Mississippi State vs. Auburn: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

Keys for Mississippi State

Mississippi State’s first priority is to find motivation after a truly deflating loss, which won’t be easy during their second consecutive difficult road trip. In particular, Dan Mullen will need to help star quarterback Nick Fitzgerald bounce back quickly from the toughest game of his career.

Fitzgerald might be the best quarterback in the SEC and carried the Bulldogs to bowl eligibility as a true sophomore in 2016, but was eaten alive by Georgia’s fearsome front seven last weekend. After an eye-popping performance against LSU, Fitzgerald managed 83 passing yards with two picks against Kirby Smart’s defense, numbers that certainly have to improve on Saturday.

Of course, it wasn’t all Fitzgerald’s fault, as Mississippi State’s receivers could get no separation while its offensive line was overwhelmed. Fitzgerald is a dynamic threat when he can use his running ability, but that won’t be a factor this weekend if Auburn doesn’t have to respect the pass.

The Bulldogs have to find a way to protect Fitzgerald better against a stingy Tigers defense, and needs one of its wide receivers to have a breakout game, as no member of the unit has more than 112 yards through four games. One candidate is senior Donald Gray, who is the Bulldogs’ top returning receiver after putting up 709 yards and five touchdowns in 2016.

Mississippi State’s defense at least appears to be improved following a miserable 2016, as coordinator Todd Grantham has brought his trademark energy and aggressiveness. The Bulldogs will likely be able to pressure flailing Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham, meaning their top concern is to match the physicality of the Tigers’ running game. That could require a big game from tackle Jeffrey Simmons, who has been a force with 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery in 2017.