Mississippi State’s defense was dealt a blow when Fred Peters announced that he would be out for this season. However, he plans to return in 2021.

Coach Mike Leach also confirmed on the SEC coaches media teleconference that Peters had surgery.

“It’s killing me that I won’t be able to go to war with these Boys no more,” Peters said on Twitter. “I will come back even harder next year. I know they are going to hold it down for me.”

Peters started four games for the Bulldogs this season. He is fifth on the team with 20 tackles (10 solos) and also had one pass break up and one fumble recovery. Overall, it’s been a solid season for the defense as Mississippi State’s defense ranks 1st in the SEC and is allowing just 295.5 yards a game.

The Bulldogs are off this week, and return to action next week against Alabama.