Freshman Quarterback Chris Parson Makes In-Game Debut Against Kentucky
After a long and hard battle between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Kentucky Wildcats, head coach Zach Arnett decided to make a roster change near the end of the game. Starting quarterback Mike Wright went three-and-out to start the game, and couldn't seem to pick himself up the rest of the night.
After a plethora of incomplete passes and sacks, Arnett decided it was time to take Wright out and give the rookie a chance. True freshman Chris Parson took the quarterback spot and played with diligence.
With a positive response from fans, Parson's first pass gave the Bulldogs a gain of seven yards, finishing the third quarter. However, to begin the final 15 minutes, the Bulldogs went three-and-out with Parson leading the offense.
Overall, Parson was 6-for-11 for 67 yards. He didn't fare as well on the ground, in part due to sacks, and his 11 rushing yards nullified by minus-31 in losses. His best drive was 15 plays, 41 yards, and ended on down at the Kentucky 18.
Quarterback Mike Wright completed 11 of his 21 throws for 78 yards. He also rushed for 20 yards.
There is no timetable for Will Rogers to return. He's been out since suffering a shoulder injury in the Oct. 7 win over Western Michigan, however the SEC Network's Tom Hart said on the SEC Network broadcast that the quarterback promised to play again this season.
"Ran into him yesterday, he guaranteed he'd be back for the Egg Bowl," Hart said on the broadcast. "He said even if my arm fell off."
