The Auburn Tigers ran into the brick wall that is the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, falling 38-23.

Let’s grade their performance in each phase of the game:

Offense: B-

Turnovers and penalties. That was the story of the day for the Auburn offense. The Tigers gained 441 yards of total offense, but struggled to score seven on a couple red zone trips. Third downs — a strength for the Tigers entering this game — were an issue for Auburn; they went just 6 of 15 on third downs. Outside of Nick Marshall, neither Cameron Artis-Payne, Corey Grant nor Roc Thomas could get anything going on the ground. The Tigers now have a bye week to get some things corrected before a reeling South Carolina team comes to Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Defense: C

It was by far the best offense they faced thus far this season, but the Auburn defense showed shades of its former self on Saturday. Ellis Johnson’s unit surrendered 469 yards of total offense, including 374 yards of total offense to Dak Prescott. The Tigers did force four turnovers, but Auburn could not get off the field on third down, which proved to be a killer. They also spent the majority of the first half on the field with the offense struggling to find a rhythm.

Special Teams: C+

Daniel Carlson allowed just one kickoff return, and made three of four field goals. Quan Bray, however, was a non-threat on punt return and Ricardo Louis had what would turn out to be a costly fumble on a kickoff return after Mississippi State kicked a field goal to extend its lead to 31-20 in the fourth quarter.

Coaching: C-

Saturday afternoon was not Gus Malzahn’s finest hour. A pass-happy gameplan, ultra-conservative playcalling early and straying from his teams identity all cost the Tigers in Starkville on Saturday afternoon. On the fourth drive of the game, Thomas carried the ball three times into the Mississippi State red zone. The drive then stalled after consecutive passes and a questionable trick play on third down led to a missed field goal. Thomas then got only three carries over the final three and a half quarters. Marshall was inconsistent and inaccurate at times, but Malzahn seemed to force balance on offense and Marshall into some risky decisions. Coaches have bad days, too, but Malzahn needs to correct some mistakes during the bye week also.

Overall: C

The most frustrating part for Malzahn, his staff and his players will be when they watch the tape on Sunday and see all the missed opportunities Auburn failed to capitalized on to win the game. You can’t spot the No. 3 team in the country 21 points on the road and expect to win. Auburn, even with its experience, looked timid at times. Despite its chances, Auburn was beaten by the better team, and by all indications, the team of destiny.