STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football faced a challenging second quarter during their game against Georgia on November 8, as safety Jahron Manning was ejected for targeting. The incident occurred when Manning collided with Georgia tight end Lawson Luckie during a pass attempt. Although the pass from quarterback Gunner Stockton was incomplete, Luckie was injured in the process.
At the time of the penalty, Georgia was leading by 10 points and went on to score again shortly after, extending their lead to 24-7 just before halftime. Manning’s ejection marks a significant setback for Mississippi State, particularly considering that safety Isaac Smith also exited the game with an injury in the same quarter, leaving the team with a strained defensive lineup.
Manning, who transferred from Old Dominion and has been a standout player for MSU this season with 64 tackles, was making his seventh start. With both he and Smith sidelined, the Bulldogs will need to rely heavily on Brylan Lanier and Hunter Washington to fill the gaps in their defensive strategy.
The response of the remaining players will be crucial as the team adjusts to this setback. Mississippi State aims to regroup and maintain competitiveness in upcoming games. Further updates on player statuses and game outcomes are expected as the season progresses.