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College Football Countdown: Ranking Difficulty of Each Auburn Opponent

By Jake Mastroianni

Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Helicopters perform a flyover prior to the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Idaho Vandals at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Helicopters perform a flyover prior to the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Idaho Vandals at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Ross (8) runs the ball during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Davis Wade Stadium. Alabama won 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

8 – Mississippi State: Level 5

The Bulldogs are coming off two fantastic seasons in which they won 10 and nine games respectively with the help of quarterback Dak Prescott.

With him now gone, and only five starters returning on offense, Mississippi State could take a big step back in 2016. That would be a much welcomed note for Auburn football as they’ve dropped their past two meetings to the Bulldogs and three of the last four.

Auburn’s last win came at home two years ago in a narrow 24-20 victory. Last year was a very frustrating game for the Tigers as they had chances throughout but could never get into the endzone and ultimately lost 17-9.

The past two seasons the Mississippi State offense has averaged 34.4 and 36.9 points per game, but that should take a big hit this year without Prescott. They do have a first team player in wide receiver Fred Ross that could help relax whichever quarterback they go with in 2016.

The defense returns six starters from a group that gave up 23.2 points per game last season. Their lead tackler returns in middle linebacker Richie Brown who had 109 tackles, 6.5 sacks and an interception last season.

Mississippi State gets Auburn at home after a bye week so that gives them a huge advantage in this year’s matchup. Auburn will be coming off the ULM game and have a bye week after they play the Bulldogs in Starkville, so it won’t be a terrible time for the matchup. However, this will be the first road game that Auburn football will play in 2016.

Dan Mullen is a very good coach and could have this team ready to compete even without Prescott behind center, but I still think Auburn is the better team on paper.

Chances of winning: 65 percent

Next: Arkansas

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