Rapid reaction: Mississippi State Bulldogs can’t hang with Texas A&M
By Will Heath
Published:
Rapid reaction to Mississippi State’s 30-17 loss in College Station:
What it means: After last week’s stirring win at Auburn, an ebullient Dan Mullen crowed that Mississippi State was “back in the race” for the SEC West. While Saturday night showed that the Bulldogs are good enough to be competitive with the best in the division — and the conference — there remains a gap between Mullen’s squad and those teams “in the race.”
What I liked: For as many times as it appeared A&M was ready to run State out of Kyle Field Saturday night, the Bulldogs kept the game closer than it had any right to be. State’s offense actually outperformed the Aggies’ in the second half. They were ultimately undone by two untimely turnovers in the third quarter (one set up an Aggie field goal, another took away a sure scoring opportunity).
What I didn’t: Yeah. To be fair, it was an uphill battle for the Bulldogs under any circumstances, but every time State needed a key play to make the home team sweat a little, they failed to convert them. The two fumbles were bad enough, but the A&M drive just before halftime — culminating in a Tra Carson touchdown with 20 seconds left in the half — was a real back-breaker (in my notebook I have “GAME (probably) OVER” written by that play). They had an opportunity early in the fourth quarter — after they took possession following a Prescott TD and a stop — and immediately went 3 & out, leading to A&M’s final points (a field goal).
Who’s the man?: Dak Prescott was his usual efficient self, with over 200 yards passing and 100 yards rushing (plus a touchdown). You know, the usual stuff. Honorable mention goes to the State defense for its performance in the second half, limiting Kyle Allen, et al, after a sizzling first half. This game appeared to be on the verge of a blowout several times, but the Bulldogs wouldn’t allow it.
What’s next: Mississippi State hosts Troy next Saturday at 3 p.m.
Will Heath is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football.
