So what now, Auburn? Once considered the best team in the SEC West, the Tigers have had two bad weeks in a row, nearly losing to Jacksonville State and getting hammered by Leonard Fournette and LSU. Auburn doesn’t look even close to being the best team in the division, and the struggles have gone beyond what anyone thought was possible heading into the season. For one, quarterback Jeremy Johnson was considered a Heisman candidate in the preseason, but after three poor games, the Tigers are making the quarterback switch to Sean White.
How to watch Mississippi State vs. Auburn on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Who bounces back?
Mississippi State isn’t in as dire straights as Auburn, but the Bulldogs haven’t been able to replicate the early-season success they had in 2014. After a lackluster effort against Southern Miss, MSU lost to LSU at home. Dak Prescott is still a star, but the Bulldogs still lag behind the rest of the division in talent.
Both teams desperately need to win this game to have a prayer of winning the SEC West — or even finishing in the top half of the division.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Radio: Mississippi State, Auburn
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Auburn is favored by 3.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at College and Magnolia for Auburn fans and For Whom The Cowbell Tolls for Mississippi State fans.
Three big things to know
1. All eyes are on new Auburn quarterback Sean White as he replaces Jeremy Johnson. Can the Tigers’ offense really be that much better with a new starter? At the very least, he could be the answer to Auburn’s turnover issues.
2. Mississippi State’s offense hasn’t been as impressive this year, even though Dak Prescott has been good. But for the Bulldogs to be in the top tier in the division, they need Prescott to be a superstar. If he can deliver against Auburn, MSU’s season looks a lot brighter.
3. About that Auburn defense ... The Tigers were absolutely dominated by LSU and Leonard Fournette. Will Muschamp is there, but Auburn still lacks talent. The run defense has to get itself together in a hurry against Mississippi State.
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