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

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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(Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

1. Nick Fitzgerald cannot kill the Aggies

Nick Fitzgerald is a great runner, and uses his legs to great ability. He has run for over 100 yards in three of seven games this year. The Bulldog quarterback is just 106 yards behind Johnny Manziel‘s career rushing totals. He should pass Manziel this year, but the Texas A&M defense and the 12th Man do not want it to happen this week.

In order to defeat the Bulldogs, the Aggies must limit the damage Fitzgerald can inflict upon them. They must hold him to under 75 yards rushing. If they continue to sack the quarterback at the pace they have been, this is very doable. The Bulldogs are missing two offensive linemen, and could be under fire from a pretty hot Texas A&M defense in front of a raucous Kyle Field.

We all remember last year when Nick Fitzgerald was able to run all over the Texas A&M defense, gaining 182 on the ground and adding two touchdowns. He was the main reason the Aggies were defeated that day in Starkville, sending the Aggies carooming down the polls and starting their November skid. Limiting the amount of yardage he gets can be a great way to stop the offense. Looking at the other teams that were able to limit the Bulldogs, he was a non factor in the running game. The Ags will look to do the same.