When the final whistle had blown, the Noble Men of Kyle stood on the sidelines smiling. The Aggies of Kyle Field had successfully defended their turf from their fellow SEC West member, Mississippi State. Coming into the game, Texas A&M and Mississippi State were ranked No. 14 and No. 21, respectively. For most of the game it appeared that the Texas A&M had the Bulldogs number.
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The Aggies played a very physical defense and made Bulldogs quarterback, Dak Prescott work past his first or second reads on most plays. As a result, this forced Prescott to bail on pass plays and attempt to save the day by leaving the pocket. Defensive lineman Myles Garrett and his fellow Aggies made Prescott pay a huge cost for leaving the pocket with ferocious hits.
Kyle Allen looked very sharp. He converted a 4th and goal into a beautiful touchdown pass. Additionally, Allen showed his leadership by taking off from the pocket when a play broke down picking up several critical first downs. Lastly, Allen looked like the better quarterback between himself and Prescott. This is a huge development for the Aggies, as it looks like the have a top-5 quarterback this season.
While the Aggies only won the game by two possessions, they won a game that was critical to their College Football Playoff destiny. By going 2-0 in the NCAA’s hardest division, the Aggies are evolving into a mentally and physically tough team that no one wants to play. Furthermore, this Texas A&M team is trending up, in a conference where most teams are trending down (Georgia, Auburn) or trending neutrally (Tennessee).
Three Stars
1) Kyle Allen
Allen completed 25-41 of his passes for two touchdowns and zero turnovers. Additionally, he totaled 66 yards on 12 carries, with his longest rush going for 13 yards. Allen looked unquestionably the best quarterback on the field. The Aggies will go as far as the arm of Allen can take them. As long as Allen is on his game, don’t count the Aggies out.
2) Tra Carson
Carson looked solid, if not slightly boring. The Aggies had Carson be the short distance playmaker. If the Aggies needed 3-4 yards, then Carson’s name was called. Additionally, Carson carried the ball 26 times for 110 yards and one score. If the Aggies have a Tra Carson that is this consistent every week, then the Aggies should be able to use him in a role where he can grind out teams. He is a gritty and tough runner that maybe the most underrated running back in the SEC.
3) The Aggie Defense
The Aggie defense did not allow Dak Prescott to throw more than 200 yards or run for more than 100. This defense forced turnovers and shut down an electric Mississippi State offense. Myles Garrett looked dangerous as he always does. Moreover, this John Chavis defense looks as if it will be the scourge of the SEC for years to come.
Outlook
Mississippi State The Bulldogs play host to the Troy Trojans next week. This game is a must win game for Mississippi State as they will look to rebound against an opponent that should be easier to win against.
Texas A&M The Aggies will head into their bye week preparing for their biggest match of the year yet against Alabama which takes place on October 17th.
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