Texas A&M Football: 3 takeaways from a setback loss to Mississippi State

Oct 1, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) looks to pass against the Texas A&M Aggies during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Red zone execution abandoned Texas A&M Football

In my 3 reasons the Aggies will beat Mississippi State post, I emphasized the importance of red zone execution. This is where Durkin’s defenses have had success in the past against air raid-esque offenses, and it has been a strength of the Texas A&M football team thus far in the season.  On the other side of the ball, the Aggies came into the game with a 100% scoring rate in the red zone — albeit with a small sample size, only reaching that area of the field 6 times in total.

Both of these excellent marks were cut down in Saturday’s game, with the Aggies concluding the day with scores on a measly 4 of 7 red zone possessions (they did, however, close 3 for 3, but in my opinion, this just underlines a horrible 1 for 4 start to the game).  This came against a Mississippi State team that had given up scores on 89% of red zone possessions, so, for as senior-laden a team as they are, they weren’t exactly impenetrable once you drove the ball down.

Mississippi State, on the other hand, was perfect on the day in the red zone, going 3 for 3 (if that number seems low to you compared to the final score, consider how some of State’s scores came about— one on a long, explosive play, and two not involving the offense at all).  The formerly stout Aggie defense faltered where they were needed most.  As I said previously, they had their chances and were unable to capitalize— picking off Will Rogers at least once might’ve served to rattle the veteran QB on a day where the Aggie pass-rush was all but nonexistent.

As has been a theme here, as well, red zone turnovers are absolute killers.  We saw this last week against Arkansas; that game completely swung on the play that Tyreek and Demani made.  Arkansas began to look completely listless for the majority of the rest of the game, while the Aggies were energized.  By the time the Hogs woke back up, it was too late.  I think something similar happened here— it’s no coincidence that State’s first touchdown drive came directly after Achane’s fumble near the goal line.  Of course, veteran corner Jaylon Jones going down with injury didn’t help things either, as we saw a backup the Aggies were forced to play in Deuce Harmon picked on on the aforementioned 75-yard touchdown pass.  Who knows what could’ve transpired if the Aggies had taken advantage of one of the turnovers that they were all but gifted by Rogers early in the game?