Mississippi State Coach Highlights Auburn’s Brown and Defense

Auburn is preparing for a November 14 matchup with Mississippi State after beating Arkansas. The Tigers can secure bowl eligibility with a win, with two games remaining in their season. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. Central in Starkville, with the game set to air on ESPN2.

Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby said Auburn’s offense depends heavily on quarterback Byrum Brown, pointing to his physical running and urging his defense to tackle well in space. Brown leads Auburn with 606 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Running back Jeremiah Cobb has 396 yards and two touchdowns.

Brown has also improved as a passer after throwing seven interceptions early in the season. He has gone four games without an interception, passing for 1,740 yards and 11 touchdowns across that stretch.

Lebby also singled out Auburn’s ability to force turnovers and create negative plays, saying the Bulldogs must prepare for varied defensive looks and adjust during the game. Auburn’s defense has dealt with injuries and uneven execution, but has shown strong play at times.

Mississippi State will be without quarterback Kamario Taylor. Backup AJ Swann has appeared in two games, recording 390 passing yards, two touchdown passes and one interception. Auburn will also need to contain running back Fluff Bothwell, who has 613 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season.