Mississippi State started its 2025 SEC campaign last week in a gut-wrenching home loss to No. 15 Tennessee in overtime. The Bulldogs had opportunities to win the game in regulation but failed to capitalize, suffering from some self-inflicted wounds to keep the Vols alive.
The Aggies are (so far) living up to their preseason hype, recording an exciting 41-40 road win over Notre Dame before smothering Auburn in the start of SEC play at home last week. They’re still finding their feet, but pose a difficult challenge on the road as the Bulldogs look to get their first conference win in two years.
Here’s what to know and where to watch MSU’s first SEC road test of the season.
What: Mississippi State at No. 6 Texas A&M
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Kyle Field, College Station
TV: SEC Network
Betting line: The Aggies are 16.5 point favorites, and the over/under is set at 55.5.
Weather: Sunny with highs in the mid-90s during the day. Sunset around 7 p.m. with temps cooling down to the mid-80s, per AccuWeather.
Records/rankings: The Bulldogs are 4-1, with their first loss coming last week in a 41-34 overtime loss to No. 15 Tennessee in Starkville.
Texas A&M is 4-0, following up an impressive win in South Bend with a 16-10 home win over Auburn to open SEC play last week.
Series history: The Aggies have a narrow 9-8 series record against the Bulldogs, winning the 2024 edition 34-24 in Starkville.
MSU’s last win in College Station came in the 2021 season under Mike Leach. The Bulldogs won 26-22 in an upset over then No. 15 A&M.
Mississippi State update: The Bulldogs may be without Isaac Smith and Albert Reese IV, with both listed as questionable on the availability report. Smith limped off against Tennessee and left the stadium in a walking boot, while Reese also walked off gingerly in the game against the Vols.
Leading receiver Brenen Thompson is listed as probable after exiting the Tennessee game, as is Derion Gullette, who has not played since the game against Alcorn State.
Texas A&M update: The Aggies are mostly healthy but have two starters on defense listed as questionable. Linebacker Scooby Williams and safety Bryce Anderson were both named on the Wednesday availability report.
Aggies players to watch: WR Mario Craver, WR K.C. Concepcion, RB Le’Veon Moss, LB Taurean York, DE Cashius Howell, CB Will Lee III.
Prediction: The Bulldogs are coming off a performance in which they largely defeated themselves. They can’t afford to cough up the football, let alone spot the other team multiple touchdowns, in SEC play.
They have a tough one on the road this week against a Top 10 team with hopes of making the College Football Playoff. The Aggies haven’t been totally convincing, but they have found ways to win nonetheless, and they do so again on Saturday. The pass rush and the hostile environment of 100,000 fans make for an intimidating atmosphere, and the Bulldogs lose another close one.
Texas A&M 31, Mississippi State 27
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