Mississippi State Reportedly Turns to AJ Swann at Quarterback for Tonight's Game at No. 11 Texas
With star Kamario Taylor out for the season after foot surgery, Mississippi State is trending toward senior backup AJ Swann - who has not played a snap this season - for tonight's 6:30 p.m. kickoff at DKR, CBS Sports reported Saturday.
Mississippi State's quarterback question for tonight's game in Austin appears to have an answer, and it is the most experienced arm left on the roster. Senior backup AJ Swann is trending toward starting against No. 11 Texas, CBS Sports insider Matt Zenitz reported Saturday morning, according to the Clarion Ledger.
Swann would replace Kamario Taylor, the Bulldogs' star sophomore, who underwent season-ending foot surgery on October 28 after a toe injury. Taylor had thrown for 1,460 yards with 17 touchdowns when healthy. Swann, who transferred to Mississippi State this season from Appalachian State, opened the week as the third-string quarterback behind Taylor and Parker Puckett - the freshman who stepped in for Taylor during his earlier absences - and he has not played in a game this season.
The Bulldogs (4-3, 2-3 SEC) bring six players listed out into Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, including starting left guard DJ Chester and linebacker Jalen Smith alongside Taylor. Texas (5-2, 3-2) has its own absences: edge rusher Colin Simmons is out with a high ankle sprain, left tackle Trevor Goosby is out for the season, and receiver Kaliq Lockett is off the injury report and available.
Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Swann start is a report as of Saturday afternoon, not a team announcement; the Sports Desk confirms the starting lineup at kickoff and files the game-night final within 45 minutes of the whistle.
