Signs of life, perhaps, from Mississippi State? The Bulldogs have just played a pair of competitive games on the road at SEC heavyweights Texas and Georgia, and frosh QB Michael Van Buren, in for the injured Blake Shapen, looks to be growing up in a hurry, passing for 351 yards and 3 TDs vs. Kirby Smart's defense 'tween the hedges last week. Meanwhile, maybe A&M didn't need last Saturday off after cresting with the previous Saturday's blowout of Mizzou, but carrying nearly 3 TDs on the road is a big ask unless QB Connor Weigman picks up where he left off vs. the Tigers (18 for 22, with 276 YP). Play Mississippi State

This is a lot of points to lay on the road in the SEC. Mississippi State returns home after covering on the road at Texas and Georgia, two top-five teams. Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. has been quietly good despite being a freshman. Meanwhile the Aggies look much improved since their season-opening loss against Notre Dame, but they have a huge showdown against LSU next week. Even if this game gets out of hand, Mississippi State has a chance at a backdoor cover against an A&M team that, come the fourth quarter, may have an eye toward next week.