Mississippi State Football: Friends With the Enemy
By Landon Young
Mississippi State football hosts the Texas A&M Aggies this Saturday. The game will kick off at 3:00 p.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. The Bulldogs come into this game 3-1, and the Falcons at 3-1.
To learn more about the Texas A&M Aggies, I met up with Brandon Martinez from Fansided’s Gig Em Gazette. Brandon lives in Fort Wayne, IN, and is currently studying business finance at Purdue. He has been the site expert at Gig ‘em Gazette for almost two months now and also contributes to The Landry Hat.
What does Gig em Gazette even mean?
The phrase “Gig ’em” actually came around in 1930 when the Aggies faced the TCU Horned Frogs. A gig is a tool used to hunt frogs, so they used it as a sort of battle cry against TCU. It then turned into the phrase “Gig ’em, Aggies” to signal a sign of unity and school spirit.
Who are Texas A&M’s most valuable players? 2 offensive and 2 defensive?
On offense, the two most valuable players certainly have to include running back Devon Achane. Achane is one of the best backs in the country and just had a couple of huge games against Miami and Arkansas. Max Johnson would have to be the other most valuable offensive player because he’s the quarterback and he’s helped right the ship after the Appalachian State loss.
For the defense, the two most valuable players right now are defensive back Antonio Johnson and linebacker Chris Russell Jr. There are so many other players that could deserve these spots, but these two have stuck out the most, as they are seemingly everywhere on the field at all times.
What are the thoughts around College Station on Max Johnson after two weeks of the Aggies starting him at quarterback?
Max Johnson has done a good job at limiting mistakes and keeping possession. He has created a lot more stable play at quarterback than Haynes King offered, so I believe starting him was the right move.
I witnessed one of the wildest plays whenever the Aggies returned the goal-line fumble vs. Arkansas this past weekend. Not sure if you were at the game or watching from the confines of your home, but what was your reaction?
Since I live in Fort Wayne, IN, I was not able to attend the game, but when I tell you I felt that play as if it was in person, I kid you not. It was one of the smartest plays I’ve seen in any football I’ve ever watched, and to say I was shocked would be an understatement.
As you know, the yell leaders always say some strange jokes whenever they are “roasting” that week’s opponent. Do A&M fans actually like that or is it just as cringey to y’all as it is to everyone else?
Oh, it is embraced. The Aggie Yell is a staple for the 12th man, and recruits have also found it so much better than it sounds. I imagine it has to be something you have to be there for to understand.
Score prediction and analysis of what happens on Saturday whenever Mississippi State football takes on the Aggies?
In my eyes, I think the Aggie offense will need to step up to compete with Will Rogers and the Bulldog offense. However, as shown over this season, the A&M defense is legit, so they shouldn’t be in a shootout. Unfortunately for Bulldog fans, I don’t think the defense will be able to contain Achane and Evan Stewart. However, with Ainias Smith out for the season, it will be close. I’ll take the Aggies in a close one on the road, 26-21.