Tulu Griffin just one of the players impressive in Mississippi State football spring game

Stefan Krajisnik, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
Updated ·3 min read
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STARKVILLE — A new era for Mississippi State football has begun with coach Zach Arnett, and fans got their first look Saturday at what the 2023 season could bring.

Back at Davis Wade Stadium, MSU hosted its Maroon & White spring game which saw Team Wingo/Maroon take a 17-7 win. That squad was comprised of the first team offense, led by new coordinator Kevin Barbay and quarterback Will Rogers, and the second team defense.

Here are some observations.

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NEW LOOK: As Mississippi State redefines its offensive identity, Lideatrick Griffin stands to benefit

Lideatrick 'Tulu' Griffin shines immediately

It didn't take long for fans to get a glimpse at the new offense. Four plays into the scrimmage, receiver Lideatrick "Tulu" Griffin took an end-around from Rogers and went 43 yards for a touchdown.

Griffin, who was an outside receiver in former coach Mike Leach's Air Raid offense, has moved to the slot this spring. It has resulted in plenty of handoffs to him during practices, and it's evident why. His speed around the edge combined with a block from offensive lineman turned tight end Malik Ellis made Griffin impossible to bring down.

Tight ends are also a new piece to the offense, hence why players such as Ellis were forced to move positions. On Griffin's touchdown, Mississippi State had Ellis and Antonio Harmon, a receiver last season, lined up as tight ends.

Zavion Thomas makes impressive touchdown catch

Of the first 14 plays for the first team offense, nine were runs. The script flipped after that as Mississippi State started making explosive plays in the passing game.

Rogers completed a 19-yard pass to Griffin early in the second quarter before a 55-yard touchdown pass to Zavion Thomas later in the period. Thomas, who primarily shined as a freshman in the punt return game, has become a big piece in the new offense.

His one-handed grab provided a promising sign for the regular season.

MSU welcomes 'Dak' at halftime

As a new coaching regime held the spotlight at Davis Wade Stadium, a different changing of the guard was acknowledged at halftime. MSU said goodbye to live mascot Bully XXI (Jak) as he enters retirement and is replaced by Bully XXII (Dak).

The new English Bulldog is named after legendary MSU quarterback Dak Prescott, now on the Dallas Cowboys, who was at the game for the ceremony.

Bulldogs wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin (5) returns a kickoff against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
Bulldogs wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin (5) returns a kickoff against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.

Chris Parson plays limited reps

Four-star prospect Chris Parson enrolled early this spring out of Ravenwood High School in Tennessee, but he has been limited due to injury. However, fans got a glimpse at the third highest-rated prospect in MSU’s 2023 recruiting class.

The freshman quarterback took part in seven-on-seven drills between periods, which has been the norm in practice.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State football: Tulu Griffin one of the stars in spring game