No. 14 Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0 SEC) welcome No. 21 Mississippi State (3-1, 1-1) to Kyle Field in a matchup that should help add some clarity to the crowded SEC West.
How to watch Mississippi State vs. Texas A&M on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Aggies welcome the Bulldogs to Kyle Field.
Both teams are coming off their first conference wins a week ago, with the Bulldogs adding to Auburn’s miseries in a 17-9 win in Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Aggies sending Arkansas further down the shame spiral in a 28-21 overtime win in AT&T Stadium.
Sophomore quarterback Kyle Allen and freshman wideout Christian Kirk have been the story for the Texas A&M offense, with the two connecting for 110 yards a game so far and four out of Allen's 11 passing touchdowns. The Aggie defense, which was so dreadful a year ago, has made a quick turnaround under new coordinator John Chavis, particularly in making big plays up front. Defensive ends Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall rank third in the country with a 9.9 percent DL Havoc Rate.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Radio: Mississippi State, Texas A&M
Online streaming: WatchESPN Link
Spread: Texas A&M is favored by 6 points.
Make friends: Aggies can chat about this one at Good Bull Hunting, and Bulldogs can check out For Whom the Cowbell Tolls.
Three big things to know
1. QB versus QB
A&M’s Allen has been incredibly proficient so far, but Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott hasn’t thrown an interception this season against a combined nine touchdowns on the air and ground. With both secondaries allowing more than 6 yards per pass attempt this could become a bit of a shootout.
2. Pick your poison
Kirk leads the SEC in receiving yardage, but he’s also a dangerous return man with 358 combined yards on kickoffs and punts and a touchdown. He’s also a threat to get the ball in the running game via jet sweeps.
3. Soft up the middle
Both teams are near the bottom of rushing defense in the conference with 700-plus yards allowed apiece. A&M allowed 232 on the ground to Arkansas a week ago, while State was Leonard Fournette's original victim in week two with 159 yards and three touchdowns. The Aggies have been the more productive team on the ground, but the lack of commitment has been fans' central gripe with offensive coordinator Jake Spavital. Mississippi State averages just 144 yards per game on the ground, and some are wondering if leading ball-carrier Ashton Shumpert would be better off at wide receiver.
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