SEC Football: 5 most important SEC West games for 2017

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STARKVILLE, MS – NOVEMBER 5: Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs scrambles for a first down as he gets around linebacker Shaan Washington #33 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

5. Mississippi State at Texas A&M (Oct. 28)

It is easy to dismiss either one of these teams as a true contender. Neither of them is at the top of the pecking order preseason, but either of them is a threat to make noise in the division.

Miss State won nine games in 2015. Admittedly, Dak Prescott was a special quarterback, but Nick Fitzgerald, while he may not be as good a quarterback yet, is as good an athlete. Nine wins might be enough to win the SEC East but not likely to win the SEC West. With head coach Dan Mullen calling the shots, the Bulldogs are always a contender.

Meanwhile, Kevin Sumlin is on the hot seat, desperately needing a contending season. The Aggies have started strong and fizzled by the end of the season ever since Johnny Manziel left College Station.

In fact, the 2016 matchup was the beginning of the end in many ways for the Aggies. The team lost to Alabama but still held a 7-1 record going into Starkville. However, Texas A&M lost a back and forth tilt, 35-28. From there, the Aggies lost four of their last five games.

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