Mississippi State vs. Texas A&M Preview: Aggies Defensive Players to Watch

Texas A&M is riding a five-game winning streak in large part due to a defense allowing just 16.7 points per game.

Sep 28, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Nic Scourton (11) celebrates with Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

As if facing Texas and Georgia in back-to-back weeks wasn't daunting enough, here comes Texas A&M and one of the best front sevens in all of college football.

Since losing to Notre Dame in the opener, the Aggies have won five straight games. And while the offense has improved since QB Conner Weigman returned, the D has been the driving force.

During the winning streak, no opponent has scored more than 20 points on A&M, and then-No. 9 Missouri managed just 10 points before the bye week.

The Aggies D will be another big test for Mississippi State, especially these three players:

S Marcus Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe has been an underrated portal pickup since making the move from San Diego State. At 6-3 and 210 pounds, he has the size to step up and stuff the run in the box, yet he's also like having a third corner on the field.

Ratcliffe is third on the Aggies with 20 stops and is tied for the SEC lead with three interceptions.

DE Shemar Stewart

Stewart is one-half of one of the best bookends in college football. He's an outstanding run defender, yet he can also wreak havoc in the backfield.

For Mississippi State to deliver an upset Saturday, it's incumbent upon tackles Makylan Pounders and Albert Reese IV to keep the pocket clean.

DE Nic Scourton

Scourton is one of the premier pass rushers in the country and a popular film study in NFL Draft circles. He's 6-4 and 285 pounds with the get-off and explosive closing speed to make opposing tackles look silly.

Scourton leads the Aggies with 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 17 total pressures (PFF).

Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton #11 single-handedly destroyed the Mizzou Read option. He forces Brady Cook to think he's crashing on the RB, then puts his foot in the dirt and explodes to the QB. Wow pic.twitter.com/UHV8nQcXg2

— Daniel Harms🏈 (@InHarmsWay19) October 10, 2024

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