Mississippi State football without several key players for Liberty Bowl vs Texas Tech
MEMPHIS — Mississippi State football is facing a cascade of absences for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Tuesday, leaving the defense especially slim.
The Bulldogs (7-5) are without four starters and several depth players who would've otherwise been available against Texas Tech (6-6). Those absences add to the losses of left tackle Charles Cross and cornerback Martin Emerson, who declared for the NFL Draft, and linebacker Aaron Brule, who transferred to Michigan State.
The starters who will miss the game are safety Jalen Green, defensive linemen Randy Charlton and Jaden Crumedy, and right tackle Scott Lashley.
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The absences also include wide receiver Christian Ford, safety Shawn Preston, defensive lineman Jack Harris, safety Kyle Cass, wide receiver Malik Heath, defensive lineman Aaron Odom and safety Dylan Lawrence.
Lashley started every game this season for Mississippi State. Without him, the Bulldogs are down both their starting tackles. The first-string line on Tuesday featured Nick Jones at left tackle and Kameron Jones at right tackle instead.
Green started 10 games and recorded 41 tackles and two interceptions in his first season since transferring from Texas. Without Green, freshman Corey Ellington slotted into the starting lineup. And Charlton and Crumedy have combined for 55 tackles.
Without those major defensive contributors, that side of the ball will be tested by Texas Tech.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Liberty Bowl: Mississippi State football without several key players
