Maroon and White Nation
Fansided

Mississippi State football: 3 storylines to watch vs. Texas A&M Aggies

By Ethan Lee

Nov 4, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Chris Parson (16) looks to pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Chris Parson (16) looks to pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Mascot Bully of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs out on to the field
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 04: Mascot Bully of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs out on to the field prior to their game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Davis Wade Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Can the Mississippi State football team win the battle in the trenches?

There have been a number of depth and injury issues that have led to some dreadful moments for the Mississippi State football team on the defensive side of things at the line of scrimmage. But it’s not exactly like the Bulldogs have been consistently great on the offensive line throughout the entirety of this season.

And as with most SEC matchups, this MSU football game could conceivably be won or lost in the trenches.

The offensive line battle is crucial for the Bulldogs as MSU’s offense has very clearly struggled throughout the year. State can’t afford for its quarterback to get pressured or hit much in this game and the center-quarterback exchange has to be smooth.

On top of that, the zone running schemes need to actually function if Kevin Barbay’s offense is going to be seen as successful in this matchup.

With regards to the other side of the ball, how will the Bulldogs pressure Max Johnson? Will we see the front seven able to win some battles here and there without having to send an egregious number of blitzes to create pressure?

There’s been some depth issues there due to injuries. Will that impact this game?

Home/Mississippi State Football