Jimbo Fisher had a chance to review Auburn’s first game under interim coach Cadillac Williams, and came away impressed.

“They ran the football very well,” Fisher said. “Tank’s there. … Played very physical and hard. It was a heck of a football game.”

Auburn outscored Mississippi State 27-6 in the second half, as Williams and the Tigers brought a new level of energy Saturday night during an overtime loss, 39-33.

Williams, who was a star running back at Auburn from 2001-2004, became interim coach last week after Bryan Harsin was fired following the Tigers 3-5 record so far this season. Williams had been the team’s running backs coach.

Fisher is in the middle of a very difficult season, and he gave credit to the players for keeping a positive perspective despite the struggles.

“They’ve done it,” he said. “That’s in their DNA. They’re going to stay positive and practice well. … It’s not a lack of effort, toughness or competitiveness, that’s for sure.”

Auburn will play host to the Aggies in a 6:30 p.m. local time kickoff on the SEC Network.