Texas A&M has taller and faster receivers, but Malcome Kennedy is the ballast that keeps the boat in place.

Kennedy separated his shoulder last week against Arkansas, but the team sounded optimistic he’d play against Mississippi State.

With receivers dropping passes in the first half and at times appearing a bit disconnected, the team surely misses Kennedy (33 catches, 378 yards). He runs good routes, has terrific hands and always seems to be on the same page with Kenny Hill.

After numerous drops, Boone Niederhoffer’s turned into a Mississippi State interception as the ball bounced off his hands and into the air.

Mississippi State’s secondary is playing soft zone, and Texas A&M has thrown screen pass after screen pass. It’s been there for the taking, but the receivers haven’t taken advantage after a scorching opening drive.

It’s easy to wonder how different this first half would look if Kennedy was in the game to provide some stability and consistency.