Auburn (3-5, 1-4 SEC) at Mississippi State (5-3, 2-3 SEC)

When: 6:30 CT

Where: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville MS

Line: 12.5

This game will determine.

How Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams begins his term as Auburn’s interim coach. Auburn parted with Bryan Harsin, who went 9-12 in 21 games as the Tigers’ head coach. Auburn is on a four-game losing streak after a last week’s loss to Arkansas in Harsin’s final match at Auburn.

The Tigers have a 65-28-2 (.695) record all-time against Mississippi State and have won eight of the last 13 matchups against the Bulldogs. Auburn was a 24-10 victor in Starkville in 2020, but Mississippi State won 43-34 in Auburn last season. The Tigers blew a 28-3 lead in a game that started the downward spiral under Harsin.

Three things to look for

1. How will Auburn handle a tumultuous week? In-season coaching changes might make frustrated fans feel better, but they’re not easy on the players or coaching staff. Sources tell AL.Com that the energy in practice is higher than it’s been in several weeks since Williams took over coaching duties for the Tigers. How will it translate on the field in a game?

2. Robby Ashford’s best performance of the season was in defeat against Arkansas. The Oregon transfer led the team in rushing with 87 yards and threw for 285 yards on 24-33 passing and a nine-yard touchdown pass to freshman Camden Brown. Ashford is developing into a viable starting quarterback. He could take another step against the Bulldogs.

3. Can Auburn win battles in the trenches? Auburn has been getting gashed in the run game on defense and struggling to maintain drives on offense. Williams said he wants to return to playing a physical style of football. If Auburn can get back running the ball effectively with Tank Bigsby, Jarquez Hunter, and freshman Damari Alston, the Tigers have a much better chance of winning.

Key Matchup

Auburn’s secondary versus Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers is the matchup most worth watching. Tiger fans likely remember how Rogers carved up the secondary in the second half with a barrage of intermediate throws. He leads the conference in passing (319.4 yards per game) and total offense (307.5) and is a touchdown away from breaking Dak Prescott’s school record of 70 touchdowns. Auburn allows 193.8 passing yards per game, which is fourth in the conference.

By the numbers

5- Bulldog cornerback Emmanuel Forbes leads the SEC with five interceptions. He’s returned two interceptions for touchdowns and leads the conference with 11 passes defended.

Key Injuries

Auburn — OL Nick Brahms out (retired), OL Tate Johnson out (elbow), QB Zach Calzada out (shoulder), Edge Eku Leota out (pectoral), RB Jordon Ingram out (knee), WR Landen King out (transfer), WR Tar’Varish Dawson Jr. out (transfer), DL Zykeivous Walker out (transfer), CB A.D. Diamond out (transfer)

Mississippi State — RB Dillon Johnson questionable (undisclosed)

Mississippi State player to watch

Jo’quavious Marks, RB: The 5′10 210-pound tailback has 312 rushing yards on 70 attempts. He also is dynamic in the Air Raid passing attack. He has 200 receiving yards and has caught a pass in 31 consecutive games for the Bulldogs.

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.