Mississippi State football makes the trip to Northwest Arkansas on Saturday to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. The two teams released their initial player availability reports for the matchup, and the Bulldogs could be getting one of their best players back.
Mississippi State running back Fluff Bothwell probable vs Arkansas
The initial availability report gave a promising outlook for Mississippi State ahead of their trip to Fayetteville. Star running back Fluff Bothwell is listed as "probable" to play against Arkansas. Bothwell suffered a lower leg injury late in the fourth quarter of the Bulldogs' road loss to Texas A&M back on October 4.
Having to be carted off the field, it was initial feared that Bothwell's injury was serious enough that his season would come to an end. Fortunately, Mississippi State quickly received a positive diagnosis, learning that he could return this fall. Still, his recovery has taken some time. Bothwell has missed State's last two games. He went through warmups last Saturday against Texas but ultimately did not play.
It appears now that, barring any setbacks over the next few days, Fluff Bothwell should be able to make his return to the Bulldog lineup this weekend, and that's great news for MSU. In six games played, Bothwell has rushed for 465 yards, giving him a team-leading 77.5 yard per game average. Though backfield mate Davon Booth is more than capable of carrying to load at tailback, the Bulldog ground game simply performs at a higher level when Bothwell is in the game.
Mississippi State offensive tackle Albert Reese IV questionable vs Arkansas
On a less positive note, starting MSU right tackle Albert Reese IV is questionable against the Razorbacks. The senior is the top lineman for the Bulldogs and has battled injuries this season. When he has been out of the lineup, the State offensive line has taken a noticeable hit. They need him in action for what is a pivotal game on Saturday.
In other updates of note, backup cornerback Jett Jefferson is probable to make his return for the Bulldogs. For Arkansas, a pair of starting offensive lineman, center Caden Kitler and right tackle E'Marion Harris, are both considered questionable for Saturday's matchup.