re: Can anyone give an unbiased view/scouting report on Miss State?

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kick field goals

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we will not be doing this unless inside the 20

The Arkansas game still has me scratching my head. If you take away the special teams play, they were nearly 100 yards below their average running the ball, but that's also because some TDs were called back on penalties. Watching the game, it seemed like A&M was the more physically fit team and held up to the game when that big OL for Arkansas was fading in the 4th and in OT.

On offense, A&M had some miscues as well. Reynolds dropped 2 balls that would have been points, and Pope tripped over the 30 yard line in what would have also been a TD, but resulted in an A&M missed opportunity. I feel like A&M left at least 17 points on the field in miscues, and that's before the missed field goal.

Looking and MSU, I see a slightly worse but still solid running game and OL. I think they've got the better passing game by far.

As far as when A&M has the ball, seems like A&M has a much better passing game than LSU, and probably on par running the ball.

Should be a good game with several explosive scoring plays. I'm guessing A&M gets out early and gets MSU out of his offensive game plan. A&M wins 38-34.

They are huge. I was on the 11th row behind their bench. Rotate several d lineman. They loaded the box against LSU and with no real threat of a pass they dared Jennings to beat them. They totally keyed on the I back and had little trouble stuffing the run. They do swarm to the ball. They weren't sure they could really win the game at first, but you could see their confidence growing. I think they are a serious defense, but I missed when Harris was in. Yea I left. Had to drive to the north shore.

They really want to get into a ground and pound, suck you in and go over the top. Their o line is also big and nasty. LSU had three freshman at times and State could move them with scheme, then just make the creases they needed. Once they get their man off balance, you aren't recovering. They will run very effectively on A&M. They are good when things breakdown as well. If they have to just drop back and pass they will be in for a long day. But if they are able to maintain balance this is a very potent offense.

A&M will be able to keep their defense fresh because they will be able to move the ball through the air. Your capability on offenses goes right at their weak link. Their secondary isn't bad, but they aren't all world either. just know going in that this is going to be a very physical game. They aren't an overwhelming team, but if you go after their strengths they will win.

This is a really good matchup. A&M has the advantage on both sides of the ball in the passing game. The way to beast them is spread them out and make those big boys cover the whole field. This is two really good teams.

I would not make a wager because I don't have a good read on how good a&m is. They just came off a physical game and they will be on the road against a very physical team. Aggies have the ability to embarrass a team and won't let off the gas. State could have embarrassed LSU, but the let off the gas.

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OL: C+

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Before the season started I would have agreed with this for our OL.

However, after the LSU game, our OL has emerged as a strength, not a weakness.

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(2) Secondary is suspect...and despite popular belief, Harris lit up their starters in the secondary (140 yards in 4 minutes of game time)...all in all, I don't think their defensive backfield is any better than South Carolina and we saw how that worked out;

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I agree with everything you said except for this.

I agree, our secondary is definitely not elite, but there is no way they are as bad as South Carolina was. There was no one within 10 yards of the A&M receivers every time they caught the ball. That won't be the case.

As far as Harris lighting up the starters in the secondary? Yes, he played extremely well. The counter to that is that we played prevent the entire time he was in the ball game. We rushed 3 linemen every time he dropped back to pass. That's not how we will approach A&M.

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There was no one within 10 yards of the A&M receivers every time they caught the ball. That won't be the case.

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A&M runs mostly 4 wides and has a receiver rotation of

Malcome Kennedy (6'0 205) - 33 catches, 378 yards, 2 TD

Joshua Reynolds (6'4 190) - 16 catches, 336 yards, 5 TD

Ricky Seals-Jones (6'6 240) - 20 catches, 221 yards, 3 TD

Edward Pope (6'4 185) - 16 catches, 331 yards, 4 TD

Speedy Noil (5'11 185) - 13 catches, 205 yards, 1 TD

Boone Niederhofer (6'0 197) - 12 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD

Sabian Holmes (5'11 180) - 7 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD

Jeremy Tabuyo (5'11 180) - 4 catches, 93 yards, 2 TD

All can block, all are really fast. If you double cover any of them, another will be open. Your linebackers are not capable of covering our wideouts 1 on 1. Let's not forget our tight ends either (6'6 285 and 6'6 265).

Then we switch it up and run a "Rhino" formation with 2 tight ends and 7 offensive linemen (including our backup center who changes numbers and becomes an eligible receiver)

They suck less than we do...

Their defensive front is very good. I don't remember a bigger and more athletic MSU team, their DTs manhandled LSU. Secondary has given up big plays but I don't know enough to say it is communication or just lack of talent. A&M is not a good match up for them there.

QB can flat out play, arm and wheels; the key to their O. OL looked very good against LSU but take it with a grain of salt as LSU’s DT and MLB play has been less than stellar.

Good assessment. I haven't seen one A&M fan remotely worried about us though so it doesn't matter what they are told. They are certain we stand no chance.