As Texas prepares for the Mississippi State Bulldogs to come to town, it’s time to identify the major matchups to watch. The Longhorns are coming off a massive win while the Bulldogs are nursing three-straight losses and a QB injury coming into Austin. Looking forward, Texas has two road ranked matchups vs. Missouri and LSU, meaning this is an important game to build confidence after the Ole Miss win. 

These are the five matchups that could lead to a second-straight win and get the Longhorns rolling heading into November: 

Will Muschamp vs. Mississippi State’s QB 

Kamario Taylor’s injury is the biggest storyline coming into this game, considering his impact on this team. It’s assumed redshirt freshman Parker Puckett will get the start in this one but that could change midgame. Jeff Lebby has AJ Swann, veteran QB who started at Appalachian State and Vanderbilt, as an option as well. No matter who it is, they’ll have to contend with Will Muschamp. If last week is any indication, whoever is under center for the Bulldogs are in for a long night. 

Texas Offensive Line vs. Mississippi State Front Seven 

This is where Texas can create true margin in this game. The Mississippi State run defense is a top 50 unit in the country but their pass defense is south of 120th. However, it seems if Texas is going to find consistency offensively, it has to be on the ground. If Texas can lean into the run game and have success, it’ll likely be difficult for Mississippi State to keep up. Poor OL performances have been the killer for Texas this season but a strong performance Saturday night would be a great sign for the home stretch. 

Texas Linebackers vs. Fluff Bothwell

The Texas defense has faced multiple elite RBs this season, like Jadan Baugh, Kewan Lacy and DeSean Bishop. This week will be no different with Fluff Bothwell coming to town. Bothwell, like Baugh, is a physical runner that can take over a game in the 4th quarter as the defense fades. However, if Texas can slow Bothwell early and get an early lead, you can eliminate the Bulldogs most impactful playmaker. Rasheem Biles, Justin Cryer and Brad Spence will be in charge of making sure No. 24 isn’t a major storyline on Saturday. 

Texas Wide Receivers vs. Mississippi State Secondary 

As much as Texas should lead the win the run game, they should be able to take advantage of this matchup. Despite some great talent, like Kelley Jones and Jett Jefferson, they’ve struggled to slow down teams. They are allowing 267 passing yards per game and QBs have completed 67% of their passes against them. They’ve also reeled in just two INTs, meaning this is an opportunity for Manning to have a clean day of football. Wingo, Coleman, Mosley and Bishop should have openings to gash this Bulldog defense, as long as Manning can take advantage. 

Texas vs. Themselves 

This is likely the battle that decides if Mississippi State can pull the upset. Despite Texas’ struggles, they should be able to control this game from start to finish. Turnovers, penalties and special teams miscues are how the Bulldogs are in this game for four quarters. If Texas can avoid turnover and major penalties, they should be able to create a margin over Mississippi State and win this game comfortably.