Mississippi
Scouting the schedule, Game 9: Auburn visits Mississippi State with memories of 2021 comeback on the mind – The Dispatch
Editor’s notice: That is the ninth installment of our “Scouting the schedule” collection, which breaks down each recreation on Mississippi State’s 2022 soccer schedule. Half 8 described MSU’s robust journey to Tuscaloosa, whereas Half 10 shall be in regards to the Bulldogs’ house recreation in opposition to Georgia.
A 28-3 rating doesn’t imply a soccer recreation is over. Simply ask the Atlanta Falcons.
Or examine in with Auburn, who blew that very same lead final November at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Mississippi State erased the 25-point deficit and didn’t cease there, scoring 40 unanswered factors en path to a 43-34 win that booked the Bulldogs a bowl berth.
It’s arduous to think about Auburn coming to Starkville in 2022 with out that recreation on its thoughts. The Tigers fell off of their first season beneath Bryan Harsin, and there almost wasn’t a second, however Auburn all the time has sufficient expertise to get by.
In fact, a Bulldogs crew contemporary off a much-needed bye week after a visit to Tuscaloosa might deal with the Tigers — no comeback required.
Mississippi State will tackle Auburn on Nov. 5 in Starkville.
Auburn fast details
2021 document: 6-7 (3-5 SEC)
Coach: Bryan Harsin, second 12 months
ESPN Soccer Energy Index: No. 11
All-time collection: 61-30-3, Auburn leads
Final assembly: Nov. 13, 2021
Historical past
Like a lot of Mississippi State’s SEC West opponents, Auburn holds a major lead within the all-time collection between the 2.
The Tigers have gained 14 of their previous 20 video games in opposition to the Bulldogs and ran off nine-game and 11-game successful streaks within the collection.
However MSU has at instances held its personal.
The Bulldogs have gained 5 of their previous 10 video games with Auburn and gained seven straight from 1941 to 1948 (neither crew performed in 1943 due to World Conflict II).
Practically yearly from 1911 to 1948 and 5 extra instances from 1957 to 1970, the 2 groups performed in Birmingham. They performed seven video games in Jackson between 1963 and 1980.
2021 season
Auburn tanked down the stretch in 2021, dropping its closing 5 video games to complete 6-7 and 3-5 within the Southeastern Convention.
The Tigers have been 6-3 and ranked within the prime 25 after they held a 25-point lead in opposition to MSU however couldn’t maintain it. Auburn misplaced to South Carolina, almost beat Alabama in time beyond regulation and fell to Houston within the Birmingham Bowl.
Harsin’s crew posted wins over LSU, Arkansas and Ole Miss in SEC play.
Quarterback Bo Nix was benched throughout a recreation in opposition to Georgia State that required a comeback win, suffered a season-ending harm in opposition to MSU and transferred to Oregon after the season. T.J. Finley shall be set to compete with Texas A&M switch Zach Calzada on the place.
Working again Tank Bigsby (1,099 yards, 10 touchdowns) returns for Auburn, as does Neshoba Central product Jarquez Hunter (593 yards, three touchdowns). High receiver Kobe Hudson (580 yards) transferred to UCF, and Demetris Robertson (489 yards) was a graduate switch, however Shedrick Jackson (527 yards) and tight finish John Samuel Shenker (413 yards) will return.
Cornerback Roger McCreary was Auburn’s lone NFL draft choose, whereas linebacker Zakoby McClain (95 tackles) turned professional however went undrafted. Edge rusher Derick Corridor of Gulfport returns after 12.5 tackles for loss and 9 sacks.
Key additions
A turbulent first 12 months beneath Harsin sank Auburn’s recruiting class to No. 21 total and ninth within the SEC in 247 Sports activities’ composite rankings.
The Tigers have 11 four-star signees, led by Cell linebacker Robert Woodyard, Louisiana cornerback Austin Ausberry and a pair from Georgia — cornerback JaDarian Rhym and quarterback Holden Geriner. The nation’s prime JUCO prospect, defensive lineman Jeffrey M’ba of Independence Neighborhood School (Kansas), can also be headed to The Plains; No. 6 JUCO recruit Marquise Gilbert of Hutchinson CC (Kansas) will be a part of him.
Within the switch portal, Auburn landed North Carolina linebacker Eugene Asante, LSU wideout Koy Moore and Oregon defensive lineman Jayson Jones along with Calzada.
Theo DeRosa stories on Mississippi State sports activities for The Dispatch. Observe him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.
High quality, in-depth journalism is important to a wholesome group. The Dispatch brings you essentially the most full reporting and insightful commentary within the Golden Triangle, however we want your assist to proceed our efforts. Please think about subscribing to our web site for less than $2.30 per week to assist help native journalism and our group.