No. 16 Mississippi State is dealing with significant injury concerns on offense heading into Saturday’s matchup with No. 22 LSU, with quarterback Kamario Taylor and leading rusher Fluff Bothwell both listed as questionable.
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The Bulldogs are coming off a bye week, but Taylor is still dealing with a foot injury suffered in the September 26 win over Missouri. Local reporters covering Mississippi State have described the injury as turf toe.
The injury limited Taylor’s mobility in the Bulldogs’ 56-23 loss to Alabama on October 3, and there is growing concern in Starkville that he could miss Saturday’s game in Tiger Stadium.
If Taylor cannot play, redshirt freshman Billy Puckett is expected to make his first career start. Puckett has completed 8 of 14 passes for 89 yards without a touchdown or an interception.
LSU linebacker TJ Dottery says the Tigers aren’t changing their approach based on Taylor’s availability.
“I don’t think it changes a lot from our mentality from trying to execute on our side of the ball as well as just preparing as if he will be the starter. I know the guy personally. He’s just a great leader for them, and he’s going to do whatever he can to get out there on Saturday,” Dottery said.
Bothwell is also questionable after suffering a left foot or ankle injury against Alabama. The 5-foot-10, 230-pound back from Oneonta, Alabama, had just one carry before leaving the game. He has rushed for 403 yards and three touchdowns this season, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
Mississippi State will also be without linebacker Jalen Smith, the Bulldogs’ second-leading tackler, who has been ruled out.
The injury concerns come as LSU is listed as a 14.5-point favorite.
The Tigers have their own issues at linebacker, with Tylen Singleton listed as questionable. As expected, linebacker Whit Weeks and tight end Trey’Dez Green have been ruled out.
Kickoff Saturday at Tiger Stadium is scheduled for 11 a.m.
