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 Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

3. Force three turnovers

The Texas A&M defense has gotten after the quarterback, and was the first to take the ball away from Alabama’s offense this year. Mississippi State takes care of the ball. Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald has only seven interceptions on the year, and the team has lost only one fumble.

Texas A&M should look to steal a possession or two from the Bulldogs. Be it interceptions from SEC leaders Armani Watts or Tyrel Dodson, or even a forced fumble during via a sacks, the Aggies will be looking to take the ball away a few times against the Bulldog offense. Nick Fitzgerald can’t beat them if he doesn’t have the ball.

Next: 2017 Texas A&M football game-by-game predictions

In addition to giving the offense the ball with great position, takeaways fire up the 12th Man like nothing else. They can lead to a serious swing in momentum and game feel. It might make a small Aggie lead turn insurmountable or a Mississippi State lead disappear. The defense just needs a takeaway or two, and they need it to be timely.