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The senior is being held out after suffering a minor concussion during the third quarter of last week's game against LSU. Maye said Monday he was feeling fine and expected to play, but after he underwent routine tests, MSU coaches decided to hold him out of practices the past week as well as today's game against Louisiana Tech.
Maye, a Clemson transfer who's recorded seven tackles on the season, made his first start for MSU last week. His absence means junior Brandon Wilson will move back into the starting lineup.
Wilson has made 14 tackles, and linebackers coach Geoff Collins said he and Maye got near equal playing time against LSU.
Hughes to play today
While Maye is out, MSU will get some added depth with the return of sophomore Chris Hughes. Head coach Dan Mullen said Hughes is expected to play for the first time this season.
The strongside linebacker was suspended for the season opener due to an offseason arrest, and he's also been recovering from a groin injury suffered during the preseason.
"The (legal) situation was handled by authorities and by our team," Mullen said. "The young man has been through a lot, and we expect him to come back and be a solid player for us this season."
Hughes played in 11 games as a freshman, recording 13 tackles and a forced fumble. His exact role today isn't known, but defensive coordinator Chris Wilson said earlier in the week that the coaches will try to find a role for him.
"If that's 10 snaps, if it's special teams, whatever, where he can contribute to help us win a football team," Wilson said.
brad.locke@journalinc.com