Mississippi State is back on the road after four straight home games, and will look to rebound from its loss to Tennessee with a road upset bid against No. 6 Texas A&M at Kyle Field on Saturday.
To preview the matchup and gather an understanding of MSU’s opponent, The Dispatch exchanged questions with Alex Miller, a beat writer covering the Aggies for The Eagle in Bryan-College Station.
The Dispatch: What is the perception of this Aggies team after some nervy but big wins?
Alex Miller: The thought is that Mike Elko’s culture has settled in, and the Aggies are finally able to close out and win games they traditionally lost. A&M’s ability to show it can win a shootout against Notre Dame and a defensive battle against Auburn was huge. Those were two games that the Aggies lost last year, which was part of why they missed the SEC championship game and the College Football Playoff. Turning those losses into wins this year has A&M in the mix for the SEC title and playoff races as we enter October.
The Dispatch: What about the Bulldogs have the Aggies focused on?
Miller: Definitely the spread, run-pass-option nature of their offense. Elko called it the modern-day triple-option this week. Jeff Lebby is an offensive mind that Elko, a defensive-oriented coach, respects. The Aggies did a good job shutting down Auburn’s duo of Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr. last week after a so-so performance against Notre Dame. Now, can A&M’s secondary replicate that against the Bulldogs’ tandem of Anthony Evans and Brenen Thompson? Elko also praised the duo of running backs Fluff Bothwell and Davon Booth on Monday.
The Dispatch: Through four games, which unit or position do you consider the foundational strength of this A&M team?
Miller: Mississippi State fans will hate to hear this, but it’s the wide receivers led by transfers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver. If it’s any consolation, A&M defensive backs all agreed over the offseason that Craver was the toughest guy they had to guard last season. Now, they’re glad he’s on their side. Those two have added a play-making ability that has been missing from the Aggies’ passing game in recent years. A&M has two true home-run threats now. That has helped quarterback Marcel Reed in his growth as a passer and made the Aggies’ offense more balanced with a strong rushing attack.
The Dispatch: The Bulldogs struggled to protect Blake Shapen at home last week. Do you expect a similar challenge on the road against this Aggies front?
Miller: After A&M sacked Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold five times last weekend, I would say yes. It seems like State has a bit of a leaky offensive line and the Aggies are only gaining confidence on their defensive front with linebackers like Taurean York and Daymion Sanford also starting to get home to the quarterback. Shapen needs to be firm in his decision making this weekend in a night game at Kyle Field, especially if Albert Reese IV is out.
The Dispatch: What has to happen for A&M to lose this game?
Miller: If the Bulldogs can gain an early lead, keep the Aggies off-balanced behind Shapen and Co., and force a couple of turnovers, they will have a shot at a big-time upset. State must also limit its penalties, especially pre-snap flags on offense in a hostile environment while tapping into the depth on the offensive line. Getting behind the chains is something State must avoid at all costs. Just ask Auburn about that one.
The Dispatch: What has to happen for A&M to win this game?
Miller: The Aggies just need to play sound, clean football. That’s what they did last year in somewhat of a lackluster 34-24 win in Starkville. Wins are wins. Style points are nice, but coming away victorious is paramount. A&M’s offense is eager to get itself right, especially with the meat of the SEC slate ahead.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
