Nathaniel Watson injury sidelines Mississippi State leading tackler in Egg Bowl vs. Ole Miss

Mississippi State and Ole Miss are locked in a competitive Egg Bowl contest on Thanksgiving, with the Rebels clinging to a slim first-half lead. And the Bulldogs will be holding their breath waiting on a Nathaniel Watson injury update after the team’s leading tackler went down hurt midway through the second quarter.

On a first-and-10 play from the Ole Miss 47-yard line, Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart took off up the middle on a scramble.

As Watson tracked to his right to converge on Dart for a stop, linebacker Jett Johnson lunged as Dart began to slide. Johnson ended up hitting Watson around the head and shoulders area as Dart’s slide took him underneath the oncoming hit.

Watson was shaken up and tended to by trainers on the field before being helped off.

Ole Miss would continue the drive and punch it in for a touchdown, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown pass to defensive tackle JJ Pegues on a play-action pass to the right flats from the foot of the goal line.

The scoring drive game Ole Miss a 16-7 lead with 1:55 left to play in the first half.

Nathaniel Watson injury could open up ground game for Ole Miss

Mississippi State had done a terrific job stopping the run against Ole Miss prior to the Nathaniel Watson injury, but the Rebels immediately started having some success on the ground after he left the game.

It’s unclear if Watson will return.

A redshirt senior, Watson brings a veteran presence to the middle of the Mississippi State defense. He’s also a tackling machine.

So far in 2022, Watson has recorded 98 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.0 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. He has played in all 11 games for the Bulldogs, who haven’t had to deal with him missing any significant time this season.