HornSports Staff
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AUSTIN — A week after their victory over Ole Miss, which was witnessed by a crowd of 104,306, No. 11 Texas is set to host Mississippi State on Halloween night. The Bulldogs are struggling this season and have also lost their starting quarterback.
Mississippi State (4-3) began the season strong with a 4-0 record and reached as high as No. 16 in the rankings. However, their momentum ceased when quarterback Kamario Taylor sustained a toe injury late in the game against LSU. Since then, they have not won a game. Despite attempting to play through the injury, Taylor re-aggravated it during the first quarter against Oklahoma and underwent season-ending surgery on Wednesday. Initially averaging 43 points per game in their first four outings, Mississippi State has since dipped below 13 points per game during their current three-game losing streak.
Jeff Lebby will choose either redshirt freshman Billy Puckett or Appalachian State transfer AJ Swann for the starting role, but has kept his decision under wraps until game day. Regardless of who plays, Texas anticipates that Mississippi State will maintain their rapid pace.
"They operate at a quick tempo," Steve Sarkisian remarked. "They typically snap the ball with around 27 seconds remaining on the play clock. Their wide splits stretch defenses, and they move quickly on the outside; I believe that aspect challenged us last year when we played there."
This season, Texas (5-2) has relied heavily on its defense, allowing an average of 285.4 yards per game - ranked 15th in FBS - and conceding just 19.1 points per contest. Meanwhile, their offense continues to seek stability with an average of 369.6 yards per game, placing them at 88th overall.
Sarkisian's message to his team this week was clear: "Now is not the time for relief syndrome," he stated. "This is the moment for a Mamba Mentality."
Our Key Factors
- Third Down Efficiency: Texas has struggled with too many long third downs while failing on shorter attempts. Improved performance on first and second downs could ease pressures for Arch Manning.
- Left Tackle Position: With Trevor Goosby out for the remainder of the season, Andre Cojoe filled most of the role in the Ole Miss match but allowed a strip-sack; Zach Arnett's defense will challenge him with various looks.
- Pressure on Inexperienced Quarterback: Will Muschamp's defense generated three turnovers last week; if Texas can contain Fluff Bothwell early on, it may force an inexperienced quarterback into tough throws behind a struggling offensive line.
- Penalties and Special Teams Play: Texas faced penalties for holding on perimeter blocks and false starts against Ole Miss while also conceding a punt return touchdown and mishandling an onside kick opportunity. "It's a precarious position to be in," Sarkisian noted. "We need to rectify these issues."
"I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be this Halloween night than at DKR." -- Steve Sarkisian
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