Auburn Football's Keys to Victory Against Mississippi State

The Auburn Tigers have a chance to do something important Saturday when

it travels to Starkville to face Mississippi State.

The Tigers enter the matchup with a 5–4 record, meaning a victory over the Bulldogs would make Auburn bowl-eligible in Alex Golesh's first season.

But if Auburn wants to extend its winning streak to three games, there are several areas where the Tigers need to improve.

And some of those have been problems throughout the season.

Auburn has struggled to consistently establish its rushing attack, and that's something that needs to change against Mississippi State.

The Tigers rank ninth in the SEC in rushing offense, averaging 155.9 yards per game, but much of that production has come from Byrum Brown.

Brown rushed for 121 yards against Arkansas, while Jeremiah Cobb and Omar Mabson II combined for just 50.

And considering Mississippi State ranks sixth in the SEC in rushing defense, Auburn's offensive line will need to create more opportunities for its running backs.

Both Auburn and Mississippi State have struggled to get their offenses going early in games.

Auburn managed just 27 yards on its first 26 offensive plays against Arkansas before eventually finding success in the second half.

Mississippi State has also experienced significant first-half scoring struggles in recent weeks.

And while Auburn has shown an ability to overcome slow starts, continuing to rely on second-half adjustments isn't ideal. They need to change that on Saturday.

Mississippi State has some talented defensive backs, but the Bulldogs haven't consistently created turnovers through the air.

They've recorded just two interceptions through nine games.

And while Auburn has struggled with pass protection, Mississippi State has recorded just 23 sacks this season, tied for ninth in the SEC.

That could create opportunities for Brown to attack downfield.

Christian Neptune, Bryce Cain and DeShawn Spencer are among the players Auburn could look toward when trying to generate explosive plays.

But the Tigers can't afford to become too conservative offensively.

Auburn's defense is coming off one of its most productive performances of the season.

The Tigers recorded six sacks and 12 tackles for loss against Arkansas, including three sacks from freshman linebacker Shadarius Toodle.

And Mississippi State's offensive line has struggled to protect its quarterbacks.

The Bulldogs have allowed 31 sacks this season, including 17 over their last four games.

Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin emphasized the importance of generating pressure without bringing additional defenders.

"A lot of those sacks came with a four-man rush," Durkin said following the Arkansas victory.

If Auburn can generate that kind of pressure again, it could make things difficult for Mississippi State quarterback AJ Swann.

Auburn can't afford to give Mississippi State additional opportunities offensively.

The Tigers have struggled with consistency throughout the season, and turnovers could make those problems even more difficult to overcome.

But Auburn's defense has also shown an ability to create takeaways.

AnQuon Fegans has recorded three interceptions over his last four games, and another strong performance from Auburn's secondary could make a significant difference.

And if Brown can protect the football while taking advantage of opportunities downfield, Auburn should have a better chance to control the game.