Mississippi State Names New Starter At QB With Blake Shapen Done For The Season

Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby spoke with the media this week and revealed that freshman QB Michael Van Buren will start on Saturday vs. Texas, replacing Blake Shapen, who suffered a season-ending injury last week. Per On3:

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“Chris [Parson] has been unbelievable from being a great teammate, working his butt off, doing some of the things that we needed him to do to create a ton of confidence. But Michael [Van Burden] will run out there first,” Lebby said.

Lebby will be rolling with the true freshman Michael Van Burden this weekend, who will be making his first career college start in one of the most hostile environments in the country. DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium against the No. 1 ranked Longhorns.

Van Burden saw his first collegiate action in relief of the injured Shapen on Saturday. Completing seven of his 10 pass attempts for 100 yards and leading a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. As Lebby spoke on what’s given him the confidence in his true freshman ahead of his big moment this weekend.

“Just predictability,” Lebby said. “Having some predictable outcomes, knowing what’s going to happen with the ball, taking great care of the ball. He’s got to do that for us on Saturday afternoon. That’ll be a huge part of us having a chance.”

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