Texas quarterback Arch Manning has moved past two weeks of criticism after losses to Oklahoma and Florida, according to the Associated Press. The No. 11 Longhorns (5-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) play Mississippi State (4-3, 2-3) on Saturday night. Texas recently beat Mississippi 34-27 after leading 24-3 in the first half.
Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor was ruled out for the rest of the season with a toe injury that will require surgery. The Bulldogs started 4-0 and rose to No. 16 before Taylor was hurt in a win over Missouri. Since then, the team has lost several games. Sophomore walk-on Billy Puckett started a 31-0 loss to LSU and replaced Taylor during the Oklahoma game.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said he does not expect Mississippi State to slow its quick-tempo offense without Taylor. "They're the fastest team we've faced," Sarkisian said.