Texas faces Mississippi State without Kamario Taylor and Trevor Goosby

The No. 11 Texas Longhorns will host the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday night with both teams managing significant roster changes.

The schedule leading to this weekend shows a divergent path for the two programs. Mississippi State began the season 4-0 and climbed to No. 16 in the rankings while quarterback Kamario Taylor was healthy. Taylor suffered a toe injury during a win over Missouri. The Bulldogs have lost or struggled since that game, falling to a 4-3 record and a 2-3 conference mark. Texas, currently 5-2 and 2-2 in the Southeastern Conference, entered this stretch following consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida. Those defeats prompted questions about quarterback Arch Manning's status. Manning responded in the next game with a 34-27 victory over Mississippi. The Longhorns held a 24-3 first-half lead in that contest. Raleek Brown rushed for 157 yards in the win, including a 47-yard burst that set up the final touchdown.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the Bulldogs will not attempt to slow the tempo of their offense despite Taylor's absence. He described Mississippi State as the fastest team the Longhorns have faced this season. Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby indicated that fifth-year transfer AJ Swann may start. Lebby noted that Swann has not played recently due to an undisclosed injury. Sophomore walk-on Billy Puckett, who has started one game and appeared in another, remains the other option. Puckett is 17 of 24 passing for 154 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Lebby said he will name the starter on Saturday night. He described Swann as the healthiest he has been. Texas will also play without left tackle Trevor Goosby, who is out for the season after knee surgery. Edge rusher Colin Simmons, who has 10 1/2 sacks this season, was listed as doubtful after missing last week's game with a high ankle sprain. The Longhorns continue to struggle in the third quarter, having scored only six points in that period all season. Manning threw two interceptions and suffered a strip-sack fumble for a touchdown in the recent win over Mississippi. The Bulldogs' defense allows 28 points per game on average but features cornerbacks Jett Jefferson and Kelley Jones.

The teams are scheduled to play on Saturday night in Austin. Texas aims to secure a win to solidify its College Football Playoff position. Mississippi State looks to stop its slide against a ranked opponent. The Longhorns' third-quarter offensive struggles remain a key statistic to watch. The outcome will determine the next step for both teams in the SEC schedule.