Bulldogs seek another big day against Aggies

The Bulldogs accumulated 574 yards of offense including 365 on the ground. Nick Fitzgerald and Aeris Williams each rushed for over 100 yards on the day all started with Fitzgerald’s 74-yard touchdown run on the first play of the game.

“Obviously the first play was big,” Fitzgerald said. “We had a great start to the game. From there, we just controlled the line of scrimmage and successfully moved the ball up and down the field.”

The Aggies (5-2, 3-1 SEC) will be seeking revenge when the two teams meet tonight at 6:15 on ESPN.

“That still lingers in our mind,” said Texas A&M linebacker Tyrel Dodson.

For the Bulldogs (5-2, 2-2 SEC) to enjoy the same type of success offensively, they must figure out a way to handle a Texas A&M pass rush that tops the country with 28 sacks led by Landis Durham (5.5), Otaro Alaka (5) and Dodson (4.5).

“They’re probably the most athletic team we’ve played so far on the defensive side of the ball,” said MSU coach Dan Mullen. “They lead the league in sacks and tackles for losses with great athletes that can run all over the field.”

The Aggies are averaging four sacks per game while MSU has only surrendered three all season. The Bulldogs are currently second in the country and tops among Power 5 programs for the fewest sacks allowed.

“Even if you’re not a big stats person, that’s hard to ignore at this time of year,” said Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin.

Texas A&M’s defense is not the only thing the Bulldogs have to be concerned with. The Aggies are coming off an open date and possess one of the top weapons in all of college football in wide receiver Christian Kirk.

Kirk had seven catches for 144 yards and a touchdown against State last season and also returned a punt 93-yards for a score as well. So far this fall, the junior has 29 catches for 360 yards and five touchdowns and has brought a kickoff back 100 yards for a score.

“He’s dangerous and has an NFL wide receiver skill set,” said MSU defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. “He can go get the ball and make plays 1-on-1. He can find the ball when it’s in the air and has very good ability to separate in tight coverage. He’s a physical specimen so you obviously have to be aware of where he is.”

Source: djournal