Auburn @ Mississippi State preview
Davis Wade Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 14, 2013 ) Mississippi State 20, Auburn 24
Another week, another SEC West showdown for No. 6 Mississippi State, which welcomes No. 2 Auburn to Starkville for a clash of undefeated teams. The Bulldogs have climbed to their highest ranking ever with back-to-back wins over top-10 teams LSU (34-29) and Texas A&M (48-31), running their winning streak to eight games. The gauntlet continues against an Auburn team that routed LSU 41-7 a week ago.
Each of Mississippi State's opponents this season has entered the game unbeaten and left with a defeat, but the Tigers have won five of the past six meetings and 11 of 13, including a 24-20 victory last year in Auburn. "They will be the best team we've played so far," Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen told reporters. "Their guys know how to win. They've played in big games and know how to play in big games." The Tigers also know how to win conference games — they've won nine straight against SEC opponents and are the defending league champions.
TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Auburn -3.
ABOUT AUBURN (5-0, 2-0 SEC): The Tigers continue to roll up impressive offensive numbers with dual-threat quarterback Nick Marshall leading the way. Marshall, who has accounted for 1,147 total yards and 12 TDs, passed for a career-high 339 yards and two TDs in last year's meeting but has relied more on his legs since then. Auburn's defense has been overshadowed, but the Tigers rank ninth in the nation in scoring defense (14.4) and 14th in total defense (306.6).
ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (5-0, 2-0): The Bulldogs have established themselves as an offensive powerhouse, as well, racking up over 500 total yards in six straight games dating to last year's Liberty Bowl. Quarterback Dak Prescott has emerged as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, amassing 455 rushing yards and six TDs to go with 1,232 passing yards with 13 TDs and two interceptions. The Bulldogs have been tough against the run — ranking 12th nationally at 98.2 yards per game — but have surrendered a whopping 328.2 passing yards per contest.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Tigers have allowed 21 or fewer points in five consecutive games for the first time since 2007-08.
2. Prescott has thrown 92 consecutive passes without an interception.
3. Auburn has denied 18 consecutive third-down conversion attempts.
PREDICTION: Auburn 31, Mississippi State 23