There has been a slew of injuries to big-time players so far in 2015, and several of the nation’s top programs have been hit the hardest. Texas A&M and Mississippi State remain among the fortunate, with neither team being majorly affected by the injury bug yet.
Both teams have sustained some minor injuries. Here are some of the players who have incurred the injury bug or are out for other reasons.
Speedy Noil, wide receiver
The talented wideout was in uniform last weekend against Arkansas but did not play. Sumlin confirmed Speedy was indeed injured, but did not say what was inflicting the true sophomore. Luckily, Christian Kirk has been spectacular this season and has made up for Noil’s production in the offense and the return game.
James White, running back
Slated to be the primary backup coming out of fall practice, White’s health has been in question all season. The sophomore running back has not played since logging two carries against Arizona State. The Aggies are fairly thin at running back in White’s absence, so expect Tra Carson to get the bulk of the carries against Mississippi State.
Otaro Alaka, linebacker
The sophomore linebacker from Cypress Falls suffered an apparent injury against the Razorbacks. Sumlin refused to get into the specifics, so it is unclear whether or not Alaka will play against Mississippi State. He missed most of the spring with injuries, but played in the past three games before leaving last week’s game.
A week after A&M played an Arkansas team that was riddled with injuries, the health of the players should not play as pivotal of a role this time around. Facing a stout Mississippi State defense that has allowed only 14.8 points per game, the Aggies are going to need a balanced attack to put points on the board. Without much depth at running back, offensive coordinator Jake Spavital hinted at once again getting Kyler Murray some snaps at quarterback to bolster their rushing attack.
Kelan Chairs, Mississippi State linebacker
The sophomore linebacker was arrested on Sept. 16 for driving with a suspended driver’s license. The word coming out of Starkville is that Chairs is questionable, but even if he doesn’t play it’s not likely to be a huge difference maker. Chairs played in seven games as a freshman last year and played in the team’s first two games of 2015. Considering that he hasn’t recorded any kind of statistics this year, it’s not likely he will be sorely missed.
