OFFENSE: C-

Texas A&M finished with 31 points and Kenny Hill finished with 365 yards. Don’t be fooled. The receivers, without Malcome Kennedy, languished most of the game, Speedy Noil excluded. The offensive line, stacked with supposed NFL prospects, took it on the chin more times than not. Hill lost his poise under pressure. The three interceptions ruined any chance A&M had to win a shootout.

DEFENSE: D+

Mississippi State completed nearly 77 percent of its passes without Jameon Lewis. The Bulldogs ran for 289 yards and five touchdowns. MSU did whatever it wanted against the Aggies. Texas A&M’s defense propped itself up with decent performances against South Carolina and Arkansas. Dak Prescott, Josh Robinson and company will put up 500-plus yards on several defenses this year, and as much as this one felt like a disaster, I still think A&M’s defense has taken a subtle step forward. Myles Garrett and company can get after a drop-back quarterback. But read-option teams still shred this unit, whether it’s Rice or Mississippi State.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B+

Noil had a 22-yard punt return. Josh Lambo made his only field goal attempt. Drew Kaser is getting closer to All-SEC status with another terrific game, drilling four of his seven punts inside the 20. Mississippi State missed a field goal as well.

COACHING: C

Much like Mississippi State’s record against Top 25 teams under Dan Mullen, it’s hard to fail Kevin Sumlin and his staff for having less talent. MSU’s quarterback, running back and defensive front seven have a clear advantage over A&M this year, and the Bulldogs may have a better offensive line as well. Still, the coaches spent all offseason and the early part of this year trying to correct poor gap discipline and positioning. We all saw how that went.

OVERALL: C

Texas A&M faced adversity for the second consecutive week. I wouldn’t characterize the effort as folding. The Aggies just weren’t as good this time. Before the season, most fans would’ve accepted 5-1, 2-1 in the SEC through the first weekend of October. But Hill and the passing game aren’t as good as it looked early this season. And the defense is better against traditional, pro-style offenses, but still has major issues with dynamic quarterbacks. Despite the start, the Aggies easily could lose three consecutive games.