Cowbell Corner

Mississippi State football embraces ‘score from far’ with explosive touchdowns

From 75-yard strikes to quick scores, Mississippi State football continues to showcase Jeff Lebby’s explosive ‘score from far’ philosophy.
Taylor Hodges|
Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Emeka Iloh (84) and head coach Jeff Lebby react during the second half against the Alcorn State Braves at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Emeka Iloh (84) and head coach Jeff Lebby react during the second half against the Alcorn State Braves at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

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Mississippi State Bulldogs

At each of his previous coaching stops as an offensive coordinator, Jeff Lebby’s offenses had a similar reputation.

The offenses moved fast, ran a lot of plays and scored a lot of explosive touchdowns from far downfield.

That led to creation of the phrase “score from far” that has been used often this season when talking about the Bulldogs.

“It's been a part of offenses I've called and run and manage,” Lebby said after Saturday’s 63-0 win against Alcorn State. “It's something I've always thought and it is a huge determining factor in football games. Explosive plays matter in a huge way. They create touchdown opportunities. They will be a big part of us. The score from far is all well and good, but we have to sustain, and in short yardage and goal line situations be able to get done what we need to get done. That's a huge part of who we are and what we do, but we'll have to run the football.”

Through three games this season, Mississippi State’s offense has scored six touchdowns of 40 yards or more, including Brenen Thompson’s game-winning touchdown against Arizona State.

In fact, the shortest touchdown pass this season was Anthony Evans III’s 22-yard touchdown catch last Saturday against Alcorn State.

For the most part, the “score from far” mantra was in full swing Saturday.

The Bulldogs had two touchdowns of 40 yards or more and added four more of at least 22 yards.

Even from the first play of the game, Mississippi State was taking deep shots like it was a video game. That first pass was incomplete, but the second was completed and Jordan Mosley scored a 75-yard touchdown.

That’s the longest touchdown of the season for Mississippi State and it’s entirely plausible there’ll be a longer touchdown scored this season.

Score from far is also really catchy, and very easy to rhyme.

Yeah. Apologies in advance, but if you read this like a game story, it should make sense.

Score from Far: The 63-0 Game

They chase a shooting star
And despite all their might,
They watch him score from far

That first pass was subpar,
The second was alright,
They chase a shooting star

Do the Braves have radar?
Brenen has taken flight,
They watch him score from far

Oh wow, this is bizarre!
Now Fluff’s on a spaceflight,
They chase a shooting star

From stage left, a rockstar,
His throw was with great might,
They watch him score from far

Behold a Dawg witha scar,
He’s beaten his dark plight,
They chase a shooting star
They watch him score from far.

Score From Far: The 63-0 Game
Score From Far: The 63-0 Game | Taylor Hodges

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Taylor Hodges
TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas, but he was taken to Razorback pep rallies at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth before he could walk. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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