Mississippi State linebacker Jalen Smith’s family couldn’t hide their devastation after watching him limp off injured on Saturday.
The 21-year-old went down injured in the second quarter of the Bulldogs’ huge home game against Alabama at Davis Wade Stadium.
A large group of Smith’s family were in attendance at the game and even had custom white T-shirts with his name emblazoned on them.
But the group was left heartbroken when Smith went down with what appeared to be a non-contact injury after Alabama scored a touchdown to take a 21-7 lead.
Smith remained down on the turf and the team’s medical staff quickly rushed onto the field to help him.
After eventually making it back to his feet, Smith was then aided off the field by two trainers and had a towel draped over his head.
Mississippi State linebacker Jalen Smith’s family couldn’t hide their devastation after his injury
A large group of Smith’s family were in attendance and even had custom white T-shirts made
Smith had to be aided off the field by two trainers and had a towel draped over his head
ABC’s camera quickly cut to Smith’s family in the stands and one relative could not hide his emotions as he leaned on railings at the bottom of the stand and dropped his head in despair.
He then turned around towards another family member and put his hand over his face as he fought back tears and shook his head in disbelief.
Before Saturday’s showdown with the Crimson Tide, Smith had 28 tackles, one tackle for loss and one interception for the Bulldogs this season.
Smith spent two years with the Tennessee Vols before transferring to play for Mississippi State and head coach Jeff Lebby. Last year, his first in Starkville, Smith finished with 57 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one pass deflection.
It proved to be a damaging day for the Bulldogs after they also lost running back Fluff Bothwell after just one carry. Earlier this week, Smith’s fellow linebacker Zakari Tillman was also ruled out of the game.
