Mississippi State's official depth against Arizona State released

Mississippi State released its official depth for its upcoming game against No. 11 Arizona State, but don't expect to learn anything from it we didn't learn last week.

The Bulldogs depth chart released as part of their official game notes is the same depth chart as last week before Southern Miss.

However, unlike last week, we know some players are dealing with injuries, specifically offensive linemen Blake Steen (left at end of first half with an injury) and Luke Work (didn't play) and cornerback Jett Jefferson (didn't play).

Yet, all three are still listed on the official depth and both Steen and Jefferson are listed in the starting spots at their respective position.

When asked about Work at Monday's press conference, that wasn't televised due to technical difficulties, Lebby did provide a definitive answer about his status for the week.

"I feel good about Luke, not great," Lebby said. "Again, to me, it's all about tomorrow's practice. How are these guys functioning as we go into a really physical, long, hard practice on Tuesday morning? That's when we can really create some understanding. Are these guys gonna be ready? Same with Blake (Steen), Jett (Jefferson). I'm not ready to say Jett's gonna even be able to go tomorrow morning for us to really evaluate him. His evaluation will happen a little later in the week."

So, why is Jefferson still listed as a starter? Forget the "or" tag next to his name on the depth chart. He's listed at the top of that cornerback position, but Lebby isn't even sure he'll be able to be evaluated Tuesday morning.

The same can be asked about Steen, but at least he didn't single Steen out as someone whose evaluation would happen later in the week. (Work is listed behind Jacoby Jackson at left guard.)

If I was betting man, I'd put my money on the above being a part of a strategic gamesmanship decision to keep the Arizona State in the dark as much as possible. And, if compartmentalize one thought away from the others, I not only agree with that decision, but support it.

But...actually, I'll keep that other thought compartmentalized. For now, here's the official week two depth chart for Mississippi State: