These two teams aren’t exactly contending for the SEC West title, given that they are both 2-2 and tied for fourth in the division. However, this game is important if either team wants to make a bowl game after the regular season is over.
Auburn vs. Mississippi State 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Two coaches who could use another good result on the season.
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Both teams are coming off impressive offensive performances. Auburn won 58-7 against Louisiana-Monroe last week, and two weeks ago Mississippi State beat UMass, 45-37.
The two head coaches, Gus Malzahn and Dan Mullen, are facing some increased pressure. Malzahn has seen some of that pressure go down after beating LSU, 18-13, which ultimately resulted in LSU’s Les Miles getting fired. Mullen, on the other hand, has faced a clear rebuilding year after opening the season with a home loss to South Alabama. With games against Texas A&M, Arkansas, Alabama, and Ole Miss still on the schedule, it wouldn’t hurt Mullen to get this one over Auburn for the season’s sake.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN. Tom Hart will be on play-by-play, Andre Ware will be the analyst, and Cole Cubelic will be on the sideline.
Radio: Mississippi State | Auburn
Online streaming: Saturday’s game can be streamed through WatchESPN.
Spread: Mississippi State is currently a 1.5-point favorite.
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. We’ll get to see this Auburn team play on the road: Somehow, Auburn managed to play its first five games of the season at home, but now the Tigers have their first road trip of the year in Starkville, Miss. Head coach Dan Mullen has led the Bulldogs to a 13-4 record in their last 17 games at home, though the team has a 1-1 record at Mississippi State this season.
2. Auburn put up 688 yards last week: Auburn quarterback Sean White had a big chunk of that yardage, accounting for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Against Arkansas State during Week 2, Gus Malzahn’s offense was able to put up 452 yards in the first half alone. Per Auburn’s game notes, that marked for the most first-half yardage since 2010.
3. Mississippi State is led by Nick Fitzgerald: The quarterback isn’t Dak Prescott, but he’s putting up impressive numbers. Against UMass, he threw for 305 yards and rushed for another 110 yards with three passing touchdowns. Auburn’s defense has given up an average of 200 yards per game in the air so far this season.
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