Mississippi State’s young players have taken on major roles through five games ahead of the Bulldogs’ Oct. 17 visit to LSU. The Bulldogs enter that matchup 4-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play, according to Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI.
The biggest concern at the top of the group is sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor, whose production has driven the offense while an injury from the Alabama game creates a question about his availability for LSU.
Key Takeaways
- Kamario Taylor has thrown for 1,450 yards and 17 touchdowns through five games.
- Redshirt sophomore receiver Sanfrisco Magee has recorded five touchdown catches after scoring in each of Mississippi State’s first four games.
- The Taylor injury update was deferred to the SEC availability report.
Kamario Taylor Leads the Mississippi State Young Players
Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI reported that Taylor has passed for 1,450 yards and 17 touchdowns through five games. Those numbers place him at the center of the Bulldogs’ fast start and explain why his health is the most consequential issue involving the team’s young contributors.
Taylor’s outing against Alabama included two interceptions, a lost fumble and an injury during Mississippi State’s 56-23 loss. The report said Taylor left that game in a protective boot, making his availability the leading concern as the Bulldogs prepare for LSU.
Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI reported that the injury update was deferred to the SEC availability report. The outlet also reported that Taylor’s decision-making and experience could help him manage physical limitations if he is able to play, but his availability remains the central factor in evaluating the quarterback position.
Sanfrisco Magee Has Become a Reliable Scoring Threat
Redshirt sophomore Sanfrisco Magee entered the season with six career receptions, then caught a touchdown pass in each of Mississippi State’s first four games, Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI reported. He scored twice against Missouri, including a late 24-yard touchdown in the Bulldogs’ 31-24 victory.
Magee added another touchdown catch to reach five through five games. The outlet also reported that he lost a fumble against Alabama after Mississippi State recovered a muffed punt, a costly sequence in a game the Bulldogs eventually lost by 33 points.
That turnover does not erase Magee’s scoring production, but it highlights the next step in his development. Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI reported that Magee must continue producing reliable gains when defenses limit opportunities near the goal line.
Dealyn Evans Is Pressing for More Defensive Work
Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Dealyn Evans transferred from Texas A&M and is competing for a role in Zach Arnett’s defensive rotation, Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI reported. The outlet identified Evans as a player whose physical profile gives him a chance to earn more responsibility on the interior.
Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI reported that Evans stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 310 pounds, though his college production has been limited. His development matters after Alabama controlled the line of scrimmage and exposed the Bulldogs’ difficulty getting off the field.
The report identified LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt as Evans’ next opportunity to help Mississippi State generate pressure. The expectation is not simply for Evans to occupy a blocker, but to contribute to the disruption the defense needs against LSU.
Parker Puckett and Kolin Wilson Are Building Offensive Roles
Redshirt freshman quarterback Parker “Billy” Puckett is the only Mississippi State backup quarterback to appear in a game this season, according to Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI. In two appearances, Puckett has completed 8 of 14 passes for 89 yards and rushed for 24 yards.
The outlet reported that Puckett and fifth-year transfer AJ Swann competed for the backup role from the start of fall camp. Puckett’s appearance against Alabama did not settle that competition, but it provided a clearer look at the progress he made after working as a scout-team quarterback last season.
Redshirt freshman running back Kolin Wilson also received work against Alabama, including a third-down conversion, Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI reported. With Fluff Bothwell’s health opening an opportunity, Wilson and Xavier Gayten are competing to provide dependable yardage before seeking bigger plays.
Kyle Rushing Has Contributed on Special Teams
Freshman long snapper Kyle Rushing recovered a muffed punt at Alabama’s 43-yard line in the second quarter, according to Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI. The play gave Mississippi State favorable field position and represented one of the Bulldogs’ few encouraging moments during the loss.
Mississippi State’s offense gave the ball away on the following possession, so Rushing’s recovery did not lead directly to points. His role still carries significance because he earned the long-snapping job early and handles critical special-teams responsibilities as a first-year player.
Rushing’s contribution completes a broader picture of the roster. Taylor and Magee have supplied major offensive production, Evans is pushing for defensive snaps, Puckett and Wilson are developing depth, and Rushing has already made a meaningful special-teams play.
