Instant Reactions: Mississippi State Embarrasses Texas A&M, 48-31

Texas A&M scored on the first drive of the game in under two minutes, but were held in check by Mississippi State's defense from that point forward. Bulldog quarterback Dak Prescott led their powerful rushing attack up and down the field all game long, and the game was never really in question after the first quarter. A couple of late scores by the Aggies in garbage time made the score closer than the game actually was.

Turning Point: Mississippi State’s defense stopped Texas A&M on a 4th & 1 on the Bulldogs’ 17-yard line halfway through the opening quarter after a muffed punt had given the ball back to the Aggies with the game tied 7-7. Texas A&M wouldn’t score until they kicked a field goal right before halftime, and that allowed for Mississippi State to open up a big lead they were able to maintain. 

Mississippi State MVP: With his performance today, Dak Prescott has forced himself into the forefront of the Heisman race. He went 19-25 passing for 259 yards and 2 TDs while adding 75 yards and three more TDs on the ground while controlling the whole flow of the game from the quarterback position. Linebacker Richie Brown gets an honorable mention for grabbing all three of Kenny Hill's interceptions.

Texas A&M MVP: No one. The offensive line struggled, the receivers dropped nine passes, Kenny Hill threw three picks, and the defense gave up well over 500 yards. They were just dominated all afternoon.

What’s Next? Now with two straight wins over top-10 teams, Mississippi State has become a contender for the College Football Playoff, but they still have a lot of work left to do. Texas A&M will fall a bit in the rankings, but they still have a chance in the SEC and national championship pictures if they can regroup. The SEC West schedule doesn't get any easier for either team next weekend with the Bulldogs hosting a top-5 Auburn team and the Aggies facing No. 11 Ole Miss.

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