Mississippi State Football Collapses Against Texas A&M, 51-10
The Mississippi State Bulldogs fell to the Texas A&M Aggies 51-10 on Saturday evening after a poor showing on both sides of the ball.
This SEC rivalry seemed like it could be a shootout after Mississippi State's Zavion Thomas returned the opening kickoff 94 yards and Aggies quarterback Jaylen Henderson answered back with a score of his own a couple minutes later, but that wouldn't be the case...for one school.
Both teams came into this game with their starting quarterbacks injured and out, as Henderson and freshman Chris Parson had their numbers called. Henderson had a very solid game, completing 11-of-19 pass attempts for 150 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 60 yards and two more scores. Parson was benched after throwing two interceptions in the first quarter and senior Mike Wright played for most of the remainder of the night, but didn't perform much better.
Wright's best drive of the first half ended in three points, but that included a 27-yard catch-and-run by Lideatrick "Tulu" Griffin and a couple of quarterback runs.
Texas A&M scored 34 points in the first half, including a touchdown pass from Henderson to wide receiver Ainias Smith, a short rush from running back Amari Daniels and two more on the ground from Henderson. Nevertheless, despite scoring on 6-of-7 possessions, four of them started in Mississippi State territory due to Parson's interceptions and a turnover on downs following a sneak from Wright.
The Bulldogs started the second half on a positive note with a three-and-out on defense and an immediate 46-yard run by running back Seth Davis. However, Wright was strip-sacked a few plays later and the Aggies scooped it up and scored.
Mississippi State failed once again after Parson checked in and threw another interception following an amazing 28-yard catch by wide receiver Deuce Harmon. Henderson and company took advantage by driving down the field, including a 15-yard defensive pass interference, and connecting with wide receiver Jahdae Walker for an 11-yard touchdown.
Parson and company looked like they were finally going to score after an 11-play drive kickstarted by a 19-yard reception by wide receiver Freddie Roberson, but kicker Kyle Ferrie missed the 46-yard field goal.
The fourth quarter was mostly Texas A&M chewing the clock for a total of three points, while Mississippi State continued to struggle on offense until the final whistle.
