AuburnSports panel leans toward Auburn at Mississippi State

Most AuburnSports contributors picked Auburn to beat Mississippi State. Their forecasts centered on defense, the running game and another close finish. Justin Hokanson predicted a 24-17 Auburn victory, writing that sound tackling would put the Tigers in position to grind out the win.

Bill Cameron picked Auburn 27-20 and pointed to the need for a better start amid the cowbells Saturday morning. He also said AJ Swann should be growing more comfortable in Jeff Lebby’s offense, while Mississippi State enters on a 5-game losing streak.

Jeffrey Lee forecast another tight Auburn win, 27-24. In Cole Pinkston’s 24-21 Tigers prediction, the offense would produce enough while the defense continues to hold up for the most part.

Bryan Matthews offered the lowest-scoring Auburn win, 16-13. He identified Byrum Brown and Alex McPherson as the difference in a game he expects to reach the fourth quarter, including the possibility of another winning kick.

Jay G. Tate projected a 28-13 Auburn victory. He expects Auburn’s tailbacks to find room in the running game and believes DJ Durkin can build on the defense’s solid performance last weekend. Tate also wrote that Mississippi State is different without Kamario Taylor, though the Bulldogs’ statistical profile earned more of his respect upon closer review.

Mr. Quarter made the lone Mississippi State selection, predicting a 3-2 Bulldogs win. He expects Shadarius Toodle to make an impact while Auburn’s offense struggles to generate much else.

Why it matters

A win would make Auburn bowl eligible and give the Tigers a 3-game winning streak heading to Tuscaloosa. The panel also views the matchup as another fourth-quarter test between teams near the bottom of the SEC.

What to watch next

Auburn and Mississippi State play Saturday morning, with Auburn’s start, tackling and tailback production among the main areas identified by the panel.