Auburn Preview vs MS ST

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From Collegefootballnews.com

Sat. Sept. 10

Mississippi State (1-0) at Auburn (0-1) JP 11:30 a.m. CT

Why to watch: This wasn't what Auburn was planning on. The Tigers, fresh off an unbeaten season, knew they were going to be in a fight with Georgia Tech, but they couldn't have known the offense was going to struggle so much in the 23-14 loss. Now they have to gear it up for SEC play facing a Mississippi State team looking to pull off a big upset and make a statement against the defending SEC champs. The Bulldogs had an easy time with Murray State and appear fully ready to make this game closer than expected, or shake up the SEC West's world.

Why Mississippi State might win: Is Auburn's backfield going to be able to get the job done? You don't replace three NFL first rounders right away, and the Tigers showed how much they missed Jason Campbell, Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown in the loss to Georgia Tech. MSU has a solid defense that held Murray State to 229 yards of total offense and only 88 yards rushing. Of course, Murray State isn't Auburn, but this isn't the same pushover Mississippi State defense of past seasons.

Why Auburn might win: Come on, it was Murray State. Mississippi State was able to roar back against the Racers, but it won't be able to do that against an Auburn defense frothing at the mouth after last week's loss. After throwing it 44 times against Georgia Tech, the offense will balance it out more to utilize it's strong line and the running game. That might not be a good thing for a Mississippi State defensive front seven that has speed, but not a whole bunch of size. MSU QB Omarr Conner was brilliant last week against Murray State, but he's not going to have nearly the same amount of time to work dealing with the Auburn pass rush in his face.

Who to watch: Auburn fans are already grumbling a bit about the lack of a ground game after the running backs gained 81 yards on 19 carries. Tre Smith and Kenny Irons will see more work this week to take the heat off Brandon Cox. Cox threw for 342 yards, but he also gave away four interceptions. Mississippi State has to do everything possible to keep the Tiger attack off the field, and that will only happen with a few long, sustained drives. Georgia Tech's P.J. Daniels ran for 111 yards against Auburn, and MSU hopes its great back, Jerious Norwood, can have similar success after rushing for 123 yards on only 16 carries against the Racers.

What will happen: This is a much better Mississippi State team in Sylvester Croom's first season, but it still has a long way to go before it can beat a team like Auburn on the road. The Tigers are looking to hit someone after last week's loss, and MSU will be the unfortunate recipient.

CFN Prediction: Auburn 31 ... Mississippi State 13 ... Line: Auburn -16 | Make your pick and compete against others

Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Must Love Dogs) ... 2.5