Mississippi State vs. Auburn: Will Michael Dyer Lead Tigers Back to Glory?

This is what we get for doubting a defending BCS National Champion.

We overlooked this grand SEC matchup between No. 16 Mississippi State and Auburn as nothing more than a potential blowout.

The Tigers were almost upset by Utah State in the first week of the post-Cam Newton era, so naturally we all shunned them.

Oops.

The Tigers are inexplicably up 31-24 on the Bulldogs after strong performances from the entire defense, WR Emory Blake and superstar RB Michael Dyer.

What’s Gone Wrong?

Michael Dyer has thrown a monkey wrench into the Bulldogs’ pursuit of SEC domination. After disappointing mightily in their first game, everyone, including the Bulldogs, took the Tigers for granted. That’s the worst move the Bulldogs could’ve done.

Mississippi State was going into a hostile environment against a team with their backs against the wall. Auburn was made to look like fools against Utah State and dropped out of the top 25 completely because of it.

Gene Chizik has his team fully focused to get back on the right track. Many, including myself, thought the Tigers’ defense would crumble without Nick Fairley. They did last Week 2, but football is a week-to-week sport. This defense is playing with more energy than I could’ve ever imagined.

What’s at Stake?

The season is at stake for both programs.

If Auburn loses, they can effectively kiss their top 25 rankings goodbye for the rest of the year. They already fell out of the AP Poll, so it is nearly inconceivable to think they will crawl their way back in.

“Oddly” enough, the same is said for the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State had the Tigers right where they wanted them—reeling—and they managed to crumble in the face of the pressure. They weren’t ready to take the big stage in the first half, so it’s difficult to see them pull through the rest of the season if they suffer a heartbreaking loss today.

If they lose today, it is impossible to think they’ll topple No. 2 LSU next week. They also have three more ranked opponents on the slate the rest of the season in South Carolina, Alabama and Arkansas.

Upset Potential: 10/10

Is there anything more important than the red button? Not that I know of and I pressed it in the first quarter.

Mississippi State isn’t just on upset alert, they’re struggling to stay afloat in the deep end without a life preserver. They can doggy paddle all they want back to dry land, but the tidal wave known as Michael Dyer and the Auburn Tigers keep crashing down on them like bricks.

The Tigers head into half time with all of the momentum after taking a surprising lead.

More importantly, Emory Blake took a hard helmet-to-helmet shot from safety Nickoe Whitley. It may have been unintentional, but it is another knock towards Auburn’s side on the momentum pendulum.

Blake has been phenomenal for QB Barrett Trotter. He’s fighting for every rock, including the hard mid-air hit on the sideline from Whitley. He already has five receptions for 102 yards and a score, so expect more from this warrior.

How Will Voters React?

As we saw last week when Auburn was nearly upset by Utah State, the voters will not react kindly to the Bulldogs. You will not see them inside the top 25 if the fail today.

The Tigers were ranked inside the top 25 to begin the season, perhaps only out of respect because they were the defending champs. In this scenario, I see them jumping back into the top 25. They actually look like a legitimate team this week instead of a bunch of chickens running around with their heads cut off.

Will Mississippi State Come Back?

Mississippi State will keep it close, but they won’t come back.

The Tigers are clicking on all cylinders today. Blake has been phenomenal for Trotter. More importantly, Dyer looks every bit like one of the top running backs in the nation we predicted. He turned on the jets to make at least three defenders look stupid on his first touchdown.

It was his second touchdown that was even more impressive. At the goal line, he showed the determination and power to will this team to victory. He didn’t just make a second effort to get in, he made a third effort to get in. It was one of the better goal line plays from a running back I’ve seen in a long time.

It is up to Vick Ballard to put the Bulldogs on his back, but it’s difficult to envision it happening today. The crowd is electric at Auburn and the Tigers are feeding off everything possible to keep the momentum on their side.

From big throws from Trotter to Dyer’s determination to Blake hanging tough, the Tigers are prepared to upset the Bulldogs.

Who Benefits Most from Mississippi State’s Collapse?

Michigan State, Baylor, Arizona State and of course, Auburn benefit the most from Mississippi State’s collapse. All of these teams will leap frog the Bulldogs in the standings.

This unexpected loss will hurt the SEC more than it helps. Mississippi State could have aided SEC’s stranglehold on the rest of the conferences, but it looks like the Big Ten will make the most noise at the bottom of the top 25 AP Poll.

Auburn and Arizona State will both jump into the top 25 with monstrous victories while Michigan State and Baylor will continue to climb. The Spartans, especially, should crack the top 15 with Mississippi State’s downfall and Ohio State struggling with Toledo as we speak.

Auburn needs this game to get back into the top 25 because this is their best shot at doing so all season.