Will Rogers Discusses Mississippi State's Success Against Texas A&M's Defense

Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers talked about Mississippi State's success against Texas A&M's defense during SEC Media Days this week.

When Mississippi State hosted Texas A&M during the 2022 season, Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers took the time to play game footage of the 2021 Egg Bowl.

MSU fell 31-21 to Ole Miss, with the Rebels being led by then defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, who now serves in the same role for the Aggies.

During SEC Media Days this week, Rogers noted various similarities between what he saw during that Egg Bowl loss and what the Aggies did last season to help propel the Bulldogs past the Aggies in a 42-24 victory.

“I went back and watched that game al lot and I knew they would be in the 3-2-6 look," Rogers said. "Obviously, a lot of chances to run the ball and even when we got in 20 personnel they stayed in that look.”

Against the Aggies, Rogers was 31-of-45 passing with 329 yards and three touchdowns. The game also saw Bulldogs cornerback Decamerion Richardson block a kick that was returned for a touchdown.

It marks the second consecutive year the Bulldogs defeated the Aggies after previously beating them in 2021. The Bulldogs also have a 9-7 all-time record against Texas A&M.

Mike Elko was in charge of the Aggies defense in 2021, when the Bulldogs won 26-22 in College Station. Although both coordinators featured a similar three-man front on the defense, Rogers saw a definite difference between the two coaches' defensive schemes.

“Durkin wants to have six DBs on the field all times,” Rogers said. “He’s not inclined to bring as much pressure as Elko is. Elko likes to disguise a bunch of his stuff and bring pressure.”

The Bulldogs and Aggies will face off once again this season on November 11, this time on Texas A&M's home turf at Kyle Field in College Station.