Mississippi State lists Taylor and Bothwell questionable for LSU

Mississippi State’s quarterback and leading rusher are both questionable for Saturday’s trip to LSU. The SEC’s initial availability report, posted Wednesday night, lists Kamario Taylor and Fluff Bothwell with that designation.

Neither has been ruled out on the report. The uncertainty affects two parts of the Bulldogs’ offense at once: Taylor has thrown 17 touchdown passes this season, while Bothwell has rushed for 403 yards and three scores. A final decision on either player would change the personnel LSU prepares to face, but Wednesday’s report does not establish those decisions.

Taylor originally hurt his leg against Missouri, according to ESPN. He played through discomfort against Alabama before leaving that game in the fourth quarter. Mississippi State then had an open week before turning to LSU.

Glenn Guilbeau’s local reporting for Tiger Rag identifies Taylor’s issue as turf toe and Bothwell’s as an ankle injury. The conference’s public report supplies their availability categories rather than those medical details. Those descriptions should remain attributed to the reporting, with no recovery date inferred from them.

Taylor has passed for 1,450 yards with 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also contributed 159 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, ESPN reported. His ability to participate therefore affects more than the passing game. Bothwell’s rushing production gives the Bulldogs a second major question as they prepare for an early kickoff in Baton Rouge.

LSU’s own report has important absences. Tight end Trey’Dez Green and linebacker Whit Weeks are listed out, along with Dashawn Spears, Charles Ross and Phillip Wright. Linebacker Tylen Singleton is questionable. Those are separate LSU statuses, rather than evidence about whether Taylor or Bothwell will play.

The SEC report lists the October 17 game at 11 a.m. Central, or noon Eastern. The next availability releases will provide an opportunity for either team’s designations to change. Until then, the accurate reading is that Mississippi State’s two offensive playmakers remain questionable, not that either has been cleared or replaced.

Sources

• SEC: October 14 initial availability report
• Tiger Rag: Taylor and Bothwell uncertain for LSU
• ESPN: Taylor and Bothwell status

Sources

SEC: official initial Oct. 10 availability report · Taylor and Bothwell uncertain for LSU · ESPN: Taylor and Bothwell status