Oklahoma outlasts Mississippi State as Kamario Taylor leaves with injury
By Andrew Olson
Published:
After a home loss, Oklahoma went on the road and toughed it out to get back in the win column. The Sooners (4-3, 2-2 SEC) outlasted Mississippi State (4-3, 2-3) 23-15 in Starkville.
The Bulldogs lost star quarterback Kamario Taylor to injury in the 1st quarter. The MSU offense was slow to get going in Taylor’s absence and never overcame the early double-digit deficit.
Oklahoma QB John Mateer put together a strong outing against a Mississippi State pass defense that has struggled in 2026. Mateer finished the game turnover-free, completing 22-of-29 passes for 283 yards and 2 touchdowns, spreading the ball around as 9 Sooners logged a reception.
In Taylor’s absence, Mississippi State turned to Parker “Billy” Puckett at quarterback. Puckett was 17-of-24 for 158 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception off the bench.
MSU standout running back Fluff Bothwell had a big day on the ground. He was the game’s leading rusher with 17 carries for 111 yards.
Oklahoma led 17-0 early in the 3rd quarter after Mateer found Rocky Beers for a 32-yard touchdown. MSU finally got on the board in the middle of the 3rd quarter the Bulldogs reovered a Beers fumble and went 51 yards on 6 plays to score their first touchdown.
MSU hung around by holding Oklahoma to field goals the rest of the way. The Bulldogs made things interesting by cutting it to 23-15 with 2:10 to go in the game on an 8-play, 75-yard scoring drive and a successful 2-point conversion. Oklahoma was able to hold on to the ball for the final 2:10 and avoid giving Mississippi State any chance at forcing overtime.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
