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Mississippi State upsets No. 4 Texas A&M

By Josh Barnhill

Nov 5, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Aeris Williams (27) dives into the end zone defended by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Armani Watts (23) during the first quarter of the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Aeris Williams (27) dives into the end zone defended by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Armani Watts (23) during the first quarter of the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mississippi State comes up with a huge surprise 35-28 win by beating Texas A&M and ending their College Football Playoff hopes.

You still hate black uniforms?

Dan Mullen earned his fourth win over a top 10 team (Texas A&M twice) and second win over a top 5 team. This win is pretty gratifying after all the struggles this year. Now MSU gets up off the mat in a lost season with bowl hopes still alive.

I’ve given the offensive line grief all year because they’ve been terrible. Today they absolutely dominated one of the best defensive lines in the country. MSU had 365 rushing yards and only a couple of negative plays against a defense that prides themselves on tackles for loss.

Peter Sirmon’s defense was terrible last week against Samford – a FCS team – but they played great today…..only giving up 14 first downs and 21 points (A&M scored one TD on a punt return). The secondary looked like a huge match-up problem against the Aggie receivers but they played better than they have all year.

Nov 5, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) stands in the pocket during the second quarter of the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) stands in the pocket during the second quarter of the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas A&M was without their quarterback Trevor Knight in the 2nd half and a fully healthy Myles Garrett for the entire game, but this was a legitimate butt-whooping by MSU. If not for two red zone (in the endzone) interceptions but MSU and a punt return TD that should have been called back for a block in the back, this game isn’t even close. State had 18 more first downs than A&M and 192 more yards.

Nick Fitzgerald had a great, gutsy effort. By the end of the game he was completely worn out, bloodied and beet red. He had 182 rushing yards and 209 passing yards – accounting for four touchdowns.

Aeries Williams had a career day with 140 yards on 24 rushes. Him and Fitz pounding the ball on the final scoring drive was huge as MSU imposed their will. Again, huge credit to the O-line there as well. Over seven minutes that drive ate up, and at one point State rushed it 10 straight times.

Mississippi State was a completely different team in this game. It just goes to show how important the mental aspect is. We’ve been harping on it all year long because it’s true. Texas A&M didn’t match MSU’s emotional intensity, drive and focus and they got whipped on both lines of scrimmage throughout the game despite being more talented.

The Bulldogs simply wanted it more and they got it done in a huge way. What a first day on the job for John Cohen. Great win and Hail State!

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