Tigers seek bowl eligibility against struggling Bulldogs.
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Auburn enters Saturday’s matchup with Mississippi State looking to secure its sixth victory of the season and become bowl eligible. The Tigers improved to 5-4 overall and 3-4 in the Southeastern Conference following last weekend’s dramatic 26-23 comeback victory over Arkansas.
Mississippi State, meanwhile, desperately needs to reverse a five-game losing streak. The Bulldogs are 4-5 overall and 2-5 in conference play after suffering a frustrating 25-23 home defeat against Vanderbilt.
The game presents an intriguing contrast between two teams trying to salvage the final stretch of their seasons.
Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown will be one of the most important players on the field. Brown demonstrated his dual-threat abilities against Arkansas, passing for 180 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 120 yards.
His mobility creates considerable problems for opposing defenses. Mississippi State must account for Brown on designed quarterback runs, read-option plays and passing situations when the pocket breaks down.
If the Bulldogs concentrate too heavily on stopping Brown’s rushing opportunities, Auburn could find favorable passing matchups against the Mississippi State secondary.
The Tigers’ defense also demonstrated significant improvement against Arkansas. Freshman linebacker Shadarius Toodle recorded three sacks and helped disrupt an Arkansas offense that had controlled portions of the first half.
Mississippi State must provide better protection for quarterback A.J. Swann, who passed for 254 yards and two touchdowns against Vanderbilt.
Despite the loss, Swann showed that the Bulldogs can produce explosive passing plays. His 65-yard touchdown connection with Sanfrisco Magee helped Mississippi State erase much of Vanderbilt’s substantial halftime advantage.
However, Mississippi State continues to struggle with offensive consistency. Against Vanderbilt, the Bulldogs went scoreless during the opening half before mounting a second-half comeback.
That kind of slow start could prove costly against an Auburn team capable of sustaining drives and controlling possession.
Another important factor will be Mississippi State’s ability to establish its running game. The Bulldogs cannot afford to become overly dependent on passing against Auburn’s improving defensive front.
Playing at Davis Wade Stadium should provide an emotional advantage for Mississippi State, particularly with the Bulldogs fighting to preserve their own bowl hopes.
Auburn has shown considerable resilience in close games, but the Tigers must avoid another sluggish offensive start. Giving Mississippi State early momentum could make this a far more difficult contest.
The matchup figures to feature physical defensive play, several important third-down conversions and a close fourth quarter.
Auburn’s quarterback versatility and improving pass rush should ultimately provide the difference.
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16POWERS PREDICTION
Auburn 27, Mississippi State 20
