Before this season started, there were several experts predicting that Auburn would win the SEC. The Tigers don't look much like contenders coming off a 45-21 thrashing by LSU in Baton Rouge. They host the Mississippi State Bulldogs Saturday, and it could be another high scoring battle between two teams that are struggling on defense.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Tigers Run Defense - Auburn gave up 411 rushing yards and five rushing TDs in the loss to LSU last week. The Bulldogs ran for 275 yards and five scores last week, and they will likely find some holes in this Auburn defense.

2. Sean White - With Jeremy Johnson throwing six interceptions in his first three starts, the Tigers have decided to hand the reigns to their second string quarterback. These two were actually quite close in the spring, with Johnson just edging him out for the starting job. If White can give the offense a spark, Auburn could get it's season back on track.

3. X-Factor - When these teams met last year the Bulldogs won by a score of 38-23, falling just short of the total of 62.5. The total for this game is much lower, and Auburn has gone over the number at a rate of 10-4-1 in it's last 15 home games.


Selection: This is a play on the Bulldogs@Tigers to go OVER the total (10*)