Texas Faces Mississippi State With Playoff Hopes And Injuries Looming

Texas football enters Saturday's matchup against Mississippi State with its College Football Playoff hopes still alive, but injuries and an alarming tendency to surrender big leads have created serious concerns for Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns.

No. 11 Texas (5-2) hosts Mississippi State (4-3) at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN, looking to build on last weekend's 34-27 victory over Ole Miss.

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The Longhorns appeared headed for a comfortable victory against the Rebels before squandering a 21-point halftime advantage.

"It's a dangerous way to live," Sarkisian acknowledged afterward.

Texas has beaten Ohio State and Ole Miss, but losses to Oklahoma and Florida have left little room for another setback.

Saturday's biggest storyline involves Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor, who underwent season-ending foot surgery Wednesday after aggravating an injury against Oklahoma.

Taylor had thrown for 1,460 yards and 17 touchdowns while completing 65.4 percent of his passes.

His absence leaves Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby choosing between Billy Puckett and veteran transfer AJ Swann.

Puckett has struggled in relief appearances, while Swann brings 18 career college starts but hasn't played this season.

The uncertainty should favor Texas, although the Longhorns have significant injury problems themselves.

Starting left tackle Trevor Goosby suffered a season-ending knee injury against Ole Miss.

Senior Andre Cojoe replaced him, but protecting Arch Manning without one of the nation's top offensive linemen presents a major challenge.

Texas could also remain without star edge rusher Colin Simmons, whose ankle injury sidelined him against Ole Miss.

Simmons has recorded 10.5 sacks this season, making his absence particularly significant.

Running back Hollywood Smothers has been recovering from an upper-body injury, while receiver Cam Coleman exited the Ole Miss victory with a shoulder problem.

Their statuses remain important questions entering Saturday.

Mississippi State has additional concerns after losing starting linebacker Jalen Smith for the season.

The Bulldogs opened 4-0 before dropping three consecutive games, including last weekend's 23-15 loss to Oklahoma.

Texas should have opportunities to pressure an inexperienced quarterback and control possession behind Manning, Raleek Brown and a talented receiving corps.

But Sarkisian can't afford another performance filled with penalties, missed opportunities and defensive breakdowns.

The Longhorns escaped Starkville with a 45-38 overtime victory last season, demonstrating how dangerous Mississippi State can be even when Texas appears to have the superior roster.

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With upcoming road games against Missouri and LSU, Saturday represents an opportunity Texas simply cannot waste.

The Longhorns have too much talent and the advantage of playing at home, but they'll need a disciplined performance to keep their playoff ambitions on track.