Preview: #6 Texas A&M @ #12 Mississippi State
Date: 10/4/2014
Time: 12:00 ET
Players to Watch
Kenny Hill, quarterback (A&M): When Hill was given the starting job over freshman Kyle Allen, many wondered if Kevin Sumlin had made the right call. Five games in and there is no looking back – Hill has 17 touchdowns to just two interceptions and is approximately three quarters away from 2,000 yards.
Malcome Kennedy, wide receiver (A&M): Hill has targeted Kennedy routinely and the senior has 33 catches for 278 yards and two scores. Kennedy is already half way towards the total of 60 catches he registered from Johnny Manziel in 2013 and is the veteran head the corps needs with so many youngsters getting game time.
Benardrick McKinney, linebacker (MISS): Likely a first-round draft pick if he declares early for the 2015 NFL Draft, McKinney is one of the best linebackers in the country. He has 27 tackles along with five tackles for a loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery. Come November, McKinney could be the best defensive player in the SEC.
Dak Prescott, quarterback (MISS): Prescott is the Bulldogs’ engine and he is once again carrying the offense on his shoulders. Through four contests he has 11 touchdown passes and two interceptions while rushing for 378 yards and a trio of scores.
Aggies’ Offense Vs Bulldogs’ Defense
The Aggies’ offense is built to put points on the board. Not only has Hill found Kennedy regularly, he also has three other receivers with 16 catches or more – two sophomores and freshman Ricky Seals-Jones. Furthermore, Trey Williams and Tra Carson are averaging just under 6 yards per carry between them with eight touchdowns.
The Bulldogs’ defense goes through McKinney, but he is not the only talented defender on the roster. Senior defensive lineman Preston Smith has three sacks, five tackles for a loss, two interceptions with one going for a touchdown. The Aggies are a passing side but a solid front seven goes a long way to putting pressure on a comfortable quarterback.
Aggies’ Defense Vs Bulldogs’ Offense
Only South Carolina has put a meaningful amount of points on the board against Texas A&M and their 28 points came in a 24-point loss. Mississippi State put 34 points on LSU two weeks ago and will fancy their chances of a repeat through their diverse offense. The away side have notoriously struggled on defense in the past and we will find out how good the 2014 unit is this week.
The Bulldogs have a little bit of everything on offense. A solid quarterback who can play from within the pocket or outside, a strong running game in junior Josh Robinson and a solid receiving group led by senior Jameon Lewis but with sprinkles of youth. Shutting down one facet could be the key to exposing another.
Game Preview
Mississippi State are on a roll after beating LSU and will fancy their chances at home to Texas A&M. The Aggies have been supreme so far in 2014 but are yet to face a true challenge. A&M won a 51-41 thriller in 2013 and Dan Mullen will be desperate for his men to right some wrongs from that game.
Implications
The implications are simple for both sides: lose and you are on the back foot for the rest of the season. Playing in the SEC you are always faced with a tough schedule but there are opportunities to claw back ranking points. Neither team will drop completely from the rankings with a loss but they will be bumped down considerably.
Prediction
This will be a high-scoring affair. Needless to say, it is likely the Aggies keep on rolling. A&M 45-38 Bulldogs