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Texas A&M football: Grading the Aggies’ 49-30 victory over Mississippi State
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The first sweep of Mississippi since Johnny Football; that’s not nothing, and a bowl berth is just a victory next week over UTSA away. The Aggies were impressive in a relatively easy 49-30 victory over Misssissippi State on Saturday at Kyle Field.
The offensive effort was the best in some time. The last time the Aggies scored 49 points in an SEC game was in a 52-28 victory over South Carolina in 2014. And the 19-point victory was their biggest in an SEC game since they defeated Arkansas 45-24, also in 2016. In addition, the 28 first-half points were the most from an Aggies team since it scored 35 on Auburn in 2016.
There was a lot to like about the victory, and still some aspects that could be improved upon. Here are five things I liked about the big victory, and three more things I didn’t like about it.
Things I liked
1. Run blocking
The Aggies’ offensive line opened up running lanes for Isaiah Spiller and Kellen Mond. As a group, it was able to push Mississippi State when it wanted and finesse the Bulldogs when it wanted, as well. In one of the best games this season as a unit, the O-line allowed for 210 rushing yards and controlled the line of scrimmage throughout.
2. Getting to the QB
The Aggies were able to put pressure on Mississippi State’s freshman quarterback Garrett Shrader all afternoon. Harassed throughout, sacked twice and hurried four times, Shrader was limited to just 13 completions in 30 attempts.
3. Mond’s overall game
Given a little more time in the pocket helped Mond make better decisions with the football, and the Aggies QB had one of his better games. He was accurate, completing 17 of 23 attempts for 234 yards, and ran when the opportunity presented itself. Mond played with confidence in accounting for five touchdowns, including two rushing scores while piling up 76 yards on nine carries.
4. Yards after the catch
Texas A&M receivers were able to roll up big yardage after catch. Two of those resulted in touchdowns. Kendrick Rogers took a simple slant pass and ran through several Bulldogs defenders to the end zone for one score. And big freshman tight end Jalen Wydermyer did the same, catching a pass downfield before rumbling through the Bulldogs secondary on his way to a 52-yard touchdown.
5. Turnovers
One thing the Aggies needed to improve upon was turnover ratio. They did just that on Saturday, winning the turnover battle, 3-0. In addition to coming up with an interception, the Aggies recovered two fumbles. They had recovered just two fumbles all season coming into the game.
Things I didn’t like
1. Explosive plays
While it turned in an overall good game, the Aggies defense still gave up too many big plays. Shrader completed passes of 38, 32 and 25 yards, and the Bulldogs running back Kylin Hill popped a 39-yard run. That can be excused when your team scores 49 points. But under normal circumstances, that can cost a team a game.
2. Yardage allowed
Yes, the Aggies were able to come up with turnovers. It’s a good thing, because the defense also allowed a lot of yardage. Mississippi State amassed 433 total yards, including 239 on the ground. It’s the second consecutive game in which the Aggies allowed more than 200 yards rushing. Hopefully, that doesn’t turn into a trend.
3. Fourth-down conversions
It’s nitpicky, but Mississippi State converted on both fourth-down attempts. In a closer game, that could prove to be costly. Fortunately, the Aggies were far enough ahead that it didn’t cost them. But against better competition, they must not let the opposition off the hook on fourth down.
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
