Mississippi State loses to Toledo despite paying $1.2 million to the Rockets

State of Mississippi suffered a humiliating and degrading defeat by the Toledo Rockets on Saturday night. Toledo dominated MSU all night long, winning 41-17 on the road. Not only that, but the Rockets went home a lot richer, as Mississippi State paid them $1.2 million for the game. according to Steve Berkowitz of USA Today.

The Rockets outscored the Bulldogs 28-3 in the first half and held on tight to pull off a mild upset. They improved to 3-0 this year and dropped Mississippi State to 1-2 at the start of the Jeffy Lebby era in Starkville.

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Toledo dominated time of possession on Saturday night, holding the ball for over 30 minutes. They had over 420 total yards of offense and Mississippi State’s defense just couldn’t find a solution for most of the night.

Toledo quarterback Tucker Gleason had an impressive night, completing 23 of 28 passes for 285 yards, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions. Toledo did most of its damage in the second quarter, when they outscored the Bulldogs 21-3. With a 28-3 halftime lead, the game was essentially decided at halftime. The Rockets scored 13 more points in the second half to ensure that a magical comeback would not happen. The points were capped by a 23-yard field goal by kicker Dylan Cunanan with 1:11 left in the fourth quarter.

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Mississippi State scored 14 points in the second half, but it was far too little, too late. Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shaping threw two touchdown passes in the second half. Mississippi State got touchdown catches from Kevin Coleman Jr. and freshman speedster Mario Craver.

Craver has already scored two touchdowns in his career in Starkville. The 5’9″ and 145-pound player played on the same high school team as Alabama’s freshman Jaylen Mbawkeone of the best cornerback prospects in the country. The duo dominated at Clay-Chalkville (Birmingham, Alabama), leading them to a perfect 14-0 record and a 6A Alabama State Championship in 2023.

Toledo will next face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, September 21. Mississippi State will look to bounce back against the Florida Gators on Saturday, September 21.