Auburn Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2019 season

A yearly reminder of the depth in the SEC West has been Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have won at least eight games in four of the last five seasons, and they’ve consistently been a tough out for everyone on their schedule.

A year ago, Bob Shoop’s Bulldog defense finished first in the conference in scoring, rushing, passing and total defense. They allowed only 13.2 points per game. Unfortunately for Mississippi State, they return only three starters from that unit.

Joe Moorhead’s Bulldogs aren’t poised for a disaster year, but there could be a slight dip. Replacing so much of that defense, along with the quarterback, will be a tough task in Starkville.

Auburn understands how vital this matchup is. When facing a brutal schedule, locking down the winnable games is the number one goal. If the Tigers drop this one at home, this year could snowball.

Prediction: Win (4-1, 1-1)