Expert picks: Does an inspired Auburn squad pull off a road win at Mississippi State?
Auburn Football has hit a rough patch lately and appears to have found a solution to its recent woes.
Monday, Auburn University president Dr. Christopher Roberts felt that it was necessary to relieve Bryan Harsin of his duties as head coach. The short-term replacement is Auburn legend Carnell Williams, who has already put in plenty of hours of work to perfect the gameplan for Saturday’s game at Mississippi State.
Williams has installed new sets, schemes, and philosophies. How quickly will his new system turn into a well-oiled machine? Saturday’s game will be a testament.
The staff at Auburn Wire believes that Auburn will play inspired football, and will provide a new, energized look to both sides of the football. Do they project a road win for Auburn? Here is what Taylor Jones, J.D. McCarthy, and River Wells predict will happen in the game.
Auburn at Mississippi State: Offensive X-Factor
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Taylor Jones- Tank Bigsby
Now with Cadillac Willams is at the helm, I expect Bigsby to factor into the game more than he has all season. His season high in carries is 20, and I expect him to exceed that number on Saturday.
J.D. McCarthy- The running backs
Cadillac Williams is in charge and Auburn should lean heavily on their running backs. Look for Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter to have big games.
River Wells- Tank Bigsby
With Cadillac Williams at the helm, expect the Tigers to start pounding the rock. Tank Bigsby is the man for the job, and he could explode on a burst of carries like he hasn’t seen this year
Auburn vs. Mississippi State: Defensive X-Factor
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Taylor Jones- The secondary
Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers will throw over 35 times in this game, that is a given. That means that the Auburn secondary will be busy. The sooner that the unit figures out Rogers’ passing patterns, the easier their game will be.
J.D. McCarthy- Derick Hall
Mississippi State is going to throw the ball a lot and test how well Auburn’s secondary can tackle. One way to prevent the Bulldogs from picking them apart is to pressure Will Rogers and Hall is Auburn’s best pass rusher.
River Wells- Cornerbacks
As with any Mike Leach team, the Bulldogs run a high-flying offense that will be up to the cornerbacks on the team to stop. Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James (among others) are going to have to do their best to stop Will Rogers and the gang.
Auburn at Mississippi State- Final score predictions
AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
Taylor Jones | Mississippi State 41 Auburn 38 |
J.D. McCarthy | Mississippi State 40 Auburn 31 |
River Wells | Mississippi State 28 Auburn 17 |
