A little over 3 years following the news that Texas would be joining the SEC, the first conference game is finally upon us. The #1 Longhorns will host Mississippi State to open Southeastern Conference play. The Bulldogs have had a rough go at it recently, with current coach Jeff Lebby being the 3rd head coach in 3 years following the passing of Mike Leach in 2022 and the firing of Zach Arnett last year. Lebby inherited a team with almost no returning production coming off a 5-7 season. After a season-opening win against FCS Eastern Kentucky, Mississippi State was run over by Arizona State and Toledo before dropping their SEC opener last weekend against Florida.
Offense
Baylor transfer Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending injury last weekend against Florida, meaning true freshman Michael Van Buren will make his first career start against Texas. In relief of Shapen last week in the 4th quarter, Van Buren went 7 of 13 against a Florida defense that was more than happy to concede the short and intermediate passing game in exchange for the clock running out. Lebby brought his usual veer-and-shoot offense to Starkville, so expect a lot of tempo and the running game to be featured. Van Buren is mobile but mostly looks to throw when he gets outside the pocket…