Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor missed the team’s 31-0 loss to LSU on Oct. 17, 2026, at Tiger Stadium because of an unspecified injury. Head coach Jeff Lebby stated that Taylor worked extensively during the week to recover but ultimately failed to reach game-day readiness, forcing the Bulldogs to start sophomore Billy Puckett in his absence (clarionledger.com).
How Mississippi State Managed the Quarterback Absence
Taylor’s availability status shifted across the week as coaches evaluated his progress. He appeared as questionable on the initial two Southeastern Conference availability reports before getting downgraded to doubtful on Oct. 16, 2026. Coaches officially ruled him out 90 minutes before kickoff, leaving him on the sideline wearing a boot on his right foot (clarionledger.com).
As we moved through the week, and as we got closer and closer, even up to last night, he just wasn’t ready,
Lebby said (clarionledger.com). He’s worked his butt off to get back and go play. He’s just not quite ready to play.
Billy Puckett, a sophomore former walk-on from Jackson Prep, made his first career start. Puckett completed 16 of 26 passes for 121 yards and one interception while adding 36 rushing yards. While Mississippi State moved the ball into LSU territory on six drives and totaled 291 yards, the offense stalled with an interception and turned the ball over on downs five consecutive times.
Running Game Struggles and Further Injuries Compound Offense
The Bulldogs also played without running back Fluff Bothwell, who traveled with the team and wore a boot on his left foot due to an injury (clarionledger.com). Mississippi State rushed 42 times for 170 yards, led by Kolin Wilson with 75 yards on 18 carries and Xavier Gayten with 36 yards on eight carries. Freshman JJ Hill added 23 yards on five attempts in the fourth quarter.
Very inconsistent,
Lebby said of the run game (clarionledger.com). The short-yardage issues were issues getting down there on the 2-yard line and not being able to go score a touchdown.
Upcoming Matchup Against Oklahoma
Mississippi State faces Oklahoma at Davis Wade Stadium on Oct. 24, 2026, without any remaining open dates on the schedule (clarionledger.com). The game marks the first time Lebby as a head coach faces the team he played for before switching to a student coach because of an injury.
We got to reset, we got to recover and we got to understand, man, we got a lot of football ahead of us,
Lebby said (clarionledger.com). We got everything that we want to get done is out ahead of us.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mississippi State Injuries
What is Kamario Taylor’s exact injury?
Mississippi State has not said what his exact injury is (clarionledger.com).
What are Kamario Taylor’s season statistics before the LSU game?
Kamario Taylor completed 66.3% of his passes for 1,450 yards, 17 passing touchdowns, and four interceptions, alongside 159 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown prior to the game (clarionledger.com).
Who led Mississippi State in rushing against LSU?
Kolin Wilson led the Bulldogs’ ground game with 75 yards on 18 carries during the defeat at Tiger Stadium (clarionledger.com).