PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Kam Martin is coming off a season-high 24 carries against Southern Mississippi that produced 90 yards. He also had a 17-year reception. “I knew when my number was called, I had to just make plays, and just keep running the ball hard,” said Martin, who had to pick up the slack when JaTarvious Whitlow went out with an ankle injury.
–WR Darius Slayton led the Tigers in receiving with five catches for 91 yards, including a 53-yard reception that set up a touchdown for a 21-6 Auburn lead. His 13 receptions are second on the team to the 21 of Ryan Davis, but he leads in receiving yards with 188 and has one of Auburn’s five receiving touchdowns.
–LB Deshaun Davis will have a key role in keeping Mississippi State QB Nick Fitzgerald in check. Davis is Auburn’s leading tackler with 43 stops (7.0 for losses with 1.0 sack) and has been credited with three quarterback hurries.
–CB Noah Igbinoghene has adapted to playing defense after spending his freshman year as a wide receiver. He has broken up four passes and forced a fumble while making 18 tackles for the season. He had five stops and a breakup against Southern Mississippi but is hungry for more. “We still have stuff to fix and things to improve on,” he said. “That’s what we’re going to focus on.”
SERIES HISTORY: Auburn leads Mississippi State 62-26-2. Auburn won the last meeting 49-10 in 2017.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’re going to get better. I believe in everybody. We just have to get better as a team, and we will down the stretch.” — Junior RB Kam Martin.
