Tonight's match-up between Auburn and Mississippi State is not the only big game but also the NFL starts tonight with a barn burner between the Vikings and Saints. Both of these games can be considered statement games. If Auburn wants to be considered as a real threat to win the West division in the SEC then they need a good showing tonight against the Bulldogs, and the road to Saints winning another championship begins tonight as savvy veteran Brett Favre returns to New Orleans.
Last week Auburn played a mid-level sunbelt conference school in which they should have blown them out by more than just 52-26. They shouldn't even have given up 26 points to them in the first place but Auburn's pass defense was why Arkansas State was able to stay in the game so long. The red wolves were able to pass for 323 yards on the tigers secondary. And now Auburn plays Mississippi State who just so happens to have one of the best offensive minds in college football thanks to Dan Mullen. The Bulldogs were able to chuck the ball around for 371 yards against Memphis. There spread offense will give Auburn trouble but expect the Tigers to be tougher in the secondary this week knowing that if they win this game it could spring board them into winning the west division. The player to watch on offense for Mississippi State will be Chad Bumphis and on defense will be Pernell McPhee. Auburn needs Cam Newton to continue to improve the offense and they will rely heavily on Josh Bynes to get the secondary in the right position so they can make the necessary plays in order to win it.
Prediction: Mississippi State will be able to throw on Auburn in the first half and should lead Auburn at the half but expect the Tigers to make the half-time adjustments and win the game 35-34.
The first game of the NFL season is a rematch between the NFC Championship game and also Brett Favre returns to New Orleans to play against the team he grew up rooting for. You can bet the Vikings will like nothing best then to avenge last years lost in the Super-dome and put the Saints at 0-1 to start the season. Drew Brees has brought life to New Orleans back again and has made the Saints for the first time relevant in the NFL. Whether they are able to repeat as champions is yet to be determine but with a strong showing against a great defense could go along way in showing if they have it in them. This game should be a high scoring afair with two great quarterbacks going head to head again. If the Vikings offensive line can protect Favre from being hit so many times then they should score enough points to keep up with the Saints.
Prediction: Expect the Saints to start off where they finished last year and win the opening game 42-28.
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