Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Conference previews
AUBURN GAINING CONFIDENCE WITH EACH PASSING WEEK; MISS. ST. UP NEXT
Five full pages looking at this week’s games in the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12 and Pac-12.
Keys for Auburn
Bo time: Quarterback Bo Nix has just one game with more than 200 passing yards (207). He’s been effective when he’s had to be but Nix has to step up now that SEC play is in full swing. Auburn needs a big effort from the true freshman.
Be consistent: Auburn doesn’t have the best overall defense in the SEC, but it’s right up near the top in scoring defense. The Tigers will give up a few big plays but they stiffen up in the red zone and are solid on preventing
third-down conversions.
Keys for Mississippi State
Establish the run: Auburn is second in the SEC in run defense, allowing 90 yards per game. Kylin Hill leads Mississippi State and the league in rushing with 551 yards. He’s got to get loose for big runs to give the Bulldogs a chance.
Ground control: Auburn is best when it runs the ball and the Tigers have done that very well this season. The Tigers have more than 1,000 yards through four games. Mississippi State has struggled with the run, allowing 143 yards per contest. The Bulldogs need to find a way to limit the damage on the ground.
Prediction
Auburn 35, Mississippi
State 21: Auburn is a dangerous team when it gets confidence. After two wins against top 25 teams Auburn is poised to keep that momentum going. The Bulldogs regained some confidence of their own after last week’s win against Kentucky, but going on the road against a charged up Auburn team is a tall order.