After an impressive 38-9 victory over Arkansas State start, Auburn is ready to go 3-0 in their SEC opener at home against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
In order to win Saturday, Sept. 14, Auburn must jump out to an early lead. Why? Since head coach Dan Mullen arrived in Starkville in 2009, Mississippi State has been 25-2 when leading at halftime under Mullen, and a perfect 28-0 when ahead of their opponent after three quarters.
A main factor in determining which team jumps out to an early lead will be which team's running game will have a bigger impact. Both Auburn and Mississippi State have deep running back depth. The running back unit that ends the game with more yards should be the team that ends up winning.
Between Cameron Artis-Payne, Corey Grant and Tre Mason, Auburn's running back trio has totaled 512 rushing yards in the first two games. In Auburn's season opener Aug. 31 against Washington State, Auburn rushed for 295 yards and Grant shined while rushing for 146 yards, punctuated with a 75-yard touchdown run.
Auburn's running game looked even stronger Saturday, Sept. 7, against Arkansas State. The team ran for 301 yards, led by Artis-Payne, who rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown. Mason added 99 total rushing yards with another touchdown.
It's hard to find a better running back unit than Auburn's in college football right now, but Mississippi State has showcased a solid running game through their first two games. Oregon, BYU, Arkansas State? Auburn is 11th in team rushing. Mississppi State is 43rd.
In their opening 21-3 loss to No. 13 Oklahoma State, preseason All-SEC second team running back LaDarius Perkins rushed for 50 yards with a long carry of 22 yards. But Perkins suffered a sprained ankle during the game and sat out against Alcorn State.
Although the Bulldogs were without their star running back Saturday, Sept. 7, they had no problems rushing through the Alcorn State defense on their way to a 51-7 victory.
Mississippi State rushed for 277 total rushing yards and freshman running back Ashton Shumpert delivered with 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Perkins is expected to play this Saturday, Sept. 14, at Auburn and will need to bring his best running game in order to give the Bulldogs a win.
Special teams will also play a major role in deciding the outcome of this game. Both teams' kick returners have already had early success this season.
Jameon Lewis had a 65-yard kickoff return against Oklahoma State and Brandon Holloway had a 95-yard kickoff return against Alcorn State.
Tre Mason had 141 total return yards against Washington State, including a 100-yard touchdown return. Quan Bray had a 33-yard return against Arkansas State.
Look for at least one of these teams to have a big kickoff return in this game.
Whether Mississippi State fifth year senior starting quarterback Tyler Russell is cleared to play after his concussion against Oklahoma State, or sophomore quarterback Dak Prescott gets his second consecutive start, Mississippi State's receivers will need to be successful against Auburn's young defense and secondary, no matter who is receiving the snaps for the Bulldogs.
Although Mullen's spread option offense struggled to put up points against Oklahoma State, their receivers had 17 total receptions with seven different receivers recording at least one catch. Junior wide receiver Jameon Lewis led the Bulldogs receiving core with five receptions for 55 yards.
The Mississippi State receivers had 20 receptions for 283 total receiving yards.
Since the Bulldogs have a lot of receiving depth, this game will be a major test for Auburn's secondary.
Auburn's secondary showed promise in their season opener against one of the nation's stronger passing offenses. Robenson Therezie had the biggest impact with two interceptions and safety Josh Holsey had one.
Auburn's defense also held Arkansas State's high-powered offense to only nine points and kept the Red Wolves out of the end zone.
Auburn's safeties need to continue to contain the receivers and not get burned on the deep ball. Expect to see the cornerbacks and safeties getting plenty of action against Mullen's offense.
If Auburn's defensive tackles continue to put pressure on the quarterback, and if the secondary is able to contain Mississippi State's stable of receivers, then Auburn should be able to get the victory.
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