Mississippi State produced perhaps the most surprising offensive explosion of the SEC’s opening weekend, destroying Louisiana-Monroe 62-13.
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Quarterback Kamario Taylor was sensational, accounting for 413 total yards and five touchdowns as the Bulldogs rolled from beginning to end.
Mississippi State accumulated a program-record 762 yards of total offense, a figure that ranks among the highest single-game totals in SEC history.
The Bulldogs scored 21 points in the opening quarter and another 20 in the second, taking a 41-3 lead into halftime. At that point, the outcome had long since been decided.
For Mississippi State, the significance extends beyond beating ULM.
The Bulldogs entered the season needing evidence that their offense could become more explosive. Taylor provided exactly that. His ability to create yardage both through the air and on the ground gives Mississippi State an element capable of creating problems even when the original play breaks down.
ULM did score 10 points during the third quarter, but Mississippi State answered with another 14 in the fourth.
The Bulldogs aren’t suddenly an SEC championship favorite because they overwhelmed ULM. Conference defenses will be larger, faster and considerably more sophisticated.
But 762 yards cannot simply be dismissed because of the opponent.
Mississippi State demonstrated explosive-play ability, quarterback athleticism and enough depth to continue scoring after the game had effectively been decided.
For a program looking to climb the SEC standings, that’s an extremely encouraging beginning.
Taylor is clearly the player to watch.
If his opening performance proves to be an indication rather than an aberration, Mississippi State could possess one of the conference’s most intriguing young quarterbacks.
The Bulldogs didn’t merely beat ULM. They announced that their offense may be considerably more dangerous than anticipated.
