Fluff Bothwell injury update: Mississippi State RB carted off vs. Texas A&M

Mississippi State is likely going to fall short of a comeback effort in College Station. But with just under four minutes remaining in the game, running back Fluff Bothwell went down with an injury, sucking all the air out of the Bulldog sideline.

The play took place on a swing pass from quarterback Blake Shapen. Tackled by a Texas A&M defender, Bothwell’s leg came down awkwardly. He stayed on the ground for some time before trainers came out to look at him. A few more minutes passed before the cart came out. Bothwell left the game looking more disappointed than anybody, tears in his eyes as the cart drove away.

“You can see the disappointment in his face,” play-by-play announcer Tom Hart said during the broadcast. “An SEC opportunity unfolded in front of him and he was taking full advantage. Now, an injury sidetracks everything.”

Bothwell put together a decent performance before leaving the game. On 16 carries, he rushed for 60 yards, leading the Bulldogs. Not the most eye-popping stats but against a solid Texas A&M defensive line, those are numbers head coach Jeff Lebby can live with.

This is more of a long-term concern for Mississippi State, though. Bothwell was easily the team’s leading back, fresh off a 100-yard performance when playing Northern Illinois and Tennessee. A massive addition through the NCAA transfer portal, Bothwell totaled 405 yards and six touchdowns entering Saturday’s game.

“He’s changed the dynamic of that room and that offense, truly,” sideline reporter Cole Cubelic said. “Giving them someone with more explosive capability. He’s been a joy to watch this year.”

If there is any positive news about the situation, it’s that Mississippi State enters a bye week. Everyone will be hoping the injury to Bothwell is not too serious, using the extra week to rest up. From there, the schedule turns into six consecutive SEC games, four of which entered Saturday ranked.

Losing Bothwell hurts, no doubt. But another spin are comments Lebby made about the running back room before the season began. Thankfully, depth is there in the head coach’s eyes.

“I’m excited about the running back room,” Lebby said at SEC Media Days. “We bring back Davon Booth. Johnnie Daniels comes back. Both of those guys, for us, last year, are the two leading returners from a rush game standpoint. And then having the addition of Fluff (Bothwell) — that room right now is probably the deepest room on our roster.”