What must improve: It’s pass defense, particularly against the deep threat. On paper, that has been the glaring weakness for Mississippi State’s defense, and it has been Texas A&M’s biggest strength. The Aggies lead the nation in yards per play (8.2) and plays of 10 yards or more (103). Texas A&M freshman quarterback Kenny Hill has thrown for 1,745 yards and 17 touchdowns (two interceptions) this season, and his yards-per-attempt average of 9.7 leads the Southeastern Conference. Hill also has a number of weapons at his disposal Six wide receivers — led by Malcome Kennedy’s 33 — have reached double digits in receptions. Nine of Hill’s targets have caught touchdown passes.
“He’s a very accurate passer with a lot of weapons around him,” MSU defensive coordinator Geoff Collins said of Hill.
But while MSU’s pass defense has been burned by the big play — the Bulldogs’ average of 319 yards per game is last in the SEC — the numbers could be a bit deceiving. As a collective, MSU’s defensive backs have held opponents to a completion percentage of 50.3, the 11th lowest number in the country. And while big plays have skewed MSU’s defensive numbers in the passing game, the Bulldogs are third in the conference in quarterback sacks (14) and third in the country in tackles for loss (35).
Key Bulldog: Sophomore defensive tackle Chris Jones is due for a breakout. Defensive end Preston Smith has been dominant this season and his presence should command plenty of attention from Texas A&M’s offensive line. And with the need for creating pressure up front crucial to MSU’s chances of slowing down Hill, Jones, who has eight tackles and two sacks, becomes important for a defense that needs to attack Hill from all angles.
Stat to watch: Negative plays. That has been MSU’s strength defensively and has been nearly non-existent for Texas A&M. The Bulldogs lead the conference with 35 tackles for loss and rank third in quarterback sacks with 14. But Texas A&M’s massive offensive line, which returns four of five starters from last season, has allowed three sacks in five games, making it the stingiest group in the conference. If the Bulldogs can get pressure and set up shop in the Aggies’ backfield, stopping Hill and his prolific offense will be more manageable task.
Surprise player? South Alabama, which lost to MSU 35-3, sold out its offense in an attempt to hit big plays against the Bulldogs, passing the ball 55 times, 13 more attempts than any other team against MSU. Outside linebacker Matthew Wells had his best game against that scheme with five tackles, a sack, and two pass breakups. Against Texas A&M, Wells will have the opportunity to shine again. The Aggies average 52 passes per game and Wells, MSU’s fastest linebacker, will have plenty of opportunities in coverage against a number of Aggies’ targets.
“We feel confident with Matt in pass coverage against anybody,” Collins said. “He’s so athletically gifted. At 6-foot-3, 222 pounds, he can run a 4.35 (40-yard dash), and he gives us a lot of flexibility in our coverages.”
Strengths vs. weaknesses: The weaknesses for Texas A&M’s offense are hard to find. The Aggies lead the conference in most key offensive metrics, including points per game (51.2) and yards (2,973). Hill has been the perfect replacement for Johnny Manziel, and seven Texas A&M wide receivers have 100-yard games. Hill and company have delivered 2,006 yards and 20 touchdowns, and coach Kevin Sumlin’s passing attack is geared to put pressure on any defense. That includes MSU’s, which has been leaky in pass coverage at times, particularly in a 435-yard effort against Alabama-Birmingham. But MSU’s defensive strength is up front, as the Bulldogs lead the league in tackles for loss and yards per carry, and that’s where the Bulldogs to will attempt to make hay against Hill and the Aggies.
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