STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football may be facing a major blow on offense following its 31-9 loss to No. 5 Texas A&M on Oct. 4.
Starting running back Fluff Bothwell was carted off the field late in the fourth quarter after being tackled behind the line of scrimmage on a short reception. He appeared unable to put weight on his right leg before leaving the game. The South Alabama transfer currently ranks second in the SEC with 465 rushing yards this season.
As of Oct. 6, no official update has been provided regarding Bothwell’s condition. The Bulldogs (4-2, 0-2 SEC) are on a bye week, and head coach Jeff Lebby is expected to address Bothwell’s status during his Oct. 7 press conference. Mississippi State’s next game is set for Oct. 18 at Florida (2-3, 1-1 SEC).
Here’s what Bothwell’s potential absence could mean for the Bulldogs moving forward.
Who would replace Fluff Bothwell on Mississippi State depth chart?
Bothwell leads Mississippi State in rushing this season, though he has shared backfield duties with Davon Booth. Booth, who served as the Bulldogs’ primary running back last year, has recorded 59 carries for 265 yards and four touchdowns so far this season.
Johnnie Daniels, last season’s No. 2 rusher for Mississippi State with 540 yards, remains on the roster but has not appeared in a game since Week 3 and was taken off the depth chart ahead of Week 4.
Sophomore Xavier Gayten sits behind Davon Booth and Fluff Bothwell on Mississippi State’s depth chart but has primarily contributed on special teams over the past two games. Despite limited opportunities, the four-star Brookhaven native has shown promise, totaling eight carries for 95 yards and two touchdowns this season.
The Bulldogs could also look to Seth Davis, though he has appeared in only two games this year during mop-up duty after missing the entire 2024 season with a knee injury. Freshman Kolin Wilson is the only other running back currently available on the roster.
Mississippi State had worst offensive game under Jeff Lebby vs Texas A&M
Mississippi State’s offense turned in its poorest showing under Jeff Lebby during the loss to Texas A&M, even before Fluff Bothwell’s injury. Bothwell managed 14 carries for 60 yards, but the Bulldogs failed to reach the end zone until the fourth quarter and endured five three-and-outs throughout the game.
Much of Mississippi State’s offensive struggles stemmed from protection issues in the passing game, as quarterback Blake Shapen faced heavy pressure throughout. With Bothwell’s injury, those problems could become even more difficult for the offense to overcome.
What Jeff Lebby said of Fluff Bothwell injury after Texas A&M game
Since Bothwell’s injury occurred late in the game, Coach Jeff Lebby had limited information regarding his condition afterward. Meanwhile, Bothwell’s family was seen waiting outside the Mississippi State locker room following the matchup.
“We don’t really know yet,” Lebby said on Oct. 4. “They took him in right away for X-rays, so hopefully we’ll have an update sooner rather than later.”
Fluff Bothwell stats
This season, Bothwell has carried the ball 84 times for 465 yards and six touchdowns. The 5-foot-10, 230-pound back currently ranks second in the SEC in rushing yards and fourth in rushing touchdowns.
He also has seven receptions for 37 yards.
How Fluff Bothwell got his name
Bothwell’s given name is Da’Marion, but he goes by Fluff. The nickname originated as “Fluffy” because he was an 11-pound baby at birth, which eventually was shortened to Fluff.
How much eligibility does Fluff Bothwell have?
Bothwell has appeared in six games this season, which means he would not qualify for a redshirt if his injury ends his year. Having played 12 games as a freshman at South Alabama, he would still retain two years of eligibility.
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