Auburn Football: Sizing Up the Mississippi State Bulldogs

Welcome to week 5 where Auburn hosts Mississippi State for their SEC home opener. This is a revenge game for the Tigers. Where do they stand against the Bulldogs?

Embarrassment.

That’s the only word that summarizes the Tigers’ 2018 28-9 loss to the Bulldogs. Gus Malzahn said reflecting on last year’s loss Tuesday stating, “they embarrassed us last year. They just lined up and whipped us.”

It’s true. The Bulldogs held the Tigers to 90 rushing yards and Anders Carlson’s leg was Auburn’s player of the game. The defining moment of terror for the Tigers came when JaTarvious Whitlow rushed for 42 yards only to fumble in the end zone. The ball was recovered by Mississippi State for a touch back and the nightmare continued for Auburn.

Revenge is sweet, and what would be sweeter than to really stick it to the team who embarrassed you last year? I’m not talking to you Tennessee.

Where do the Tigers possibly stand in making a statement against the Bulldogs? I really like their chances.

Defensively the Tigers have the edge. Last year’s Bulldog defense was front loaded with three first round draft picks. This year the Tigers’ defense is front loaded with potential first round draft picks in Derrick Brown, Marlon Davidson, and Nick Coe. Mississippi State’s defense emerges in Jordan Hare as the same defense that gave up 450 yards to Louisiana Lafayette. If Gus has his offense firing on all cylinders, Saturday could be a long day for the Bulldogs.

The Tigers’ defense will face off against an offensive line that has already given up nine sacks this season for 54 yards. The Bulldogs’ starting quarterback Tommy Stevens’ status is also questionable. The senior quarterback suffered injuries against Southern Mississippi. The Bulldogs have since started freshman quarterback Garrett Shrader. This week Mississippi State head coach Joe Moorhead said that Shrader would start against the Tigers in the event that Stevens is not ready to go.

Could Saturday be a clash of two freshman quarterbacks? It could be if the field sets Bo Nix against Shrader. Bo Nix has proven he is more comfortable each game, if he settles in the offense and times his receivers correctly the Tigers could be a lethal scoring threat early. The Tigers’ quarterback threat doesn’t stop at Nix either. Joey Gatewood is a catalyst for the Auburn run game and his role will only increase as Gus continues to open the playbook.

I give the nod to Auburn here, but major props to Garrett Shrader for a STELLAR beard and an impressive performance against Kentucky.

As I prefaced before, I expect Gus to continue to open up the playbook in the coming weeks. In doing this I believe Gus will prioritize establishing the run game in the first half. While Auburn’s second half rushing stats lead the nation, the Tigers thrive on a more sustainable run game. The carousel of running backs will continue.

Gus is ticked off from last year’s loss to Mississippi State. The man doesn’t cuss but the frustration he has over that game is just below the surface. Mad Malzahn could scorch the turf the Bulldogs walk on this Saturday and throw the entire kitchen sink of “exotic” plays at them.

Whatever he does the Tigers win Saturday.

If this was No Shave November the Tigers would be in a lot of trouble.