Why Tim Tebow, Jordan Rodgers think Mississippi State football offense has improved

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State soccer’s Mike Leach has made a residing off passing the ball. Behind the Air Raid offense, MSU leads the nation with 1,500 move makes an attempt since Leach was employed in 2020.

However within the eyes of former Florida quarterback and Heisman winner Tim Tebow, the Mississippi State offense hasn’t taken a step ahead due to a stronger passing assault. It’s the run that’s making a distinction.

“(Leach) has been prepared to adapt,” Tebow stated Friday. “That’s helped. Their receivers — their capacity to regulate has been nice. However I believe what’s taken a subsequent stage is his willingness to implement extra of the working recreation.”

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Tebow is in Starkville as a part of SEC Nation’s pregame present forward of No. 23 Mississippi State’s matchup with No. 25 Arkansas on Saturday (11 a.m., SEC Community).

Tebow’s colleague Jordan Rodgers, a former Vanderbilt quarterback, agrees with the testomony to an extent. MSU is simply averaging about two rushes extra per recreation but it surely’s coming with 30 extra speeding yards.

“They’re more practical. The scheme is healthier,” Rodgers stated. “They’re extra bodily up entrance. The backs play a component in that. Will (Rogers) performs a component in that as nicely to get them in the precise seems to be.”

Each former quarterbacks had been complimentary of Rogers and the best way he has discovered to run Leach’s offense in his third season behind middle.

Tebow stated Rogers has the most effective anticipation amongst quarterbacks within the SEC and referred to as him “brave” within the pocket. Rogers, who’s finishing an SEC-best 73.1% of passes, additionally gained praised for his accuracy.

Rodgers gave Tebow some flak, suggesting the previous Gator wasn’t at all times excessive on the Air Raid. However Rodgers has been optimistic about MSU for some time, significantly because it involves Rogers.

Rodgers has lengthy referred to as him one of the vital neglected quarterbacks within the SEC.

“There’s simply one thing in regards to the child that when it’s powerful and there’s strain on, he performs at a particularly excessive stage,” Rodgers stated. “I like that. You may name it a chip. You may name it the it-factor. No matter you wish to name it, he’s acquired it. He’s acquired lots of it.”

SEC Nation host Laura Rutledge informed the Clarion Ledger on Wednesday that Rogers is getting extra NFL consideration than some suppose. Nonetheless, some nonetheless think about him a system quarterback.

Tebow stated Rogers has proven potential to play on the subsequent stage. Like Rogers and Arkansas’ KJ Jefferson, Tebow skilled collegiate success many believed wouldn’t translate into the NFL.

His message to dealing with the doubt was easy.

“You’ve acquired to consider in your self and proceed to work,” Tebow stated. “Jalen (Hurts) is the right instance. Lots of people would’ve stated lots of issues about Jalen Hurts. (The Philadelphia Eagles) are the one undefeated crew within the NFL proper now.”

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat author for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or observe him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.