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Matchup Breakdown: Auburn secondary vs. Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott
By Jordan Cox
Published:
In preparation for Saturday’s matchup between Mississippi State and Auburn, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Bulldogs and Tigers.
Auburn’s secondary vs. Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott
The Auburn defense faces a much different test this weekend than last. When LSU visited Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night, it was true freshman quarterback Brandon Harris making his first road start for the Bengal Tigers.
This week, it’s veteran signal caller and Heisman Trophy candidate Dak Prescott. The dual-threat quarterback has accounted for 20 total touchdowns for the 5-0 Bulldogs.
But this is a different Auburn defense. Ellis Johnson’s unit has turned into a legitimate top 2o defense in the country, which when you think about it, is a vast improvement from where this unit was under former coordinators Ted Roof and Brian VanGorder.
Even with the suspension of senior safety Jermaine Whitehead, Josh Holsey has stepped right in and has solidified himself as a leader of the back end of that defense. Former tailback-turned-cornerback Rudy Ford has also played well recording 32 tackles.
The Tigers have recorded seven interceptions, 19 pass break-ups and have forced seven fumbles. They play fast, more physical and play the ball much better in year two under Johnson.
However, this Mississippi State offense is the most explosive Dan Mullen has had in Starkville. Prescott has weapons at both running back and receiver. Josh Robinson is a explosive compliment to Prescott in the running game, and both Jameon Lewis and De’Runnya Wilson are hard to defend on the outside.
Prescott’s success this season has been a product of the play-action pass. The Bulldogs like to establish the run early in the game to open up things on the outside, but Auburn boasts one of the nation’s best run defenses in the country. If Mississippi State can’t run the ball early, it’ll be interesting to see what Mullen does to counter.
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.