All Eyes On Kamario Taylor's Status As LSU Tigers Prepare For Mississippi State

The LSU Tigers have a very tough remaining schedule with four remaining ranked opponents, including this weekend, as they host the No. 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs could be coming in short-handed, though, as emergent star quarterback Kamario Taylor's status is up in the air.

ESPN's Pete Thamel has reported that Taylor is dealing with a foot injury that has been bothering him for a couple of weeks and has been limited in practice since facing the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Bulldogs have not played a game since, though.

All eyes will be on the Wednesday night injury report. Given that it's an SEC matchup, both teams have to report their injuries. Taylor will have some sort of early-week designation. Right now, it seems as though it'll either be 'questionable' or 'doubtful.'

The electric sophomore clearly wasn't fully himself against the Crimson Tide, as it was by far his worst performance. Part of that was because he was playing the best defense he had faced, but he didn't look right either.

Over the first four games of the year, Taylor was averaging a 69.2% completion rate for 298 yards, 3.5 touchdowns and 0.5 picks per game. Against Alabama, he went 55.9% for 258 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He and Anthony Evans were able to come up with some big plays, but with Taylor being made inefficient overall, the offense began to fall apart.

Taylor is crucial to Mississippi State's success. He has been one of the more fun players to watch in the entire country. The things he is able to do with his arm are incredible. It also places a ton of pressure on the secondary, which the Tigers have not been able to account for this year. 

Trinidad Chambliss was able to pick apart their defense for essentially four quarters. Kenny Minchey was able to find a rhythm late and found the same holes in LSU's zone coverage. If Taylor plays in this game, the Tigers could be in trouble.

The Bulldogs would likely have to turn to walk-on redshirt freshman Parker Puckett, which would be music to this defense's ears. Mississippi State also has former LSU backup AJ Swann and former Arizona State/Georgia backup Jaden Rashada, who could see some play, but Puckett was the first one off the bench against the Crimson Tide and earlier against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.

Mississippi State's rushing attack has had it's moments. They pick up 4.75 yards per carry, but don't have a ton of volume because of Taylor's arm. Part of their success is also due to how much the defenses have to account for in the passing game.

If Taylor misses this game, the Tigers will feel even more confident in their ability to win the matchup.