Auburn-Mississippi State Capsule

Sep 8, 2010 - 9:43 PM No. 21 Auburn (1-0) at Mississippi State (1-0), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Line: Auburn by 2.

Series Record: Auburn leads 58-23-2

Last meeting: 2009, Auburn 49-24

What's at stake

Auburn is trying to get off to a good start in Southeastern Conference play against Mississippi State, which appears much improved in Year 2 under coach Dan Mullen. The Bulldogs are trying to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2000.

Key matchup

Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton vs. the Mississippi State defense. In his first start, Newton accounted for five touchdowns and 357 yards of total offense as the Tigers beat Arkansas State. The Mississippi State allowed only 237 total yards in its opening win against Memphis.

Players to watch

Mississippi State: WR Chad Bumphis, who was the team's leading receiver last season, caught four passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns against Memphis. Bumphis and fellow receiver Brandon Heavens became the first MSU duo to each have 100 yards receiving in a game since 2003.

Auburn: RB Michael Dyer, one of the Tigers' most highly touted recruits in years, rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown in his first college game. He was part of a ground game that gained 367 yards on the ground against Arkansas State.

Facts and Figures

Mississippi State (49) and Auburn (52) combined to score 101 points in their respective openers ... Auburn is 43-28-5 in SEC openers, including 16 of the past 17 ... Auburn is 6-2 in Thursday night games, including 4-0 in the SEC ... Auburn has won 57 consecutive games when scoring at least 30 points ... Mississippi State freshman Tyler Russell threw for 256 yards and tied a school record with four touchdowns against Memphis ... The Bulldogs gained 569 total yards against Memphis, which is the fifth-most in school history.