Mississippi State dominates Eastern Kentucky in Lebby’s debut with a 56-7 victory

Mississippi State had an impressive start under the leadership of new head coach Jeff Lebby, crushing Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in their season opener. The Bulldogs displayed dominance on all fronts, scoring touchdowns through offense, defense, and special teams.
Quarterback Blake Shapen, a transfer from Baylor, shined in his debut, throwing for three touchdowns and 247 yards while also rushing for a score. Four different wide receivers found the end zone, with Jordan Mosely and Kevin Coleman leading the way in receiving yards.
The Bulldogs wasted no time scoring, finding the end zone on their first two possessions before a rain delay interrupted play. They quickly regrouped, scoring consistently throughout the game and showcasing their offensive firepower.
Special teams contributed to the scoring frenzy with a blocked punt and a pick-6 by freshman defensive back Elijah Cannon. Eastern Kentucky managed to score only once late in the first half and struggled to make an impact for the rest of the game.
Looking ahead, Eastern Kentucky faces Western Kentucky in their next game, while Mississippi State is set to take on Arizona State in what promises to be a challenging matchup. Despite tougher games on the horizon, the Bulldogs have ignited excitement with their strong season opener performance.