The Auburn defense will be under the spotlight Saturday in Starkville, where the Tigers face a Mississippi State team that badly needs a win to keep its bowl hopes alive. Auburn, meanwhile, can lock up bowl eligibility for the first time since 2023 with a victory.
That puts extra weight on a matchup that already looks like it could hinge on how well Auburn handles Mississippi State’s weaknesses on that side of the ball. The Bulldogs have taken their lumps through a brutal SEC slate, and Auburn will be looking to cash in if Alex Golesh and company want win No. 6.
One of the biggest names to watch is Toodle, who is coming off what was described as one of the greatest defensive debut games in college football history. The challenge now is repeating that kind of impact, especially with starting linebacker De’Marcus Riddick still listed as questionable and two depth linebackers done for the season.
For the true freshman, this will also be his first road game as a contributor on defense. Starkville has a reputation for being unfriendly to first-timers, and the crowd noise will be part of the test. If Toodle handles it well, he could put himself in position for a bigger role in the Iron Bowl in two weeks.
The secondary is another area Auburn has to get right, and Pleasant is right in the middle of it. Mississippi State has two major receiving threats, and there’s a good chance Pleasant will be matched up with one or both during the game. Auburn has had issues defending the pass this season, but the Bulldogs are working with a backup quarterback, which gives the Tigers a chance to put together a stronger day through the air.
Pleasant could be a stabilizing force for that group, but he also has to avoid the kind of breakdown that can flip a game quickly. Sanfrisco MaGee has already built a reputation for explosive breakaway touchdowns, so Auburn’s corners will be tested. If Pleasant comes through, it could help set up the Tigers for a second straight win.
Up front, the burden falls on Cody Sigler to help control Mississippi State’s run game. He was solid against Arkansas last week even while dealing with a shoulder injury, and Auburn will need that same kind of effort again. Toodle and Elijah Melendez will be there to help, but the job of stopping inside runs at the line belongs to Sigler.
That’s no small assignment with Fluff Bothwell in the mix. He’s a strong runner and could create problems if Auburn doesn’t handle him cleanly. Sigler has had only limited success in that area this season, but the Tigers will need him to hold firm if they want to keep Mississippi State from getting comfortable on the ground.
Auburn and Mississippi State are set for Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CT in Starkville, Miss., with the game airing on ESPN2.
In Other News...
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 🡒]