Mississippi State takes on No. 22 Texas in its return to Davis Wade Stadium this Saturday. Here’s a look at who has the edge at each position.
Quarterback
Shapen had a bounce-back game at Florida last week in terms of passing yards and maintaining drives, even if he did make a costly mistake at the end to turn the ball over. With five years of starting college football games, his experience gives him the edge over his opposite this week, but the 2025 season hasn’t been very kind to Arch Manning either.
As many are aware, Manning (so far) isn’t having the kind of season that many had expected in the buildup to the season. In four games against Power Four opponents, he has four touchdowns and three interceptions. Last week on the road at Kentucky, he was just 12-27 passing with 132 yards. At times, he holds onto the ball too long, and other times he has very little time to throw the ball, but he does pose a threat running the ball if he has the time to find a pathway out of the pocket.
For now, the edge goes to Shapen for his experience and big play production.
Edge: Mississippi State
Running back
Davon Booth did well as the bell-cow back at Florida, recording a pair of touchdowns and surpassing the century mark. Xavier Gayten got in on the action as well, and though he had a costly fumble in the red zone in the first half he still managed to make some big plays.
For Texas, the running game has been a struggle. Quintrevion Wisner is their lead back, and capable enough when the offensive line gets a push, but there have been many ups and downs. Last week was down as Wisner only registered 37 rushing yards, and the team as a whole finished with 49 yards on the ground.
Even with the injury to Fluff Bothwell, the Bulldogs have depth and production in the running game that the Longhorns do not.
Edge: Mississippi State
Wide receiver/tight end
The Bulldogs take this one too. Brenen Thompson and Anthony Evans were back to playmaking last weekend, with both receivers getting over the 100-yard mark for the second time this season.
The depth beyond them is a bit of an issue, with Ayden Williams and Jordan Mosley still struggling to get involved, but both players have big play potential as well as tight end Seydou Traore.
The Longhorns have their own talented group of playmakers with Ryan Wingo and Parker Livingstone, but the lack of consistency in the passing game has led to limited production for them.
Edge: Mississippi State
Offensive line
For the first time in SEC play, the Bulldogs might have this one.
MSU’s pass protection struggles were remedied somewhat by the return of veteran tackle Albert Reese IV at Florida last week, but there were still moments where the pressure got to Shapen. He was sacked a handful of times as well as chased out of the pocket.
Where the unit has succeeded is in creating a push for the running game, especially in the red zone.
Texas’ line has similarly struggled with consistency, and the game against Kentucky demonstrated that once again, allowing three sacks and failing to find any push for the ground game.
Edge: Mississippi State
Defensive line
A quick look at the offensive side of the ball goes to MSU so far, but despite a strong showing from the Bulldogs on defense, there is a more difficult comparison unit to unit, and certainly so on the defensive line.
Colin Simmons leads the unit as one of the best pass rushers in the country, and he’s joined by a supporting cast of veterans. Hero Kanu, Maraad Watson, and Cole Brevard help form one of the best run defenses in the country, and poses a big threat to MSU’s ability to keep the ground game going on Saturday.
Edge: Texas
Linebackers
This one is a bit closer, but Texas still comes out on top, especially with the targeting suspension of Zakari Tillman for MSU.
Anthony Hill Jr., Liona Lefau, Ty’Anthony Smith and Trey Moore form a fearsome unit behind the front line and have been a big part of keeping opposing running backs limited and opposing quarterbacks scared of a blitz package or finding scrambling lanes.
MSU has talent in this group as well, but it doesn’t come close to a group led by players who will be playing on Sunday in the near future.
Edge: Texas
Secondary
This one is the closest. MSU’s strength on defense has come from its ability to defend the pass without generating a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Brylan Lanier, Jahron Manning and Isaac Smith are standouts at safety while Kelley Jones has emerged as one of the best corners in the SEC.
Texas has talent to match, though.
Michael Taaffe is a big miss for Texas, a senior with two CFP runs under his belt, but the unit also boasts fearsome talents like Malik Muhammad, Jelani McDonald and Graceson Littleton helping to police the outside and take away the deep threat.
Expect both units to make a big impact on how the offenses operate in this game.
Edge: Even
Special teams
The advantage here goes to Texas simply because the trust in their kicking game is more evident. Kyle Ferrie has shown he can hit from distance, but misses against Tennessee and Florida (albeit a controversially ruled miss) proved costly in the end.
Edge: Texas
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