After handling Kentucky last weekend, Mississippi State likely thought it had a chance to at the very least keep things competitive against Auburn. Well, that thought went out the window immediately as Auburn jumped out to a 21-0 lead out of the gate.

Mississippi State eventually lost 56-23 after going down 49-9 at one point in the game and dropped to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 in league play.

Tommy Stevens started the game for the Bulldogs but he was injured and was once again replaced with Garrett Shrader. Stevens played the first two series but did not return. He was later spotted on the sidelines in a boot.

Following the game, Joe Moorhead met with the media to discuss the tough loss.

“First and biggest thumb goes back to me,” Moorhead said, according to Ben Portnoy of the Mississippi Dispatch.

As you would expect, Moorhead cited the rough start for costing Mississippi State an opportunity to compete in the game.

“To come out and spot them 21 before the band even gets in their seats, you don’t give yourself a chance,” Moorhead said, according to Tyler Horka of the Clarion-Ledger.

While the game plan certainly did not call for Sharder to play the vast majority of the snaps for Mississippi State on the road against Auburn, the freshman signal-caller performed well in the game. Shrader completed 12 of 23 passes for 209 yards and a pair of touchdowns along with 89 rushing yards and another score.

“You’re really seeing the potential and promise in Shrader,” Moorhead added.