No. 11 Texas will be without star edge rusher Colin Simmons for a second straight game when it hosts Mississippi State. The junior’s ankle injury worsened through the week, and he was ruled out Friday; Texas must again look for ways to generate pressure without its leading sack artist.

By the Numbers
  • 10.5 sacks this season, the most in the FBS.
  • 25 tackles, including 17 solo tackles.
  • 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.
Yes, But

Simmons’ absence is a major defensive loss, but Texas won without him last week, beating Ole Miss. That offers a recent example of the Longhorns adapting, though replacing his backfield disruption remains a challenge.

What's Next

Texas hosts Mississippi State Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Simmons’ return timeline unclear.

Bottom Line

Texas has already shown it can win without Simmons, but another game without the nation’s sack leader will test whether the defense can keep making plays up front.