Mississippi State Offense Takes Big Hit Ahead of LSU Trip

Bulldogs hit by major offensive downgrades

Mississippi State faces serious issues on offense ahead of Saturday's game at LSU. Starting quarterback Kamario Taylor has officially been downgraded from questionable to doubtful on the SEC availability report. He is not alone on that list, as leading rusher Fluff Bothwell was also downgraded to doubtful for the matchup.

Taylor is dealing with a foot injury that occurred during Mississippi State's win over Missouri. The sophomore signal caller attempted to tough it out the following week against Alabama, playing through visible pain. However, he could not finish the contest and had to leave the field in the fourth quarter as the Bulldogs took a loss.

Taylor and Bothwell carry the attack

Before that defeat against Alabama, Taylor had built up a resume that made him a top Heisman Trophy contender. He has thrown for 1,450 yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions so far this season.

In addition to his passing production, Taylor provides a running threat for the Bulldogs. He currently ranks second on the team in rushing with 159 yards and one touchdown.

The downgrade for Bothwell makes the offensive outlook even thinner. Bothwell leads Mississippi State on the ground this season, having piled up 403 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Losing Bothwell along with Taylor means the Bulldogs might take the field against LSU without their top passer and their top two rushers.

What it means for the next game

Mississippi State Bulldogs at LSU Tigers (College Football, Sat, 17 Oct): LSU Tigers win 84%, Mississippi State Bulldogs win 16%; projected score LSU Tigers 37, Mississippi State Bulldogs 20. Our safest pick: LSU to win.

Oklahoma Sooners at Mississippi State Bulldogs (College Football, Sat, 24 Oct): Mississippi State Bulldogs win 56%, Oklahoma Sooners win 44%; projected score Mississippi State Bulldogs 30, Oklahoma Sooners 26. Our safest pick: Mississippi St +6.5.