Mike Leach and Mississippi State are back home.
After a disastrous couple of weeks on the road that featured the Bulldogs losing in infuriating fashion to both the Kentucky Wildcats and the Alabama Crimson Tide, Leach and the Mississippi State football team are back in Starkville as they host the Auburn Tigers.
Let’s take a quick run through what’s happening in Starkville in this game.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers game info
- Who: Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-3) vs. Auburn Tigers (3-5)
- What: 9th game of the 2022 Mississippi State football season
- When: Saturday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. CT
- Where: Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, Mississippi
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers storyline rundown
Why does this game matter?
Mississippi State
Neither of these teams have a real shot at competing for the SEC West at this point in the season. The Bulldogs could have made things interesting if they’d been able to compete with LSU, Kentucky, or Alabama, but none of that actually happened.
But the Bulldogs can secure bowl eligibility with a win against Auburn. That would be pretty big, all things considered. But this game isn’t a must win sort of situation for that reason. If the Bulldogs stumble in Starkville, this season could get messy real quick. So let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
Auburn
The Auburn Tigers don’t have a head coach anymore. They’re searching for a new one. And they’ve got a new athletic director leading the charge. This game likely won’t have any sort of impact on that coaching search, but it will help determine whether or not the Tigers can make a bowl. If they lose in Starkville, the Tigers’ chances at bowl eligibility are pretty much gone given the rest of their schedule.
1 Auburn player to watch
Jarquez Hunter intrigues me. He’s pretty versatile and has 7 total touchdowns on the season. If the Tigers get him going as a way to help take some of the burden off Tank Bigsby, Auburn’s offense could be pretty dangerous.
1 Mississippi State player to watch
Let’s go with Will Rogers. It’s an easy answer, but that’s who we’re going with this week. If Rogers can be efficient, stretch the field, and remain accurate, MSU should win this game. He’s completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 2,555 yards and 23 touchdowns while only throwing 4 picks this season.
How to watch Mississippi State vs. Auburn
- TV: ESPN 2
- Live stream: Watch ESPN
- Live stats
- Audio broadcast
What’s next for Mississippi State and Auburn?
Mississippi State gets the pleasure of hosting the Georgia Bulldogs next week. Meanwhile, Auburn will host the Texas A&M Aggies next weekend. Depending on what happens this evening will help shape just how interesting either of those particular contests can be.
For more independent Mississippi State news and commentary, follow The Underdog Tribune on Facebook and Twitter. Follow Ethan Lee on Facebook and Twitter.
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