At the beginning of last week there was over the top excitement for fans of Mississippi State. Former coach Dan Mullen was going to pay for abandoning Hail State for Florida. So went the theory and plans anyway. However, the Bet on College Football reality turned out to be a buzz kill. It was Mullen who came home to conquer his former program 13-6 and kill much of the enthusiasm of MSU fans. For this reason, there are concerns about the Bulldogs getting off the mat. In this situation the tough Auburn Tigers will come calling as road chalks.
Auburn Tigers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Date and Time: Saturday, October 6, 2018, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi
Bet on College Football Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | -3½ (-110) | 44 (-110) |  |
| Mississippi St | +3½ (-110) | 44 (-110) | |
| |||
Auburn vs. Mississippi State TV Coverage: ESPN2
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State has lost two in a row both straight up and against the spread. Overall, they are 3-2 straight up with three bet on College Football covers. Just one of Hail State’s games have gone over the total. Following a 3-0 start the last two weeks have provided a stark reality check. Mullen’s replacement, Joe Moorhead, has certainly gotten a full “Welcome to the SEC” after three non-conference wins. Yet there are still reasons for optimism. For example, Mississippi State ranks eighth in the country for scoring defense. Of great concern is an offense that ranks 55th for scoring.
Auburn Tigers
Auburn has a sportsbook record of 4-1 straight up and 2-3 against the spread. Additionally, four of War Eagle’s games have gone under the total. Last week the Tigers scored a 24-13 win over Southern Miss as 27-point home overlays. Not withstanding coach Gus Malzahn’s reputation as an offensive guru Auburn’s offense has been offensive. For example, the Tigers rank 96th in the nation for total offense. By contrast the defense has bene remarkably strong with a ranking of third for fewest points allowed.
Stats to Consider
Malzahn was nearly fired last year before Auburn upset Alabama. In turn he was extended with a huge raise after the win. However, a loss in the SEC championship game gave back much good will. It follows that the bowl loss to Central Florida further soured Auburn fans. Malzahn is again facing heat for the sluggish offense. Likewise, the week three home loss to LSU made many regret the contract reward for the Iron Bowl. Of major concern is the man who was touted to reinvent offensive football five years ago now has a mediocre at best attack.
Team vs. Team
Head to head Auburn has won and covered their last two meetings with Mississippi State. Further, five of the last six in this series went under the total. Balanced against that is Hail State’s mark of 2-1 vs. the line at home against the Tigers. The last six games in this series at State have gone under.
Matchup to Watch
Correlate the Bet on College Football slump by Mississippi State in SEC play. Regardless of problems, Auburn has the far superior roster. Besides that, the Bulldogs offense matches up badly with stout Auburn defense.
Auburn vs. Mississippi State Bet on College Football Picks
To conclude Auburn rates the edge at a small price against deflated Mississippi State.
Auburn vs. Mississippi State Bet on College Football Pick: Auburn Tigers
Auburn vs. Mississippi State Bet on College Football Score Prediction: Auburn 24, Mississippi State 14
Catch highlights of Mississippi State’s home loss to Florida last week!