The Eastern Kentucky University football team kicked off its 2024 season with a tough 56-7 loss on the road against Mississippi State on Saturday night.
“Obviously not happy with the outcome of the game, but I think there are some bright spots,” said head coach Walt Wells. “When we watch the film tomorrow, we’ll see some young guys making some good plays, some older guys making some good plays, and then we’ve got to correct the mistakes we made. Those are the things that didn’t give us a chance in the fourth quarter… I believe you can continually improve, and we have to do that.”
Mississippi State’s new quarterback, Blake Shapen, led the Bulldogs with three touchdown passes and 247 yards through the air, adding another score on the ground.
EKU’s lone touchdown came from quarterback Matt Morrissey, who led a 14-play, 75-yard drive just before halftime. Morrissey connected with Ron Vann Jr. on a nine-yard touchdown pass over the middle with three seconds remaining in the first half, bringing the score to 35-7 at the break.
How It Happened
Mississippi State wasted no time asserting control, scoring touchdowns on its first two drives to take a 14-0 lead with 11:07 left in the first quarter. The Bulldogs continued to dominate, adding three more touchdowns in the second quarter.
EKU showed some fight after halftime, with Morrissey leading the Colonels into Mississippi State territory early in the third quarter. However, an incomplete pass on fourth-and-2 at the 35-yard line resulted in a turnover on downs. The Colonels had another chance to score in the fourth quarter, advancing to the Bulldogs’ 31-yard line before turning the ball over on downs once again.
Mississippi State added three more touchdowns in the second half, including a one-yard rush, a blocked punt return, and an interception return, sealing the 56-7 victory.
The Colonels will now shift their focus to the Battle of the Bluegrass, renewing their rivalry against Western Kentucky next Saturday, Sept. 7.
