What happened: Texas ruled out edge rusher Colin Simmons for Saturday's SEC game against Mississippi State. Simmons was downgraded from questionable to doubtful before being officially scratched. He suffered a high-ankle sprain against Florida and missed the prior week's win over Ole Miss.

Why it matters: The Longhorns defense faces a Mississippi State unit missing starting quarterback Kamario Taylor, who is out for the season after surgery for turf toe. Freshman Parker Puckett has struggled in relief during the Bulldogs' active three-game losing streak.

What to watch: Texas looks to pressure the freshman quarterback and protect home turf before entering November road play.