Q: With high expectations entering the season, can you assess the Aggies’ performance this year? With ranked opponents in LSU and Missouri left on the docket, where do you think they’ll stand come season’s end?
A: Following last season’s impressive performance, expectations around the A&M program were sky high, especially with the Sept. 14 visit from Alabama circled on everyone’s calendar. Two months later, though, and a noticeable check in the excitement level is evident both around campus and the fan base as a whole. Personally, I believe the Alabama loss was appropriate, as honestly, I can’t think of a single coach (or program) more dominant than Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. As for Auburn, that stunner represented more of a reality check for the program as a whole, something I believe was an inevitability down the road — it just came earlier than I thought against a team that was much more complete than I thought. As for LSU and Missouri, I can say with certainty that — and I’m sure many Mississippi State fans will agree — Death Valley is never a cake walk, but I see the Aggies edging out the Tigers before playing a complete game on the road against Missouri. A&M has played its best football on the road the past two years, and I don’t believe that changes to close the year. 
Q: Aggie Nation held its breath when Johnny Manziel injured his shoulder in the Auburn game. How has he bounced back from that injury and lead the offense?
A: The key, in my opinion, was his early success against Vanderbilt, as Manziel went 10-for-10 for 70 yards and a score to open the game. Additionally, Manziel has an unbelievable competitive edge, and I imagine he refused to ride the sideline. 
Q: With two losses against him, how do fans view Manziel? Do you think he can repeat as Heisman?
A: Personally, I think he can repeat as the Heisman Trophy winner, but I don’t believe he will. Manziel’s numbers stack up unbelievably well against the rest of the field, but with competition such as Oregon’s Marcus Mariota and Florida State’s Jameis Winston, voters will have a hard time allowing Manziel to be the first repeat winner since Archie Griffin. Considering the volatile offseason the sophomore sustained, not to mention the illegal autograph allegations from the beginning of the season, it’s too far of a stretch, unfortunately. 
Q: Mike Evans is Manziel’s favorite go-to receiver. What does Evans do to open the field and generate space?
A: As a former basketball star, Evans combines his speed and size to create solid separation and, when necessary, “out rebounds” opposing defensive backs on jump balls. Manziel and Evans have a great relationship, and have used that to help put points up on the scoreboard game after game. 
Q: Defensively, who are some A&M players MSU fans should take note of Saturday?
A: Junior safety Howard Matthews — over the course of the past two games, Matthews has come into his own, snaring three interceptions while continuing to lead the team in tackles. Junior defensive end Gavin Stansbury — similar to Matthews, Stansbury has been deadly in the center for the Aggies, leading the team in tackles for loss and sacks. True freshman linebacker Darian Claiborne — after joining the program during the fall, Claiborne has emerged as a deadly threat for the linebacker corps and will serve as the defensive leader for the remainder of the season. 
Q: With an 18-4 record so far in the past two seasons, do you think the Aggies have established themselves well in their new conference?
A: I sure hope so. If an 18-4 record along with wins over top-ranked Alabama and every SEC West opponent (outside LSU, which hopefully A&M will reconcile two weeks from now) isn’t good enough to convince you guys we’re good enough to compete in this league, I don’t know what will. 
Q: Alright, prediction time. Who do you see coming out on top?
A: Preseason, I was a large proponent of Mississippi State, and I especially enjoy watching Dak Prescott play — the kid is brilliant in the pocket when he’s in a rhythm — but I have to give the edge to A&M in this matchup, 45-28. I can understand the Bulldogs keeping pace with A&M to start the game, but turnovers or some crazy Manziel miracle will ultimately help guide A&M into winning position.