Another road test has come around for the Auburn Tigers as they are now one win away from bowl eligibility, trying to extend things into the postseason for the first time since 2023.
Sitting at 5-4 overall for the year and 3-4 in SEC play, Alex Golesh’s squad is heading to the west to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Mississippi, trying to maintain momentum following a close 26-23 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Jeff Lebby’s squad is coming off of a loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores at home last week, dropping to 4-5 on the year and needing to win two out of the final three to get into bowl season, a challenge they continue to navigate without quarterback Kamario Taylor.
The Bulldogs have lost their last five games, desperately seeking a win. The Tigers are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since the first two weeks of the season.
One of those things will happen, as the two squads face off for the first time since 2023 on Saturday.
Here are some players to watch from both sides before the action arrives.
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Mississippi State Bulldogs
AJ Swann (QB):
Since the injury to Taylor, Mississippi State has been searching for some rhythm at the quarterback sopot. The Bulldogs may now have found what they needed in AJ Swann, as the multi-time transfer has started in the last two games and has shown a sort of continuity. Swann has had experience in the SEC at Vanderbilt, but most recently transferred from Appalachian State. Being that Auburn has just two games of film on him from this year, there is a challenge that comes with this game in what will be seen. However, having completed 68.6% of his passes, he will be a threat to find his weapons and gain chunk yardage.
Anthony Evans III (WR):
Kind of like Chris Marshall was last week for Arkansas, Anthony Evans III is by far the most favored receiver for Mississippi State. He has 36 more catches and 240 more receiving yards than anybody else in the receiver room, and despite being just 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, he has a knack for finding the football. It makes another receiver for the Bulldogs that is smaller, but sometimes smaller receivers can make a difference. Evans will certainly be thrown to on Saturday, it is just a matter of how often and how much damage he does.
Jaray Bledsoe (DL):
He is not the top tackler on the team, but Jaray Bledsoe has put up some solid numbers for Zach Arnett’s defense that could pose a problem in Starkville for the Tigers front. With 28 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, Bledsoe has caused havoc on the football and has gotten everywhere. He knows the SEC standard in his second season with Mississippi State and fifth in the conference, and at 315 pounds on the interior, he could be a body that imposes his will on the interior of the Auburn offensive line. Him getting pressure will be big for the Bulldogs.
Auburn Tigers
Byrum Brown (QB):
One of the things that has been talked about among every opposing head coach that has faced the Tigers is how much the Auburn offense goes through Byrum Brown’s ability to run the football. The five games that the Tigers have played have seen that ability be showcased. Out of his 162 carries for 605 yards, Brown has taken 100 runs for 368 yards in the last five outings. Against a team that is stingy against the run according to Golesh, Brown is going to have to play a factor and make space in order for this offense to succeed and score points on a consistent basis.
Chas Nimrod (WR):
The honest truth is that in this “players to watch” series, a wide receiver has pretty much been named every week because some part of the room always feels like they are due for a breakout week. With nine catches for 100 yards in the last two games for Chas Nimrod, this weekend is yet another chance for him to explode and make some noise. The wideouts have stepped up in a big way, finding room to make plays down the stretch. Nimrod will need to do that again in order for Auburn to get confidence on the road and try for a much-needed victory.
Shadarius Toodle (LB):
There is no surprise as to why Shadarius Toodle is on this list, and based on his debut performance and the state of the Tigers linebacker room, he may be called upon for more time on Saturday. Toodle has been touted for having an extra pep in his step in practice this week and maintaining consistency. If Elijah Melendez and De’Marcus Riddick are not fully 100%, the freshman may be asked to pull some weight again. His determination was evident last week. The question is though, can he maintain it? Or was the Arkansas game a one-time thing?
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
