Mississippi State's Pass Rush Could Give Auburn, Byrum Brown Opportunity to Make Big Plays

Auburn's offensive line has struggled to protect Byrum Brown throughout the season, but Saturday's matchup against Mississippi State could present an opportunity for the Tigers to find more success throwing the football.

And considering how much Auburn's offense has struggled to get going early in games, that's certainly something worth watching.

Auburn has allowed an SEC-high 36 sacks through nine games, but Mississippi State hasn't been among the conference's most productive pass-rushing defenses.

The Bulldogs have recorded 23 sacks this season, tied for ninth in the SEC.

And while Mississippi State has some talented defensive players, its inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks could create opportunities for Brown to make plays downfield.

In Wednesday's post-practice interview, Auburn head coach Alex Golesh discussed the challenges Mississippi State's defense presents.

"It's scheme, but it's also that the personnel is good," Golesh said.

The Bulldogs, led by defensive coordinator Zach Arnett, use a variety of defensive looks that can make things difficult for opposing offenses.

And Golesh believes that versatility is particularly challenging on third down.

"It's really, really havoc, and the scheme is so complex that you could spend, like, literally another three weeks preparing because there are so many pictures," Golesh said.

But despite those challenges, Auburn could have opportunities to attack Mississippi State through the air.

The Bulldogs have recorded just two interceptions through nine games, although that doesn't necessarily mean their secondary has struggled.

Mississippi State has talented cornerbacks, including Kelley Jones, a potential future 1st-round draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft who could make things difficult for Auburn's outside receivers.

And that's where the Tigers might have an opportunity to attack a different area of the field.

Auburn has attempted to create explosive plays through its slot receivers throughout the season, but several of those opportunities haven't resulted in completions.

Christian Neptune is one player who could benefit if Brown has enough time to let those plays develop.

The Tigers have also looked for opportunities involving Bryce Cain and DeShawn Spencer downfield, but haven't consistently connected on those attempts.

And with Mississippi State's talented outside cornerbacks, attacking down the seams could be another way for Auburn to generate some explosive plays.

Of course, that starts with giving Brown enough time to throw the football.

Auburn's offensive line has struggled throughout the season, and the Tigers have already been forced to use several different combinations because of injuries.

But Mississippi State's pass-rushing numbers suggest Auburn could have a better opportunity to protect Brown than it has experienced against some of the SEC's more productive defensive fronts.

And that's important for an offense that continues to struggle in the opening stages of games.

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

The Tigers can't continue relying on those kinds of second-half performances to overcome slow starts.

And if Brown gets opportunities to create explosive plays against Mississippi State, Auburn needs to take advantage of them.