The No. 22 Texas Longhorns have a problem.
They bring one of the nation’s best defenses and elite special teams talent, while dragging an offense that just can’t find consistency in any area. They haven’t
consistently established the run, while the offensive game plan leaves much to be desired, and quarterback Arch Manning struggles to hit some easy passes when he doesn’t have defenders in his face. Complementary football eludes a team that needs to capitalize on any opportunity moving forward if they want to get anywhere close to their preseason goals.
Mississippi State has dropped 15 consecutive SEC games and has also struggled with offensive consistency after starting the year as one of the hottest offenses in the country. Can head coach Jeff Lebby and quarterback Blake Shapen right the ship with Texas coming to town? Can the Longhorns find a way to get the offense going against the Bulldogs’ defense in a battle of a stoppable force and a movable object?
- Why Steve Sarkisian hasn’t benched Arch Manning
- Texas defense, special teams carrying struggling offense
- No. 22 Texas vs. Mississippi State opponent preview: Bulldogs look to end 15-game SEC losing streak
- Steve Sarkisain explains why he’s not giving up play-calling duties
- Watch: Steve Sarkisian weekly press conference previewing Mississippi State
Injury report
- S Michael Taaffe — out
- OL Cole Hutson — out
- WR Aaron Butler — out
- RB CJ Baxter — probable
- S Xavier Filsaime — probable
- LB Jonathan Cunningham — probable
How to watch
TV: SEC Network
Time: 3:15 p.m. Central
Livestream: ESPNUnlimited
Radio: Texassports.com. Broadcasts are also available on Sirius 132, XM 199, and App Ch. 953
Odds: The Longhorns are 7.5-point favorites on FanDuel.
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 77 degrees, wind ESE 11 mph
