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

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STARKVILLE, MS – SEPTEMBER 16: Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (94) celebrates after a play during a football game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi on September 16, 2017 (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Matchups to watch

Braden Smith vs. Jeffrey Simmons

Auburn’s main priority will be protecting Stidham from all the pressure Grantham figures to bring, and will need to key in on Simmons in particular.

Following the disaster against Clemson, Auburn changed up the offensive line by putting Jacksonville State transfer Casey Dunn at center, shifting two-year starter Austin Golson over to right tackle, and placing preseason All-SEC star Braden Smith at right guard. The move worked out, albeit against an awful Missouri defense, as Auburn turned in its best performance of the season with one sack allowed and looked much more consistent as a unit.

Smith, who figures to be one of the top linemen off the board in the 2018 NFL Draft, will likely be focused on slowing down Simmons on the interior. For all the different looks Grantham brings, Simmons remains the most consistent pass rushing threat for the Bulldogs, and was a major factor in slowing down the LSU running game.

If Simmons is wreaking havoc in the backfield, Stidham could run into trouble again and forced into turnovers, which might be the only path for Mississippi State enough offense to win. Auburn’s offense is always going to rely more on the running game, so Smith will also be counted on to pave the way for Pettway and company.

Aeris Williams vs. Marlon Davidson

Fitzgerald certainly needs to improve upon last week’s performance, but could also use a lot more help from his teammates on offense. One Bulldog to watch out for will be Williams, who was off to a great start before being shut down by Georgia.

The junior has been efficient running the ball in 2017 with 59 carries for 360 yards, and can occasionally be a factor as a receiver out of the backfield. However, Georgia bottled Williams up to the tune of 11 carries for 24 yards, and he will be facing a defensive front that is almost as good on Saturday.

Auburn uses a big defensive line rotation and might not have a standout star after losing a lot of NFL-caliber talent a year ago, but Davidson comes close. The sophomore started all 13 games alongside the likes of Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams a year ago, and has three tackles for loss with two sacks in just two games played this season.

If Williams can get going to open things up for Fitzgerald, the Bulldogs could put together another LSU-like performance. A huge game from Davidson could have Mississippi State unable to generate any offense for the second straight week.

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