After barely getting past Arkansas last week, Auburn heads into another game it should have a real shot to win.
Mississippi State is next, and the Bulldogs have dropped five straight. The offense has taken a major hit since star quarterback Kamario Taylor went down, and the difference has shown up in the results.
Still, this is an SEC road game, and Auburn can’t treat it like anything less than a test. The Tigers are a slight favorite, but Mississippi State has enough going for it to make Saturday interesting.
So what does Auburn need to get right in Starkville?
Can Auburn finally get off to a quick start?
The Tigers’ offense has been all over the place this season, but one trend has stuck: slow starts. Through nine games, Auburn still hasn’t scored a touchdown on its opening drive.
That’s a problem that needs fixing, especially in a game like this. Mississippi State’s defense has been solid against the run, but it has been more exposed through the air.
Auburn’s passing game hasn’t carried the offense much this season, but this looks like a spot where it could open things up early. If the Tigers can land an early punch, the matchup tilts in their favor.
Can the defense bring the pressure again?
Auburn’s defense wasn’t spotless against Arkansas, but it did create havoc. The Tigers finished with six sacks and 12 tackles for loss, a sharp jump from what they had done over the previous three games.
True freshman linebacker Shadarius Toodle was a big part of that surge, posting 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in his first college game. With Bryce Deas out and De’Marcus Riddick questionable, Toodle should be in line for another heavy workload.
Mississippi State’s front has also had trouble holding up. The Bulldogs have allowed the third most tackles for loss in the SEC this season and the second most sacks. If Auburn can stay aggressive and keep winning in the backfield, that could go a long way toward finishing the season strong on defense.
Can Auburn control the run game?
This feels like the swing factor. Auburn is at its best when it can run the ball with consistency, but Mississippi State brings one of its biggest strengths on the other side of the line.
The Tigers have been up and down running the ball in SEC play. They were shut down by LSU and Ole Miss, but they also showed what they can do when they nearly hit 200 yards against Georgia.
Now they face another tough test. Mississippi State is allowing 3.52 yards per carry in SEC play, which ranks sixth in the conference. If Auburn can win that battle, it should create more chances to attack a secondary that can be beaten.
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Auburn Gets A Timely Boost Before A Tricky SEC Road Test
Auburn got a useful lift on the injury front heading into a tricky SEC road test at Mississippi State, with Jeremiah Koger, Andre Jordan Jr. and Sylvester Smith-Reed all listed as active after sitting out the previous game. The Tigers also have linebacker Elijah Melendez cleared to play, which gives the defense a little more flexibility as it prepares for a Mississippi State team dealing with its own availability issues.
Bryce Deas remains out for the season after surgery, and DeMarcus Riddick is questionable, so Auburn is still not at full strength. Even so, the updated report is a welcome development before a conference trip where depth can matter, especially with Mississippi State down six players, including quarterback Kamario Taylor, while two defensive starters are listed as probable. [Read more 🡒]
Auburn Just Landed An In-State Piece For A Bigger O-Line Push
Auburn added an important in-state building block to its offensive line push with the commitment of senior tackle Jatori Williams, a notable win for the coaching staff as it continues to stockpile size and depth up front. Williams, ranked No. 14 in Alabamas Best in Bama list, gives the Tigers another local name to point to in a class where line help remains a priority.
Williams has been a tackle in high school, but the expectation is that hell move inside to guard once he gets to college, a transition Auburn has been targeting as it looks for versatile pieces who can fit multiple spots. The commitment also fits into a broader recruiting picture that includes several other top-ranked prospects around the state, giving Auburn another chance to keep homegrown talent from leaving Alabama. [Read more 🡒]
Auburn Faces An Early Proving Ground Against Arizona
Arizonas early nonconference slate has already offered a little bit of everything, and the next stop looks like the biggest test yet. After opening with a loss to UCLA, Arizona has steadied itself with wins over Cal Poly and Northern Arizona, but Auburn brings a different level of pressure into the matchup. The Tigers are unbeaten so far, and this game is shaping up as a meaningful measuring stick for both programs this early in the season.
For Auburn, it is another chance to reinforce the start it has built. For Arizona, it is an opportunity to show the loss to UCLA was only a brief stumble and that the group can handle a high-end opponent on the road to a stronger resume. The article points to key players and a few swing factors that could decide whether Arizona can rise to the challenge, which makes this one worth watching well beyond the usual early-season window. [Read more 🡒]