Texas A&M holds off Mississippi State and remains undefeated in the SEC

Texas A&M is still undefeated in SEC play as the first season of the Mike Elko era continues.

In the first game after the bye week after the overwhelming victory over Missouri, the No. 14 Aggies were able to take care of their business on the road against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday, winning 34-24 after an early 0-7 deficit. The Aggies are now on a six-game winning streak

In his second game back from injury, Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman had his ups and downs. He completed 15 of 25 passes for 217 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The Aggies’ running game gave the offense a huge boost as running backs Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels carried the load. Moss had 17 carries for 65 yards and two scores, while Daniels had 12 attempts for 47 yards and a touchdown of his own.

Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. completed 22 of 41 passes for 242 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. Running back Davon Booth had 12 carries for 79 yards, while receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. finished with eight catches for 89 yards and a score.

The Bulldogs secured the first possession with a 14-yard touchdown catch by Booth before Weigman and the Aggies answered with a 20-yard touchdown catch by Noah Thomas. Texas A&M then took the lead early in the second quarter with a nine-yard touchdown run by Moss. After a Mississippi State field goal, Weigman threw his first pick of the game.

The Bulldogs cut Texas A&M’s lead to 21-17 heading into halftime after receiver Mario Craver scored on a four-yard grab. Mississippi State had regained momentum early in the half, but the Aggies didn’t let that last long early in the third quarter. Texas A&M held the Bulldogs scoreless in the third as Randy Bond hit a chip-shot field goal and Moss hit a three-yard touchdown run.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Aggies had a chance to essentially tie the game with one last-ditch scoring drive, but Weigman made a costly mistake, throwing a pick at the Texas A&M 11-yard line after Zakari Tillman stepped in front of the pass was for Cyrus Allen. The Bulldogs scored on a 12-yard touchdown grab from Kevin Coleman Jr. a few plays later.

Although the Bulldogs were allowed to get within one score, A&M’s defense held strong for the remainder of the fourth quarter and secured the win.

The Aggies will host the LSU Tigers next weekend.