Three Texas A&M Aggies for Mississippi State football fans to know

After coming close to upsetting Georgia last week, Mississippi State football plays host to Texas A&M on Saturday. Mississippi State has had great success versus the Aggies at home since they joined the SEC, but they have a tall task of slowing down a very talented group of players. Here are three players to watch for...

Defensive End Nic Scourton

Everyone remembers the stellar recruiting class that A&M signed a few years ago, and it was highlighted by the defensive linemen they signed. Most of those highly rated recruits are still on the roster with the exception of Walter Nolan. However, one of the biggest surprises for the Aggies this season is the emergence of Nic Scourton. After playing two seasons for Purdue, he transferred in, and he has proven to be a major difference maker on the defensive line. He has been a force in the middle with 17 tackles on the season and 4.5 sacks. He has been getting better each week, and that is evident as he has recorded 3.5 sacks in his previous two games. I do not think State will be able to stop him, but they will need to slow him down just enough for Michael Van Buren in the pocket.

Wide Receiver Noah Thomas

Le'Veon Moss is the main focal point at running back for the Aggies, but Noah Thomas has proven to be a reliable receiver for the A&M offense. In 2023, Thomas caught 29 passes for 359 yards and 5 touchdowns. So far this season, he has elevated his game with him becoming the number one receiver for the Aggies. He leads the team in receptions and receiving yards. Thomas has caught 19 passes for 252 yards. He is also tied for first on the team with two receiving touchdowns. Coleman Hutzler and the Bulldogs defense had success last week by intercepting Carson Beck twice. Mississippi State's pass rush has been almost nonexistent so you can expect State's defense to attempt to neutralize Thomas in the pass game.

Defensive Back Marcus Ratcliffe

The final player for Mississippi State fans is also a transfer. Sophomore defensive back, Marcus Ratcliffe, transferred in from San Diego State, and he has made an immediate impact for the Aggies defense. Ratcliffe does not shy away from contact as he accounted for 50 total tackles for the Aztecs last season, and he already as 20 tackles this season with one forced fumble. However, what makes a defensive back great is what he can do in pass coverage. Ratcliffe has shown this through six games with three interceptions which leads the team. The matchup to watch here is Ratcliffe versus Kevin Coleman, Mario Craver or Kelly Akharaiyi.