The 2024 season for Mississippi College has been a challenging one, with the Choctaws currently sitting at 0-6. Despite the difficult start, the team has shown resilience, putting up strong efforts against formidable opponents. Mississippi College, under head coach John Bland, continues to fight in each game as they aim to turn the season around in the second half.
Season Overview
The Choctaws have faced tough competition throughout the season, including losses to West Florida and West Alabama. Despite being winless so far, the team has averaged 220.3 yards of total offense per game, while their defense has allowed 325 yards per game. Mississippi College’s offensive struggles are reflected in their average of 7.33 points per game, while the defense has conceded an average of 28.17 points.
The team has been outscored 169-44 this season, with turnovers and red-zone inefficiencies contributing to the difficulties. Mississippi College has struggled on third downs, converting just 22.58% of attempts. However, the Choctaws have had some bright spots, particularly on special teams and individual defensive performances.
Offensive Highlights
Offensively, the Choctaws have relied on a ground-heavy attack, led by running back Marcus Williams. Williams has rushed for 287 yards on 85 carries, averaging 47.83 yards per game with two touchdowns. His longest run of the season was a 25-yard dash. Preston Godfrey has contributed as well, rushing for 149 yards and a touchdown, with an impressive 59-yard run as his season highlight.
The passing game, however, has struggled, with quarterbacks Eli Anderson and Jackson Allen combining for just 748 passing yards and two touchdowns. Anderson has been the more consistent of the two, completing 65% of his passes for 450 yards, though he has thrown five interceptions. Allen has added 176 yards and one touchdown but has also struggled with accuracy and turnovers.
Javier Batiste has been the standout receiver, leading the team with 13 catches for 149 yards and one touchdown. Other contributors include Marcus Williams, who has caught 12 passes for 90 yards, and Desmond Young, who has 88 receiving yards on 12 catches. Despite their efforts, the passing game has averaged only 124.67 yards per game, limiting the offensive output.
Defensive Standouts
Mississippi College’s defense has had to bear the brunt of the action, often spending extended time on the field due to offensive struggles. Linebacker Jason Betz has been a standout performer, leading the team with 34 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Defensive lineman Brennan Blake has also been a force, recording 25 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
David Brown has been active in the secondary, contributing 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and an interception. Chris Butler has added 10 tackles and an interception, returning it for 36 yards. Despite these individual efforts, the defense has struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard, particularly in the second quarter, where opponents have outscored the Choctaws 61-17.
The defense has shown flashes of potential, recording 10 sacks on the season, but they’ve allowed 46 tackles for loss and have given up 10 rushing touchdowns and 8 passing touchdowns.
Special Teams Contributions
Special teams have been a bright spot for Mississippi College. Punter Michael Shine has been a consistent performer, averaging 40.53 yards per punt, with a long punt of 65 yards. He has placed seven punts inside the 20-yard line, helping the Choctaws flip field position in key moments.
Kicker Ben Pledger has converted 2 of 5 field goal attempts, including a season-long 44-yard field goal. Pledger has also been perfect on extra points, hitting 4 of 4 attempts. Kick returner Marcus Williams has been a standout, averaging 25.5 yards per return, including a long return of 44 yards. Preston Godfrey has also contributed, averaging 24.25 yards per kick return.
Key Games Recap
Mississippi College vs. Chowan (25-27)
One of the closest games of the season for the Choctaws came in a 27-25 loss to Chowan. Mississippi College put up their highest point total of the season, with Marcus Williams rushing for 87 yards and a touchdown. The defense also played well, forcing two turnovers, but the Choctaws fell just short in the final minutes.
Mississippi College vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (7-27)
In this early-season contest, Mississippi College struggled to get going offensively. Despite a solid defensive effort, the Choctaws allowed 27 points while managing just one touchdown. Quarterback Eli Anderson threw for 120 yards, but turnovers and penalties derailed the offense’s ability to sustain drives.
Mississippi College vs. West Alabama (0-26)
In their most recent contest, the Choctaws were shut out by West Alabama. The offense was held to just 107 total yards, while West Alabama racked up 337 yards. The defense put up a fight, with Jason Betz recording a sack, but the offense was unable to generate any scoring opportunities.
Areas for Improvement
As Mississippi College heads into the second half of the season, there are several areas where improvement is needed. First and foremost, the offense needs to find more consistency, particularly in the passing game. Quarterback play has been a challenge, with 12 interceptions thrown compared to just two touchdowns. Improving decision-making and protecting the football will be key to turning the season around.
Additionally, the Choctaws must improve their third-down efficiency, both on offense and defense. Mississippi College is converting just 22.58% of their third-down attempts, while opponents have converted 37.50%. Finding ways to sustain drives and keeping the defense off the field for extended periods will be crucial to their success.
On the defensive side, the Choctaws need to tighten up their run defense. Mississippi College has allowed 959 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns through six games. Improving gap discipline and tackling will be critical as they face more conference opponents.
Looking Ahead
With the second half of the season still to come, Mississippi College will look to regroup and improve their record. Key matchups against Delta State and Valdosta State will be crucial for the Choctaws as they aim to secure their first win of the season.
Despite the difficult start, Mississippi College has the talent and potential to turn things around. If the team can improve their offensive consistency, reduce turnovers, and shore up their defense, they have a chance to finish the season on a positive note and build momentum for the future.
