With just under a month until kickoff, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Missouri State Bears this season in year three under coach Bobby Petrino.
There’s a lot to look forward to for MSU fans, including a new focus on offense.
“Our ability to run the ball with power and run the ball with consistency. Help our play action game, help us throw the ball deep a little bit more.,” said Missouri State head coach Bobby Petrino.
A large part of that ground game will be Kansas State transfer running back Jacardia Wright.
“His ability to take a 2-3 yard gain and make it into a 7-8 yard gain,” Petrino said.
“You watch him run it’s impressive. He’s big, powerful, fast, and he’s got really quick feet,” offensive coordinator Nick Petrino added.
Returning to the Bears offense is quarterback Jason Shelley.
“Obviously he excelled last year, throwing the ball and running the ball. Everything. Where I think he’ll be a lot better is his knowledge of the offense,” Nick Petrino said.
Shelley is the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and is the natural leader of the team in his second season.
“I think it’s really comforting for the players around him. The confidence that they have and the calls he makes to help the offensive line, the calls he makes to help our protections,” said Bobby Petrino.
On defense, the Bears will be leaning on Kevin Ellis.
“He’s an elite pass rusher, he uses his hands extremely well. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be the sac leader in the best conference in the FCS two years straight,” said defensive coordinator Ryan Beard.
The players have a special feeling about this team and this season, something that the team captains have worked on this fall.
“Everybody this year, I feel like offense and defense, collectively we are all together and want that national championship and so everybody is just coming together perfectly,” Missouri State senior safety Kyriq McDonald said.
With still a few weeks until kickoff, the Bears still have some work to do.
“Number one is technique and fundamentals. I’ve always believed that’s how you win games, you get better at your technique and better in practice at it. Be consistent on a play-to-play basis and on a day-to-day basis on your attitude and effort,” said Bobby Petrino.
Bears begin their season on September 1st, you can see their full schedule here.
