Mississippi State Suffers More Injury Blows Ahead of Texas Matchup

More bad news for Mississippi State

Mississippi State faces another major setback before Saturday's game against Texas. Starting left guard DJ Chester was ruled out on Thursday's SEC availability report.

This news arrives just two days after the team announced that star quarterback Kamario Taylor will miss the rest of the year. Taylor requires surgery for a season ending injury. He was a top Heisman Trophy contender before getting hurt.

Chester is a former transfer who has started all seven games for the Bulldogs this year. He has allowed three quarterback pressures and two sacks. Head coach Jeff Lebby has not publicly revealed the nature of Chester's injury.

Defensive injuries piling up

The problems do not stop on the offensive line. Mississippi State is dealing with several key health issues on defense as well.

Starting linebacker Tyler Lockhart was added to Thursday's report as questionable. The Bulldogs are already playing without starting linebacker Jalen Smith, who suffered an injury that ended his season.

Safety Isaac Smith is also listed as questionable for Saturday. He did not play in the team's previous game against Oklahoma. Coach Lebby has kept the details of Isaac Smith's injury private too.

Texas edge rusher likely out

Texas has its own injury concerns heading into Saturday's matchup. Star edge rusher Colin Simmons was downgraded from questionable to doubtful on Thursday's report.

Simmons leads the FBS with 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. He suffered an ankle injury two weeks ago and did not play in the previous game against Ole Miss.

What it means for the next game

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Texas Longhorns (College Football, Sat, 31 Oct): Texas Longhorns win 89%, Mississippi State Bulldogs win 11%; projected score Texas Longhorns 35, Mississippi State Bulldogs 16. Our safest pick: Mississippi St +30.5.

Vanderbilt Commodores at Mississippi State Bulldogs (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Mississippi State Bulldogs win 53%, Vanderbilt Commodores win 47%; projected score Mississippi State Bulldogs 31, Vanderbilt Commodores 27. Our safest pick: Over 47.5 points.