Matt Corral was not going to opt-out of the Sugar Bowl for Ole Miss to prepare for the NFL draft.
The top quarterback suffered a leg injury early in the game against Baylor on Saturday.
ESPN reported Corral was doubtful but that had to be updated out as Corral returned to the field in the second quarter on crutches unable to put any weight on his injured right leg.
His replacement, Luke Altmeyer, came on and led Mississippi down the field when a pass was deflected.
The football wound up in the arms of Al Walcott, who took it back 96 yards for a touchdown and the first score of the evening in New Orleans.
Baylor radio had the exciting call:
As called on Baylor radio: pic.twitter.com/JDnDdWfbIW
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 2, 2022
Corral explained his decision to play in the Sugar Bowl last month:
Matt Corral on playing in the Sugar Bowl even though it’s a “meaningless game”
"I wouldn't be in this position w/o them. I won't just leave. I know what's on the other side but I'm gonna give these guys everything I got."
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) December 14, 2021