![\"Mississippi](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m5wvba6r8m8wz9yt5f.jpg\" "\\"Mississippi")
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Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) reacts during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n
Steve Sarkisian Won’t Overlook Mississippi State<\/p>\n
Texas enters the matchup ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press poll with a 5-2 overall record. The Longhorns are looking to build momentum as they continue their SEC schedule, but their recent performances at home have not always gone according to plan.<\/p>\n
Texas has gone 1-2 in games played in Austin this month, making Saturday’s matchup an opportunity to establish greater consistency in front of its home crowd.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Mississippi State enters at 4-3 overall and 2-3 in SEC play. Although the Bulldogs have dropped three consecutive games, Sarkisian’s comments show that Texas is not treating them as an opponent it can afford to underestimate.<\/p>\n
Mississippi State opened the season with four consecutive victories, demonstrating the potential that made it one of the early surprises in the conference. The Bulldogs now need to find a way to recapture that form against a Texas team with significant postseason aspirations.<\/p>\n
Kamario Taylor’s Injury Could Change the Matchup<\/p>\n
Taylor’s availability is one of the biggest storylines entering the game.<\/a><\/p>\n The Mississippi State quarterback emerged as a breakout star during the Bulldogs’ undefeated start, throwing 14 touchdown passes across their first four games. His dual-threat ability made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses and helped fuel early Heisman Trophy consideration.<\/p>\n However, a right foot injury has complicated his season. Taylor initially suffered the injury during Mississippi State’s Week 4 victory over Missouri before aggravating it against Alabama. He returned against Oklahoma on Oct. 24 after missing the previous game, but his comeback was brief.<\/p>\n Taylor exited after scrambling on a failed fourth-down attempt and watched the remainder of the game from the sideline wearing a boot on his right foot. Mississippi State has not publicly clarified the exact nature of the injury.<\/p>\n Sarkisian’s approach suggests Texas will prepare for Taylor to play rather than build its game plan around his potential absence. That could be important against a quarterback whose mobility creates another dimension for the Bulldogs’ offense.<\/p>\n Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby and Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian talk prior to the game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Mississippi State Looks to End a Long Drought in Austin<\/p>\n The Bulldogs face another historical challenge Saturday. Mississippi State is seeking its first victory at Texas since 1992.<\/p>\n The teams also played a dramatic contest in 2025, when Texas defeated Mississippi State 45-38 in overtime. The Bulldogs held a 38-21 fourth-quarter lead before the Longhorns scored 17 unanswered points in regulation to force overtime.<\/p>\n That result gives Mississippi State another reason to believe it can compete with Texas, even as the Bulldogs attempt to reverse their recent slide.<\/p>\n Texas must be ready for a dangerous Mississippi State team, especially if Taylor returns. With the Longhorns trying to maintain their momentum and the Bulldogs searching for a season-changing victory, Halloween night could deliver another compelling SEC matchup.<\/p>\n Sign up to\u00a0our free Mississippi State on SI newsletter<\/a>\u00a0for daily updates on all things Bulldogs.<\/p>\n![\"Mississippi](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m5wv7crh02vt7hw6xk.jpg\" "\\"Mississippi")
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