Mississippi State is riding as high as ever after smacking Texas A&M at home this week. They get another high-profile visitor in Auburn, and the Tigers present a tough matchup. Here are some of the numbers that could be crucial in deciding this matchup.

THE GOOD

  • 5.6. Need a reason to think the Bulldogs can stop Auburn’s high-powered offense? They held another hurry-up, no-huddle offense, Texas A&M, to 5.6 yards per play last weekend. The two opponents have very different styles — Auburn is run-heavy, Texas A&M is a passing offense — but Mississippi State’s defense was able to get stops and keep up with the fast pace.
  • 64. Including yardage lost for sacks, Mississippi State has only allowed 64 total rushing yards by quarterbacks this season. Nick Marshall topped that number in the first half last week against LSU. Containing Marshall will be crucial, as Auburn hasn’t lost when he’s gone over 50 yards rushing over the last two seasons.
  • 2.9. Both of these teams like to pound the ball on the ground, and it’ll be an uphill battle for each. Mississippi State is locking teams down to the tune of 2.9 yards per carry, with a defense led by Preston Smith and Benardrick McKinley. Marshall and Cameron Artis-Payne will have some tough sledding.

THE BAD

  • 36. Sammie Coates has been battling hamstring issues all season, limiting the Tigers’ leading receiver from a season ago. Coates looked mighty healthy against LSU last week, grabbing 4 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown, good for an average of 36 yards per catch. Mississippi State gives up a lot of big plays through the air, already allowing 15 passes of 25 or more yards. That spells trouble.
  • 2.9. Mississippi State is cranking out yards on the ground, but they’re about to run into one of the most overlooked units in the conference. Auburn is only giving up an identical 2.9 yards per carry this season. Prescott and Josh Robinson lead an attack that pumps out double that (5.6 yards per tote), and they’ll have to come close to matching their average to keep up.
  • 24.9. Quan Bray is a dynamic player, and he’s got the potential to flip field position for the Tigers. The wide receiver is averaging 24.9 yards per punt return and has already taken back two punts for touchdowns. Mississippi State is allowing about 10 yards per return, so forcing some fair catches should be a priority.