What a difference a few weeks can make. The media darling of the SEC, Auburn, looks like anything but a title contender after escaping Lousiville and Jacksonville State with wins before getting drubbed by the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge. Auburn's much-hyped (unfairly to him) quarterback Jeremy Johnson has now found a spot on the bench in favor of redshirt freshman Sean White.
What will all of this mean when Mississippi State travels to The Plains to take on the Tigers in a contest that all but kills the SEC dreams of the loser?
Best Case Scenario:
Realizing that White will be taking his first snaps of his college career, the Bulldogs unleash the defense to hound him forcing an early turnover. Mississippi State capitalizes to pull ahead early. Offensively, the Bulldogs manage to somewhat replicate LSU's rushing game success and dominate on the ground. Dak Prescott puts up solid number and shows the home team why he should be the SEC's 1st team quarterback. The Bulldogs win handedly 31-17.
Worst Case Scenario:
White shows that making his first SEC start will not phase him, and he throws for an early touchdown against a Mississippi State blitz, putting the Tigers ahead and igniting Jordan-Hare. The Bulldogs fail to estaish the run, and the Tigers snag a pair of interceptions. White later gets knocked out the game, and Johnson writes a redemption story in the second half. The Bulldogs drop a 10-point loss and return to Starkville with an SEC season in shambles.
Bold Presiction:
The Mississippi State defense will force two turnovers, and the offense will produce a 100 yard rusher.