Texas A&M (5-1, 3-0 SEC) enters Week 8 rested and ready to get back to game prep, as the Aggies will travel to Starkville to face Mississippi State (1-5, 0-3 SEC) on Saturday afternoon, as the Bulldogs are coming off a close 41-31 loss to Georgia in Week 7.
On Monday, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko, starting quarterback Conner Weigman, and linebacker Taurean York spoke to the media to preview the impending matchup. Before any reporter could discuss the program’s struggles against Mississippi State over the last decade, Elko was well aware of the history.
“Full expectation is we’re going to have our hands full going into Starkville. We always do. We’re not very good going down to Starkville as a program.”
Despite A&M’s blowout win last season, which coincidentally was Jimbo Fisher’s final game as the program’s head coach, the 2022 loss in Starkville, combined with the home loss to the Bulldogs during the 2021 season, still haunts Aggie fans to this day.
Knowing the damage a loss on Saturday could do to the Aggies’ playoff hopes, Elko has stressed to his team this week that looking past Mississippi State’s 1-5 record could lead to a lack of focus and the dreaded “looking ahead to next week” mistake that has resulted in lesser competition upsetting top-ranked teams.
Taurean York, one of A&M’s captains and leaders on defense, noted that Elko had reminded the team of the poor record the Aggies hold against the Bulldogs, knowing that no matter the talent discrepancy, this is still an SEC road game.
“Coach Elko has reminded us about our record in Starkville. It’s 2-4. … We’re excited for it. We’re looking forward to the challenge come Saturday.”
Lastly, Elko, who likely watched at least some college football on Saturday during A&M’s bye week, noted the play of Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren. Van Buren was recently named SEC Newcomer of the Week after completing 20/37 for 306 yards and 3 touchdowns in Saturday’s loss to Georgia.
“He has a really big arm. He showed that. Their ability to stretch the field is probably the most impressive thing.” “This explosive passing game is really, really scary.”
While Texas A&M’s secondary will need to prepare to cover go and post routes, the Aggies pass rush, led by defensive ends Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, will need to apply pressure early to keep Van Buren out of rhythm.
Texas A&M will face Mississippi State on the road on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 3:15 p.m. CT. The game will air on the SEC Network.
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