Auburn-Mississippi State: Tigers, Bulldogs Look to Open SEC Play With Win

OVERVIEW

Auburn Tigers 2-0 (0-0) vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs 1-1 (0-0)

Location: Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field at Starkville, MS

Time: 6:00 p.m. CDT

TV: ESPN2



MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

Head Coach: Sylvester Croom (fourth season)

Conference: Southeastern Conference

Key Players to Watch: QB Wesley Carroll, RB Anthony Dixon, WRs Brandon McRae and Aubrey Bell, DBs Derek Pegues and Keith Fitzhugh

The Bulldogs suffered an early season loss to Louisiana Tech, but bounced back against Southeast Louisiana. They pulled the upset over Auburn last season and look to make it two in a row over the Tigers.

AUBURN TIGERS

Head Coach: Tommy Tuberville (10th season)

Conference: Southeastern Conference

Key Players to Watch: QB Chris Todd, RB Ben Tate, DE Antonio Coleman, LB Merrill Johnson, DB Jerraud Powers

The Auburn Tigers come off a win over Southern Miss, with the offense finding some rhythm and scoring points. This game will have the Tigers' attention after being upset last season. Auburn leads the series 10-4-1 in Starkville.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The matchups at each position you need to watch.

Quarterbacks: Even

Wesley Carroll and Chris Todd both have shown glimpses of being very capable quarterbacks. Carroll's problem was the shaky start against LA Tech, and Todd still has some steps to climb to reach his full potential.

Running Backs: Auburn

Anthony Dixon is by far one of the most talented backs in the SEC, if not the country. The only difference between the two teams: Auburn has more of those talented running backs with Brad Lester, Ben Tate, Eric Smith, and Tristan Davis.

Wide Receivers: Auburn

Mississippi State has two capable wide receivers in Brandon McRae and Aubrey Bell. Auburn has more targets to throw to and better playmakers.

Offensive Line: Auburn

Mississippi State has given up nine sacks in the last two games. Auburn has only given up two sacks.

Defensive Line: Auburn

Mississippi State improved from last week, but has yet to be truly tested. The Bulldogs do have good talent across the line. Auburn's line has done its job the last two games and has pressured the opponent's offensive line very well.

Linebackers: Auburn

Both squads have very good linebacker corps. Both teams would be even in this area, but Mississippi State did lose Jamar Chaney in the LA Tech game. Auburn gets the slight edge here.

Defensive backs: Even

Derek Pegues and Keith Fitzhugh have made themselves known to opponents early this season for Mississippi State. Jerraud Powers and company also have made opponents wary in their passing game. Both squads cover very well.

Special Teams: Auburn

Sylvester Croom said this week that they will not kick to Auburn punt returner Robert Dunn. Field position will be crucial in a game like this, and Auburn gets the huge advantage in special teams.

Coaching: Auburn

Sylvester Croom has done wonders for his program so far. Tuberville has done more wonders at Auburn.

FINAL ANALYSIS

This should be a good game, with Auburn having slight edges in several departments. In addition to the stats and players, Auburn will be playing with a chip on their shoulders and revenge on their minds.

Final Score: Auburn 28, Mississippi State 14