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Texas A&M Football: 3 Keys to BTHO Mississippi State

By Grant Britton

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 14: Tanner Schorp #86 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 14: Tanner Schorp #86 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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Texas A&M Football returns home after a two week hiatus from Kyle Field. How can they bring home a big win against a tough Bulldog squad coming off a 45-7 win over Kentucky?

Even after the bye week, it is tough to not be excited about the growth we have seen from this Texas A&M football team. As many problems as they have had in the past with finishing and avoiding collapses, this team has done wonders to change the narrative.

Most recently in a hard-fought win in Gainesville this team has proved that it is different. Coming back against a team with a solid defense is hard. Coming back on the road, in a place known for a home field advantage, with a freshman quarterback, is almost impossible. But these Aggies did it.

Now we’ll move on to Mississippi State. The Bulldogs under Dan Mullen are 5-2 on the year, with losses to Auburn and Georgia. In both of these games, they were away from home and scored one combined touchdown. This team plays better in Starkville and luckily for the Aggies the game is going to be played in Kyle Field. Let’s take a look at last week’s keys and look ahead at what the Aggies need to do to beat Mississippi State.

1. Take an early lead

The Gators were first on the board, and went into halftime with a 10-3 lead. Texas A&M did not start fast or hot. But, this may have been an advantage. They were able to adjust, and the defense once again played out of their minds in the second half, allowing 56 yards in the second half (minus the scramble of the century by Florida quarterback Felipe Franks). Texas A&M won in a way I thought they couldn’t. 0-1

2. Sack Felipe Franks five times

Five on the dot. The Aggies had some opportunities to add on to their sack total from there, but five was enough to win the day. Franks was unable to get much of a rhythm, and only threw the ball for 129 yards with two picks. The Aggies made Florida one-dimensional, and let their run defenders fly to the ball in order to make plays. 1-1

3. Get a Defensive Touchdown

With this one, I was trying to call my shot to the center field wall and go for broke. I did think that A&M’s offense would struggle to move the ball against Florida’s stingy defense, and so thought that a defensive touchdown would be necessary. Thanks to kicker Daniel Lacamera’s leg, I was proven incorrect. Texas A&M did not need a turnover turned into points to win the game. 1-2