The Matchup: Texas A&M (5-0, 2-0) at Mississippi State (4-0, 1-0)
The Venue: Davis Wade Stadium
The Kick: Noon ET
TV: ESPN

Series record: Texas A&M 4-3

Last meeting: The Bulldogs intercepted Johnny Manziel three times, but the Aggies kept at least two-score lead the entire game, which turned out to be Manziel’s last at Kyle Field. The teams accounted for nearly 1,100 yards of offense. Receiver Malcome Kennedy finished four yards shy of giving A&M three receivers with 100 yards as the Aggies won, 51-41.

Coaches: Kevin Sumlin (60-23 overall), Dan Mullen (40-28 overall).

Last game (Texas A&M): The Aggies nearly fell behind 35-14 in the fourth quarter before rallying for a 35-28 overtime win against Arkansas. The defense was impressive late, including a stop on fourth-and-1 against a power run to end the game.

Last game (Mississippi State): The Bulldogs didn’t play last week after stunning LSU in Baton Rouge, La., on Sept. 20. MSU led 34-10 early in the fourth quarter. Freshman QB Brandon Harris led a comeback attempt off the bench, but a failed onside kick left the Bulldogs to run out all but 20 seconds off the clock and a final LSU Hail Mary failed in a 34-29 victory.

Texas A&M wins if: The offensive line can fend off Mississippi State’s nasty front seven long enough to take advantage of a leaky secondary. Oh, and the defense must prove the fourth quarter and overtime against Arkansas wasn’t a fluke against a dynamic running team with a quarterback capable of beating the Aggies downfield.

Mississippi State wins if: The defensive front seven can cause enough disruption to help the secondary and the game plan can account for the three or four above-average players on the Aggies defense. The offense is going to gain yards and score points. But what will it take to outscore A&M? Limiting the team to 31? 35?

What it means if Texas A&M wins: The Aggies, much like Missouri last season, still wouldn’t be touted as the SEC West favorite. A&M has plenty of tough games left, including Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU at home and Alabama and Auburn on the road. But A&M would be halfway to an unbeaten season after claiming a second road win against a Top 15 team.

What it means if Mississippi State wins: The Bulldogs, unranked to start the season, are a home win against Auburn away from what would then be a 9-0 start. The state of Alabama would be the only thing standing between MSU and an SEC West title.