With Mississippi State’s quarterback situation in flux, Texas is getting a different kind of test this week.
The Longhorns are already fresh off a game against a backup quarterback after Florida turned to Tramell Jones, who put together a huge performance against Texas. Now Steve Sarkisian and Will Muschamp have to get ready for another uncertain signal-caller on the other side, after ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Kamario Taylor will miss the rest of the season following toe surgery.
That injury is a major blow for Mississippi State. Taylor had been putting together a sensational season before hurting his toe on Sept. 26 against Missouri. He tried to push through it, but he ended up leaving early against Alabama and Oklahoma.
Even so, this is not entirely unfamiliar territory for the Bulldogs. They have already played without Taylor, and head coach Jeff Lebby is keeping the competition open between Parker "Billy" Puckett and AJ Swann.
“Billy and AJ, both those guys will go compete," Lebby said, per Mississippi State on SI. If Kamario’s not available, and whoever really at the end of the day, I feel like puts us in the best position to go win, take great care of the football, make the plays that we need to make offensively to win the game, [will] be the guy that goes and starts."
Puckett is a freshman who would be making just his second career start. His legs can create problems for Texas, but he has also thrown an interception in back-to-back games. Swann brings a much more experienced résumé, with stops at Vanderbilt, LSU, and Appalachian State, and more than 4,000 career passing yards to go with 32 touchdowns.
The contrast between them is exactly what makes this week tricky for Texas. Puckett is more of a threat on the move, while Swann is the pocket passer who is less mobile. If Swann gets the nod, the Longhorns would be leaning on last year’s film, since he has not thrown a pass this season.
Lebeb’s reluctance to name a starter gives Mississippi State some room to keep Texas guessing.
No matter who lines up under center, though, the Bulldogs’ offense has not been clicking lately. They were blanked by LSU two weeks ago, then managed only two touchdowns against Oklahoma. Texas’ job is clear: make whichever quarterback starts uncomfortable and force Mississippi State to throw.
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Mississippi State figures to be a stern next test on the perimeter. Cornerbacks Jett Jefferson and Kelley Jones have both graded well on the defensive side, and Jones already has a history with Texas after intercepting Arch Manning last season. With Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman among the receivers likely to draw his attention again, Texas will have to prove its passing game can hold up against one of the better cornerback groups it has seen. [Read more 🡒]