Lebby targets early-down fixes before Auburn

Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby put early-down execution at the front of the Bulldogs’ agenda Monday as they prepared to host Auburn following a loss to Vanderbilt.

Mississippi State produced first downs on only four of its 12 drives and averaged five plays per possession. Seven drives ended in three-and-outs, limiting ball control. That repeatedly sent the defense back onto the field.

The Bulldogs averaged 3.8 yards on first downs. They completed 11 of 14 passes for 64 yards in those situations, while six first-down rushing attempts averaged 1.5 yards. Mississippi State also allowed a sack on first down.

Lebby said responsibility begins with him and stressed the need to place players in better positions throughout the week. According to Lebby, Auburn’s defense creates negative plays and forces turnovers. Its variation demands clean preparation and in-game adjustments from Mississippi State.

Mississippi State’s defense gave the team more encouraging work against Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs held the Commodores to six field-goal attempts and one touchdown while generating more pressure on the quarterback.

Young defenders Gus Cordova and Tyshun Willis contributed in the pass-rush rotation. Cordova received more playing time with Amaree limited. He had already earned work in Mississippi State’s third-down package, while Willis made the most of his opportunities after gaining the staff’s trust through consistent practice habits.

Will Whitson recovered a fumble and scored Mississippi State’s second touchdown of the game. Lebby credited Whitson with creating negative plays and affecting the quarterback. The coach added that the defender still has room to play cleaner football.

On the other side, Mississippi State’s defense must contain Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown. Lebby described Brown as a physical runner and the central piece of Auburn’s offense, making pursuit numbers and open-field tackling central to the Bulldogs’ plan.

Why it matters

Mississippi State’s offense cannot sustain drives without better first-down rushing and fewer negative plays. Auburn’s ability to force turnovers and create losses directly tests the problems Lebby identified after Vanderbilt.

What to watch next

Mississippi State hosts Auburn on Saturday, with early-down efficiency and the Bulldogs’ plan for containing Byrum Brown set to shape the matchup.