AUBURN, Ala. — Coming off its best performance of the season in last week’s victory at Arkansas, the Mississippi State defense reverted to its old ways Saturday, surrendering 429 total yards in a 27-13 Bulldogs loss to Auburn.
MSU (4-4, 1-4 Southeastern Conference) had few answers for the SEC’s worst passing offense, allowing Payton Thorne to complete 20 of 26 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. The Tigers (4-4, 1-4) were able to run the ball effectively as well, led by Jarquez Hunter’s 144 yards on 17 carries.
Offensively, quarterback Mike Wright struggled to find any rhythm, and running back Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks, who was out with a leg injury, was sorely missed. Seth Davis and Jeffery Pittman managed a few nice gains on the ground, and offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay allowed Wright to take some downfield shots off play action, but Wright finished just 16-of-32 for 161 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
The Bulldogs trailed 17-3 late in the first half and had a golden opportunity to close the gap, starting just outside midfield after a defensive three-and-out. But Wright was stuffed on a run by Jalen McLeod on fourth-and-1 at the Auburn 30-yard line, and the Tigers moved the ball with ease, going 68 yards in eight plays for a touchdown that put them ahead by 21 at halftime.
MSU is back home next Saturday against Kentucky.
Takeaways
- The Arkansas game was an aberration for the Bulldogs’ defense. A week after holding the Razorbacks to 200 yards of offense, MSU gave up 301 yards to Auburn in the first half alone. Thorne set the tone on the game’s opening drive, throwing a deep ball to Shane Hooks for the touchdown as Hooks burned freshman cornerback Brice Pollock in man coverage. Following a Bulldogs’ field goal, the Tigers quickly struck again, with Thorne finding a wide-open Ja’Varrius Johnson deep left for a 45-yard score.
- Mike Wright may not have what it takes to lead the offense on his own. Wright performed admirably in his first start in maroon and white, but Auburn’s defense was selling out on the quarterback keeper, and six of his eight first-half carries went for three or fewer yards. Without a security blanket in Marks, Wright was forced to air it out more, and while he did find Zavion Thomas for a 32-yard gain on MSU’s first offensive play, he also was out of sync at times with his receivers. Thomas was the biggest bright spot for the Bulldogs’ offense, catching nine passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.
- Next week’s game is a must-win. With a road trip to Texas A&M and the Egg Bowl against one-loss Ole Miss still on the schedule, MSU’s best chance to get a second SEC victory — and likely bowl eligibility — is a week from now at Davis Wade Stadium on Homecoming against Kentucky. The Wildcats started 5-0 before losing to ranked foes Georgia and Missouri, but the Bulldogs have won their last six home games in the series.
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