What Dan Mullen said after Mississippi State knocked off No. 4 Texas A&M

After a down season full of close losses, Mississippi State finally got a statement win in 2016.

And what a statement it was.

The Bulldogs shocked No. 4 Texas A&M 35-28 in Starkville, all but officially knocking the Aggies (7-2, 4-2) out SEC West contention and the College Football Playoff race. Mississippi State (4-5, 2-3) gained 574 yards (391 of them from quarterback Nick Fitzgerald) while shutting down the Aggies’ high-powered offense.

Here’s what Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen said after the stunner in Starkville:

Dan Mullen is here. Short of breath. He's clearly been celebrating. Was very emotional on field after the game.

— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 5, 2016

Mullen tearing up talking about military appreciation day. Says they fight so he can go live his dream.

— Ben Wait (@bcwait) November 5, 2016

Mullen: "They didn't flinch. I thought we had our best week of practice this week."

— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 5, 2016

Mullen says the defensive staff "responded" and put together a great plan.

— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 5, 2016

Mullen: Brian Johnson called at least half the game, offensive plays, from the booth.

— Ben Wait (@bcwait) November 5, 2016

Mullen said he was worried a little bit about the offense. But said they knew they had to run the football.

— Ben Wait (@bcwait) November 5, 2016

Mullen said he didn’t want it to be a pass game shootout.

— Ben Wait (@bcwait) November 5, 2016

Mullen on where this win ranks: There’ll be a big ol’ celebration at the Mullen house tonight

— Joel Coleman (@JoelTColeman) November 5, 2016

Mullen: "I was trying to be Mr. Positive this week." Has said a few times the team practiced this week the best he's seen all year

— TJ Werre (@TJ_WJTV) November 5, 2016

Punter Logan Cooke tweaked his knee. Mullen expects an update on him soon, but not sure now.

— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) November 5, 2016

I thought Richie Brown played his best game of the year – Mullen

— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) November 5, 2016

Mullen thought about giving Brian Johnson the full time play calling responsibilities.

— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) November 5, 2016

Mullen said last week's win was one of the most raucous locker rooms. This week was even bigger. "They're starting to get it."

— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) November 5, 2016

Mullen said he was thinking about making a change for field goals. Says it’s a mental issue with Graves.

— Ben Wait (@bcwait) November 5, 2016

Mullen: Many may disagree with this statement – No one holds himself more accountable than me. I love being the coach here & living here.

— Joel Coleman (@JoelTColeman) November 5, 2016