Spruce Derden – USA TODAY SPORTS
It may only be the third week of the season, but the Mississippi State Bulldogs are facing a virtual must win-game on Saturday as they visit the Auburn Tigers.
MSU lost its season opener to the Oklahoma State Cowboys 21-3, and the Bulldogs simply cannot take another loss this early in the campaign, especially since there are remaining games against the LSU Tigers, the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Texas A&M Aggies, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Ole Miss Rebels.
This certainly won’t be an easy game for the Bulldogs to win, as Auburn has opened the season 2-0 under head coach Gus Malzahn, including a win over the Washington State Cougars in Weel 1. Malzahn has energized the Tigers’ offense, and that will be a big challenge for Mississippi State this weekend.
MSU must also hope that their quarterback Tyler Russell is able to play this weekend. Russell suffered a concussion in the season opening loss to Oklahoma State, and he did not play last week against Alcorn State. Russell should be able to play on Saturday, but if he can’t, Dak Prescott would likely get the nod behind center. Prescott served as the starter last week, passing for 174 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 20 yards and a score.
The Bulldogs also hope to have LaDarius Perkins back for Saturday’s game. One of MSU’s all-time leading rushers, Perkins missed last week’s game as well. His return to the backfield has given head coach Dan Mullen another element to use against the Auburn defense.
There is a lot on the line for Mississippi State this weekend. It will take a solid effort to win on the road at Auburn on Saturday.
Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
Related:
A Bowl Bid May be on the Line for Mississippi State, Auburn Saturday
Mississippi State Bulldogs: What We Learned In Week 2, What To Look For In Week 3
Dak Prescott Should Continue Starting for Mississippi State Bulldogs
