Depending on what happens during the final four games of the regular season, Texas A&M might be thanking Mississippi State in December.
Before last week's loss to the Bulldogs, A&M was able to overcome some significant shortcomings to win three straight games. But once the defense wasn't able to absolve all of the Aggies' sins, it cost them a key road victory.
Now, they must fully grapple with their issues in order to make the most of this year.
If No. 20 A&M can rebound in the final third of the regular season and finish with a strong November, all will be forgiven in coach Jimbo Fisher's first year.