Auburn at Mississippi Odds

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Auburn (-2.5)
Game Total Line: (56)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

Auburn easily coasted to victory against Arkansas State last week, winning 52-26, but it couldn't cover the 31-point spread. Newton was absolutely sensational, racking up 355 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns. The quarterback proved quite fleet of foot, as 171 yards and two touchdowns came on the ground. Newton wasn't the only one pounding it on the ground; freshman running back Michael Dyer proved to be a very handy weapon, carrying 14 times for 95 yards. Onterio McCalebb chipped in with 76 yards on just nine carries and, for the day, Auburn racked up 367 yards on the ground.

There are questions aplenty on "D," however. The high-scoring attack isn't at all unexpected from the offense, but Auburn betting fans had hoped for at least some small improvement on defense; it doesn't appear to have happened. Arkansas State carved up the Tigers for 323 yards through the air and the Tigers failed to record an interception, although they did manage four sacks. Either way, the secondary has to do a better job locking down.

Mississippi State was still a little unsure of who its starting quarterback was heading into the season opener, but the play of Tyler Russell in the 49-7 win over Memphis (covering the 21-point spread) solidified things for the foreseeable future. The freshman went 13-16 for 256 yards and four touchdowns. Russell also avoided negative plays, as he wasn't sacked and didn't throw an interception. The Bulldogs also utilized a balanced rushing attack, racking up 197 yards on the ground with five players getting at least half a dozen carries.

On the other side of the ball, Mississippi State allowed just a single garbage-time touchdown. The Bulldogs came up with a pair of picks but they managed just a single sack; more pressure will be key against Newton. Mississippi was stout against the run, limiting Memphis to 41 yards on 21 carries.

Auburn has won eight of its last 10 meetings against Mississippi State, including a 6-4 record against the spread. The Tigers won last year's game 49-24, covering the 15-point spread. That match up went over the total of 46.5 points.

Game Betting Pick

Take the Tigers -2.5 at Bet.com