Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
A spirit that is not afraid

Strictly statistical: Mississippi State brings turnover-heavy defense to Jordan-Hare

<p>Cameron Dantzler (3) leads Miss State's secondary. (via MSU Athletics)</p>

Cameron Dantzler (3) leads Miss State's secondary. (via MSU Athletics)

When Auburn opens up its SEC home slate against Mississippi State on Saturday, the Tigers offense will go head-to-head with a defense that can force turnovers. 

Mississippi State's defense is currently ranked first in the SEC and first nationally in turnover margin. The Bulldogs have forced offenses to cough it up 11 times through four games, seven of which are fumbles and four interceptions.

And this defense isn't just riding a wave of momentum to start the season; it has been consistent with takeaways. Mississippi State has snagged an interception in 15 of its last 17 games. Additionally, the Bulldog defense has recorded at least one sack in 26 straight games. Auburn's offense is averaging one sack allowed per game heading into this weekend's contest.         

The Tigers' four turnovers lost this season have them tied for second-best in the conference.

The Tigers have not had a turnover since the second game of the season -- but they have come in bunches when they occur. Running back JaTarvious Whitlow lost two fumbles against the Green Wave and quarterback Bo Nix threw two interceptions against Oregon in the season opener. 

Another critical matchup will be how well the Tigers' offense fares on third down. Auburn's offense is third in the SEC on third-down conversion at 47.5 percent, while the Bulldogs defense ranks first in the SEC in allowing a third-down conversion, with offenses gaining a first down at 24.4 percent. 

Gus Malzahn's versatile rushing attack is averaging 259.5 yards a game, which leads the conference, while Mississippi State's defense is allowing, on average, 143.3 yards on the ground, which is ninth in the SEC. 

The Bulldogs allowed a 100-yard rusher for the first time in 12 games last Saturday against Kentucky, when Asim Rose ran for 105 yards in the Wildcats' loss. Auburn averages 164 passing yards a game which is last in the SEC, while the Bulldogs give up 214 passing yards on average, seventh in the SEC.  

The Tigers take on the Bulldogs at 6 p.m. CST on Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium.


Share and discuss “Strictly statistical: Mississippi State brings turnover-heavy defense to Jordan-Hare ” on social media.