Free College Football Picks Today: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Auburn Tigers 11/5/22

The Mississippi State University Bulldogs (5-3, 2-3 SEC) play host to the Auburn University Tigers (3-5, 1-4 SEC) at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field on Saturday for a matchup that pits one of the Southeastern Conference’s strongest passing offenses against one of its best aerial defenses.

The Bulldogs are 13-point favorites, and the total is 51.5. Auburn is coming off a 41-27 loss at the hands of Arkansas at Jordan-Hare Stadium last Saturday, their fourth consecutive defeat. Robby Ashford threw for 285 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 19 times for 87 yards. Camden Brown caught four passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Mississippi State lost 30-6 to No. 6 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 22. Will Rogers was 30 of 60 for 231 yards. Jo’quavious Marks carried 13 times for 53 yards and a touchdown. Rara Thomas hauled in eight receptions for 73 yards.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Bulldogs won the only meeting between the teams last season, a 43-34 victory in November. Will Rogers threw six touchdowns for Mississippi State. Bo Nix tossed two touchdowns for Auburn.

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Tigers are averaging 22.9 points per game for the season, 13th in the SEC, and they are facing a Bulldogs defense that has surrendered 22.9 PPG (9th). Meanwhile, Mississippi State has scored 31.8 points a game this season, seventh in the conference, and Auburn is allowing 29.9 PPG (11th).

The Tigers rank 93rd in the country in passing yards per game (217.3) and 50th in rushing (171.8), while the Bulldogs are 60th in passing yards allowed per game (227.1) and 59th against the run (137.4).Mississippi State has been one of the nation’s top passing teams, averaging 321.6 passing yards per game (10th), while ranking 124th in rushing yards (89.1). The Tigers are allowing 192.5 passing yards (24th) and 214.6 rushing yards per game (127th).

TOP PERFORMERS

Through eight games, Robby Ashford has thrown for five touchdowns (5 INT) and 162.4 yards per game to lead Auburn in passing. In two away games this season, he has one TD (2 INT) and an average of 152.5 yards passing.

Tank Bigsby leads the team in rushing with an average of 73.4 yards a game over eight games. He has seven touchdowns on the ground and one through the air. Ja’Varrius Johnson is the Tigers’ leading receiver with 57.0 yards a game and one TD.

Will Rogers has 23 passing touchdowns (4 INT) with 319.4 yards per game through eight games to lead Mississippi State. In four home games this season, he has thrown for 17 TDs (1 INT) and an average of 398.5 yards.

Dillon Johnson has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 58.1 yards a game through seven games. He also has been valuable as a receiver, accumulating 30.7 yards a game through the air. He has three touchdowns. Rara Thomas has been a key target in the Bulldogs’ passing game. He has three touchdowns and a 57.0 yard per game average through eight appearances.

HOME AND AWAY

Auburn is looking to win away from Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time this season in two games. Mississippi State is looking to remain unbeaten at home this season.