STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football kicked off the Jeff Levy era Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium with its annual spring game.
It didn't take long to understand why the Bulldogs hired the former Oklahoma offensive coordinator in November.
With a custom scoring system put in place to allow both sides to score points, the offense won 67-53 against the defense. While the defense held the early advantage, quarterback Blake Shapen quickly reversed the momentum in his first action in an MSU jersey.
The Baylor transfer completed 18 of 22 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns despite only appearing in the first half.
Kelly Akalayi ignites Mississippi State's offense
When Mississippi State acquired former UTEP receiver Kelly Akalai, it was clear what Levy was looking to add to the offense. The Bulldogs, who ranked fourth in the country with 21.52 yards per catch last season, have the potential for a big play in Akalai.
That was on display during the first-team offense's third drive.
After the offense fell behind 22-6, Chapen ignited the offense by connecting with Akalai'i for a 40-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Akalaii's play was complemented by another transfer opposite him. Former Louisville receiver Kevin Coleman made the first big play of the tournament on the first-team offense's second drive before Akalai's touchdown catch.
But he was the catalyst for the defense to take an early lead. Coleman fumbled at the goal line a few plays after his 43-yard catch.
Mario Craver appears as a new student
Mississippi State was without sophomore receiver Creed Whitmore, who was traveling on a scooter with tape on his right ankle. Playing a role in the first-team offense was freshman Mario Craver.
Although he was added late, he is part of an exciting 2024 class of receivers. Craver did not officially take over until Dec. 10, after Levy was hired to replace Zach Arnett. He received the highest rating in his class, a four-star rating, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
He was one of Chapen's top targets. On the opening drive of the game, the two sides nearly connected on a deep touchdown attempt. In the second quarter, Chapen completed a 15-yard pass to Craver for a first down and found Craver on a screen on the ensuing play.
At the beginning of the second half, sophomore quarterback Chris Person connected with Craver for a 60-yard pass for a touchdown.
Justin Ball impresses as a tight end
The Bulldogs haven't had a touchdown on a tight end catch since 2020, due in part to the late Mike Leach's lack of utilization of tight ends and last year's offense being one of the worst in the SEC.
showtime:Spring game is Jeff Levy's chance to showcase Mississippi State football's 'Showtime'
That will likely change under Levy.
Justin Ball, a transfer tight end who has spent the past five years at Vanderbilt, caught two touchdown passes in the first half, including a 22-yard reception just before intermission.
Stefan Krajisnik is the Clarion Ledger's Mississippi beat writer. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X Platform, formerly known as Twitter. @skrajisnik3.
