterbacks offer unique abilities when facing one of the nation’s elite defenses.
“They’re QB 1A and 1B,” he said. “…Tommy, from an experience standpoint, has seen more things during the course of his career. Heading into a game (against) an opponent of this caliber he can fall back on that experience a little bit, whereas Garrett is doing some different and unique things with his feet from an improvisational standpoint.”
If this week’s decision follows this season’s pattern, Moorhead should have a starter picked Thursday — lining up with his comments Monday that he will select his No. 1 guy later this week.
“Going to need both of them like we have throughout the season,” he said. “Listed as an ‘or’ but we’ll continue to hammer it out during the week and see where it goes.”
Doctor’s office clearing out
While the quarterback conundrum has become an ongoing talking point in Starkville this season, Moorhead’s weekly injury report has become denser and denser as the year has progressed. That changed Monday.
Following the bye week, Moorhead said only redshirt freshman defensive tackle Cameron Young — whom he previously announced would be out for the season — was the lone Bulldog expected to miss extended time.
More pressing, the second-year head coach said he expects to get freshman cornerback Jarrian Jones back ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Alabama. A four-star prospect out of Brandon, Jones has been a stalwart in the MSU defensive backfield this season — totaling five tackles, two pass break ups and a fumble recovery in eight games.
Military appreciation coming to Starkville
With Veteran’s Day being celebrated nationwide Monday, Moorhead and Mississippi State took the opportunity to thank the men and women who have served in the United States military.
Moorhead, whose father served in the army, offered a brief sermon on the importance of the armed forces and what it means to him during his weekly press conference.
“Freedom isn’t free and for people to make the sacrifices that they do to ensure that people in this country can enjoy the fruits of democracy — that means a lot,” he said. “It’s something where I think you really can’t be thankful enough for those selfless acts of people to be able to provide for the greater good.”
Institutionally, MSU announced that it would be installing permanently vacant seats in Davis Wade Stadium, Humphrey Coliseum and Dudy Noble Field in honor of POW/MIA soldiers.
“Mississippi State has always taken great pride in honoring our veterans and service members,” MSU Athletic Director John Cohen said in a news release. “The courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who serve and protect our country allow us the freedoms we have, including attending our Bulldog athletic events. These unoccupied Chairs of Honor at our venues will forever serve in remembrance of those who never returned home. There will always be a place in our venues awaiting their return.”
Saturday’s game against Alabama also marks Military Appreciation day for the MSU football team. Further details on the day’s events will be announced Tuesday.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
