Mississippi State football exits its bye week and heads to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. Ahead of Saturday's matchup, the Bulldogs released their initial availability update to the SEC.
Mississippi State Bulldogs injury report vs Florida
Mississippi State will be without star running back Fluff Bothwell in Gainesville on Saturday. Bothwell, who leads the Bulldogs with 465 yards and six TDs, suffered a scary lower leg injury late in the fourth quarter of MSU's loss at Texas A&M on October 4 that resulted in him being carted off the field.
There were early concerns that Bothwell would be done for the year, but in the days following the injury HC Jeff Lebby revealed that they'd received positive news and, though no timeline was set, the feeling is that Bothwell would be able to return at some point this season. That said, he's going to miss some time. Lebby said he was "doubtful" in his Monday press conference, and now officially, he's out against the Gators.
The Bulldogs have strong enough talent at running back to withstand the injury to Fluff Bothwell, but if they're run game is going to perform at the needed level, they'll need right tackle Albert Reese IV to the lineup. State's veteran leader up front, Reese IV was injured in the second half against Tennessee and did not play against Texas A&M. He is officially listed as "questionable" against Florida. State desperately needs him to be available, as they've struggled mightily without him.
Another key Bulldog is "questionable" to suit-up against the Gators. Safety Isaac Smith is trying to work his way back after missing State's last game. He too was injured in the second-half against Tennessee. Smith has continued his high-level play from last season and is certainly a player MSU wants back on the field for a pivotal game at Florida.
Mississippi State's opponent has some key names to keep an eye on as well. Safety Jordan Castell, cornerback Cormani McClain, and defensive lineman Brien Taylor Jr. are all key contributors to the Gator defense that are considered "questionable" for Saturday's matchup. If any of them cannot go against State, it would certainly be a negative for Florida.