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

Keys for Auburn

Auburn won’t be the only team to put up some miserable numbers against Clemson this year, but will need its best offensive performance of the season to win on Saturday.

That starts with Stidham, a Baylor transfer who carried high expectations before his 13-of-24, 79-yard performance against Clemson. While that wasn’t all Stidham’s fault – an Auburn offensive line that was supposed to be one of the best units in the nation allowed 11 sacks – he has a tendency to hold on to the ball too long with a slow release.

Such habits won’t fly on Saturday, as Grantham’s speedy defense is always going to dial up all sorts of exotic blitz packages. Stidham has been much better against bad competition since for what that’s worth, and Gus Malzahn can help out if he can somehow rediscover his once creative and explosive offensive playbook.

Health is the biggest key for Auburn on Saturday, as it has multiple injury concerns in the backfield and defense. Bruising back Kamryn Pettway was held out of the Missouri game due to an ankle injury before returning to practice on Tuesday, while Kerryon Johnson may not yet be at full strength after missing two games earlier this year.

The defense might be even more concerning with star linebacker Tre’ Williams and cornerback Javaris Davis are both listed as questionable. The Tigers could be as successful as Georgia in shutting down the Mississippi State offense with the athleticism to limit Fitzgerald’s scrambling ability, but things will be a lot more difficult if they are down two starters.