Quarterback question: MSU starter still not clear for UK game

Mississippi State quarterback Tyler Russell rushes for a touchdown against Memphis. (Photo by Lance Murphey, AP)

LEE ADAMS

A bye week may still not be long enough for Mississippi State to determine for sure which quarterback will start against Kentucky on Saturday.
Since MSU head coach Dan Mullen pulled Chris Relf at halftime of the UAB game, there has been the question, who is the starting quarterback.
Tyler Russell got the starting nod against South Carolina two weeks ago, but that doesn't mean he is the starter for this week's conference showdown.
"It's a week to week evaluation," said Mullen. "As the week goes on, we'll see if we're going to play one, two or even three."
No matter who the starter is against the Wildcats, Mullen will have all of his quarterbacks ready.
"Obviously, you have to have more than one ready," said Mullen. "They're getting reps in practice and I'm not against playing both of them in a game."
Many believe with Russell's performance in the last two games has put an end to Relf getting playing time but Mullen isn't one of them.
Mullen said on Tuesday night after the Bulldogs practice that Relf has "absolutely not" seen his last playing time this season. Mullen went on to say that Relf had a good week of practice last week.
With the starter not being named until pre-game on Saturday, Mullen is focusing more on getting his team back in rhythm.
"We can't miss a beat coming off that bye week," said Mullen. "We have to get right back into game routine and game execution. We can't have any sloppiness which sometimes happens coming off a bye week and that's going to be real important in this game."
The Bulldogs are 3-4 overall this season and 0-4 in conference play, so as they try to pick up their first conference win on Saturday, they are also fighting to stay bowl eligible. Certain projections have MSU possibly playing in the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn., if it can somehow reach six victories.
"It's a huge game for us this season," said Mullen. "We can jump start the second half of the season by getting a win this week."
The Bulldogs and Wildcats play on FOX Sports Net at 6 p.m.