Breaking down Texas A&M football's Mississippi State matchups, position by position
Mississippi State pass offense vs. Texas A&M pass defense
This is the single scariest piece of this Mississippi State team. Over the last few weeks, they've been remarkably explosive through the air, if not consistent. They've failed to hit 40% passing success since they played Toledo (recall that success rate is a measure of consistency rather than explosivity), but they've still made some huge plays.
Their lowest YPA this year is 6.26, which still is not all that awful. It's a boom-or-bust attack, but they'll hit a big one at least once with the way this A&M pass defense has played at times, in my opinion. Even so, it's still an advantage for the Ags.
Advantage: Aggies by 3
Mississippi State rush offense vs. Texas A&M rush defense
We are halfway through the season, and the Aggies have yet to allow any opponent to reach their season-average YPC mark against them. They consistently stifle opposing rushing attacks, in other words—conversely, the Bulldogs have only outperformed opposing rushing defenses in this regard twice all season. They've only gained more than 4 YPC once (against Florida), and averaged less than 1 YPC against Arizona State. I think Lebby gives up on the run by halftime.
Advantage: Aggies by 5
Mississippi State pass protection vs. Texas A&M pass rush
This one might be another bloodbath. The Bulldogs have the fourth-worst sack rate allowed in the entire nation, and the second-worst in the Power 4, with 11.45% of passing plays ending in a sack. The Aggies have been ramping up in this respect, notching 6 sacks last week for a season-high. They could pick up right where they left off here: a voracious front four against a porous Mississippi State offensive line could have Bulldog QB Michael Van Buren running for his life.
Advantage: Aggies by 5