A key Bulldogs DB is out for Saturday’s game vs. Kentucky

Jamal Peters, a veteran defensive back for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, will not suit up for Saturday’s primetime showdown when the Bulldogs visit the Kentucky Wildcats.

Head coach Joe Moorhead announced Monday that Peters would miss this week’s game after suffering a lower body injury against LA-Lafayette this past week. This comes just after suffering a shoulder injury two weeks ago at Kansas State.

Peters, seeing the field for 39 games and making 10 starts, was expected to be the Bulldogs’ top defensive back this year. The senior has statically had a strong start to the season, posting six solo tackles (eight total) and a pass defense in three games of limited action due to injuries.

While it’s unclear how much time Peters will miss, he’s currently on pace to set career-highs in solo tackles, total tackles and passes defended. He was projected as a late first/second-round pick in preseason NFL mock drafts coming into the season.

The Bulldogs ranked eighth in the country for total defense through two weeks, and after holding LA-Lafayette to just 10 points, that ranking should only improve.

The Bulldogs also rank 16th in passing yards allowed, while just 31st in rush defense. Losing Peters will only make matters worse for Mississippi State, especially with Kentucky running back Benny Snell having a Heisman candidate season and quarterback Terry Wilson finally feeling comfortable under center.

Kentucky opened as 11-point underdogs this weekend, with the Wildcats more than likely needing a few breaks in order to pull of their second upset in four games. Peters being held out might be one of those breaks.

The Bulldogs boast one of the best front-sevens in the country, let alone the SEC. However, with a now less-experienced secondary, life on Saturday should become slightly easier for Wilson & company to move the ball.