The 2024 season went from bad to worse for Mississippi State late Saturday, as it was revealed that quarterback Blake Shapen will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.
Shapen, a fifth-year senior, was injured after being tackled for a loss on a fourth-down play early in the fourth quarter of the Bulldogs’ 45-28 loss to Florida. Head coach Jeff Lebby said in the post-game that did not yet have an update on Shapen’s status, but the school released a statement later in the day that he will undergo season-ending surgery.
“We’re all hurting for Blake after this unfortunate news,” Lebby said. “Blake is the ultimate competitor and teammate and an unquestioned leader in our program. I know he will work incredibly hard to come back stronger than ever, and he will continue to serve as a team leader from the sidelines.
“We will support Blake every step of the way during his recovery process and explore all options to help him seek a medical hardship waiver to regain his lost year of eligibility.”
Shapen completed 13 of 21 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown prior to his injury. True freshman Michael Van Buren replaced him behind center and went 7-for-13 for 100 yards.
Shapen transferred to Mississippi State after four years at Baylor, redshirting in 2020 and playing in 30 games from 2021-23. He was limited to eight games last year due to two separate injuries: a knee injury and a concussion that ended his season in late November.
Mississippi State is now 1-3 this season after three consecutive losses, two of them at home. The Bulldogs travel to top-ranked Texas next week.
