AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Longhorns’ four straight games outside of Austin will end against Mississippi State — another 0-3 team in the Southeastern Conference.
As if playing Kentucky in a night game wasn’t enough, No. 22 Texas now has to face a Bulldogs team that beat former No. 12 Arizona State 24-20 at home. The Bulldogs also held No. 17 Tennessee to seven points in overtime.
“Obviously they would be willing to go with us [Texas] “Coming to town just like Kentucky was,” defensive end Ethan Burke said. “I’ve never been to Mississippi before and I thought it would be a fun game. Cowbells are going to go.”
Mississippi State’s 4-3 overall record doesn’t speak to the level of difficulty they present to opponents. In three losses, the Bulldogs have only been led by 22 points, compared to the 64 they have scored.
“You know when you play on the road in the SEC, we know they’re going to be tough games,” linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. said. “Hopefully it won’t take five quarters. Hopefully we can get it done in four but we know this is going to be a tough game for us and we’re going to have to move on and handle our business.”
The Longhorns have had their struggles offensively, but the defense has been there to pick up the slack. The Longhorns had five sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles against Kentucky. If Texas finds a way to leave Starkville with a win, they will return to Austin 3-1 in the SEC before facing No. 10 Vanderbilt.
Texas and Mississippi will kick off at 3:15 PM CT.