During Mississippi State's bye last week, MSU coach Dan Mullen said "That's the plan," when asked if quarterback Tyler Russell would return from a week one concussion to start against visiting LSU this week.
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That may not be the plan now.
In discussing the quarterback situation this week, Mullen wasn't ready to say who would play between Russell, a veteran senior who led the Bulldogs to eight wins last season, and Dak Prescott, who has been impressive at the helm in Russell's absence the last four weeks.
"We'll figure it out as we go. The same way we do with (LaDarius Perkins) and Josh Robinson and Preston Smith and Ryan Brown," Mullen said, according to clarionledger.com. "It's all the same. Guys need to be ready to play."
Prescott has brought more of a running threat to the quarterback position than Russell provided. He's rushed for 215 yards this season, including 133 in a loss to Auburn, and thrown just one interception in 85 pass attempts. Mississippi State (2-2, 0-1 SEC) is 2-1 in Prescott's three starts. Mullen maintained a coy disposition when questions pried about the plan.
"It's always going to change from game to game," Mullen said. "We'll figure that out on gameday when we have the final plan ready for LSU."
Russell passed for 2,897 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, with just 10 interceptions, but what was supposed to be an even stronger senior campaign and potentially an NFL springboard for Russell has begun with a thud. He has not played since a week one concussion suffered in a 21-3 loss to Oklahoma State. If Russell starts Saturday and sparks a home upset of the Tigers, his return to the lineup will draw major attention. MSU has never beaten LSU under Mullen.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.
