Mississippi State Q and A: Texas A&M beat writer makes game prediction

STARKVILLE – This weekend's game between Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC) and Mississippi State (3-4, 1-3 SEC) is monumental for both teams. 

The Aggies have not won back-to-back games this season. This is their opportunity to do so. The Bulldogs are riding a three-game losing streak. This is their chance to get back to winning ways. 

The Clarion Ledger spoke to The Eagle's Texas A&M beat writer to learn more about the Aggies ahead of Saturday. 

The Clarion Ledger: How is the Texas A&M program perceived by fans and media midway through Year 2 of Jimbo Fisher’s tenure? How much of a general sense of underachievement is there, if any?

Travis Brown: I think there is a decent amount of frustration, even though the Aggies have faced a gauntlet of a schedule. Aggie fans were expecting that it could be a tough road, but I think the play on the field hasn't instilled any confidence that this team is trending upward.

It has also became evident that SEC-caliber depth in many position groups just isn't there yet. The bright side is, this is just Jimbo Fisher's second season in Aggieland and most fans believe things will turn around quickly as he continues to pull his own first recruiting cycle to College Station.

TCL: How much is Mississippi State’s three-game winning streak in this series talked about in College Station?

TB: Not much as it pertains specifically to Mississippi State, but the success of both Mississippi schools at times since A&M joined the SEC is bounced around. This season, the biggest focus is on winning this game so the Aggies are one step closer to bowl eligibility.

TCL: Kellen Mond has some of the best statistics in the SEC in some categories but is average to below average in others. How would you assess his season so far, and how much of a challenge does he present to the Bulldogs?

TB: It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Mond this season. He started out on fire against Texas State, but had one of his worst career performances in a loss to Clemson the following weekend. Since that game, which the Aggies lost starting running back Jashaun Corbin for the season to injury, Mond has had to carry the offense through the season and has been decently successful.

Putting him at a disadvantage is a depleted and inexperienced running back corps and an offensive line that has left much to be desired. He has frequently been forced to run to move the chains and run for his life.

TCL: Which Mississippi State offensive player has a better chance of having a big game: true freshman quarterback Garrett Shrader or junior running back Kylin Hill?

TB: I think this could easily go either way because of the combination of the players. While A&M has been able to bend but not break in rush defense this season, the tandem of Auburn freshman quarterback Bo Nix and running back JaTarvious Whitlow gave the Aggies fits in a loss to the Tigers earlier this season. Give me Shrader by a narrow margin because freshman quarterbacks have had some measure of success in Kyle Field recently.

TCL: What is the on-field matchup that will define the game, and what is your score prediction?​

TB: As cliche as it sounds, any game against A&M will be a battle in the trenches. Mond has been put under pressure in almost every game this season, so if the Bulldogs can continue to make him uncomfortable, it could be rough sledding for the offense. When A&M's offense has found ways to minimize mistakes and give Mond a little bit of time, that is when the Aggies have been able to move the football.

A&M wins, but the Aggies don't cover. 

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Contact Tyler Horka at thorka@gannett.com. Follow @tbhorka on Twitter. To read more of Tyler's work, subscribe to the Clarion Ledger today!