The initial Availability Report for Mississippi State football's matchup against Missouri was released Wednesday night, and it provided several important updates on key Bulldogs, including QB Blake Shapen.
Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen PROBABLE vs Missouri
Bulldogs QB Blake Shapen is officially listed as "PROBABLE" for Saturday's game in Columbia, suggesting that barring any setbacks, he should be good to suit up for Mississippi State. HC Jeff Lebby said in his Monday presser that if Shapen were "truly healthy" he would get the start. Many wondered if this was the week that freshman Kamario Taylor would make his first start, but it appears to be trending towards Shapen still leading the offense.
Mississippi State RT Albert Reese PROBABLE vs Missouri
A positive development for the Bulldogs is RT Albert Reese IV debuting as "PROBABLE" on the initial injury report. Reese IV is far and away Mississippi State's top offensive lineman, and the drop-off in performance when he is out of the lineup is notable. Facing a strong Missouri defensive front, State needs to be as sturdy as possible along the line to find success offensively. Also of note at OL, LT Jayvin James is not listed on the injury report despite going down against Georgia. That's a good sign for the Bulldogs' front.
Mississippi State S Isaac Smith OUT vs Missouri
The bad news for State is that starting safety Isaac Smith is officially listed as "OUT" against the Tigers. Smith, who was a game time decision going into last Saturday, went down with an injury in the second quarter against Georgia that ended his day. One of the most talented players on the team, he is a major loss, especially against a team that runs the ball as much as Missouri given his ability as a run-stopper. Expect junior Tony Mitchell to start in his absence.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Missouri Tigers injury report
As of Wednesday, November 12
Mississippi State
OUT: S Isaac Smith, CB Jett Jefferson, DL Will Whitson, OL Brennan Smith, OL Blake Steen
PROBABLE: QB Blake Shapen, OL Albert Reese IV
Missouri
OUT: DE Langden Kitchen, K Blake Craig, QB Sam Horn
DOUBTFUL: QB Beau Pribula
QUESTIONABLE: TE Brett Norfleet