No. 15 Texas A&M eyes redemption as Leach, Bulldogs come to Kyle Field

Redemption may only be found in reflection for Texas A&M.

The 15th-ranked Aggies (3-1, 0-1) should first look in the mirror as they look for redemption in a 6 p.m. Southeastern Conference football clash with Mississippi State (2-2, 0-1) on Saturday at Kyle Field.

The Aggies must figure out why they’re underachieving and then figure a way to get out of their offensive funk, in which they’ve managed just 20 total points in two games against Power 5 opponents.

Complicating matters, they must face Bulldogs coach Mike Leach, an offensive-minded mad scientist who has an overall 7-4 career record against A&M.

Leach’s offense isn’t yet as confounding as usual. The Bulldogs are averaging 28.3 points but did manage three touchdowns in a 28-25 loss to LSU last week.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Leach is 3-2 at Kyle Field in his career.

“Mike is a shrewd guy. He knows what he’s doing. He’ll have some wrinkles no doubt,” Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said. “Last week, they moved the ball really well on LSU. They just didn’t convert in the red zone and had some turnovers on a couple of situations. We’ll have dime packages, nickel packages and all of them ready to go.”

The Aggies didn’t appear ready in a lackluster 20-10 loss to Arkansas last week.

Some suggested that loss would serve as a “wake up” call for the Aggies. If that’s true, the Aggies have been pushing the snooze button since a lackluster 10-7 victory over Colorado three weeks ago.

If the Aggies aren’t now fully awake, they will likely snooze their way to a lackluster season.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

A month ago, A&M had championship aspirations. Those hopes remain intact, but the probability rate has plunged as injuries and indecision have increased.

The defense, which was projected to be elite, is ranked 92nd in the nation against the run.

The offense, stagnant after losing quarterback Haynes King and guard Layden Robinson to injuries, accumulated fewer than 300 total yards against Colorado and Arkansas.

The defense might get a reprieve of sorts. Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers is not a major threat to run. That should help the Aggies, who have been vulnerable to quarterback runs. Also, Mississippi State’s running game is ranked 129th out of 130 teams.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Holding Mississippi State’s air-raid offense in check will fall on the shoulders of safety Demani Richardson and A&M’s secondary.

“We’ve been struggling a little bit on the run,” junior safety Demani Richardson acknowledged. “We just have to lock in on coach (Mike) Elko’s plan, and we’ll be all right.”

The offense doesn’t figure to get any help from the Bulldogs, who are second in the SEC in rushing defense.

A&M’s running game has been largely hit-and-miss. The expected return of Robinson to the starting lineup may provide a much-needed boost.

Mississippi State has the worst passing defense in the conference, but whether A&M backup quarterback Zach Calzada can exploit that weakness is uncertain.

He has struggled since filling in for King, but he’s not alone. Pass protection has been erratic. Passes have been dropped at an alarming rate.

“We’re definitely frustrated,” junior receiver Ainias Smith said. "It’s not easy when you don’t have success.

“But it’s also motivation because you see plays that can be made.”

The Aggies can easily reflect on missed opportunities. Converting opportunities isn’t so easy, but redemption typically doesn’t come easily.