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5 infuriating stats from Mississippi State football’s loss to Auburn

By Ethan Lee

AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 28: Payton Thorne #1 of the Auburn Tigers passes the football over Mississippi State Bulldogs defense during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 28: Payton Thorne #1 of the Auburn Tigers passes the football over Mississippi State Bulldogs defense during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) /
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Mike Wright #14 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs drops back to pass
AUBURN, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 28: Mike Wright #14 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs drops back to pass the football against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) /

Two – the number of third downs Mississippi State’s offense managed to convert

Once again, the Mississippi State offense had major issues converting on third downs. This time, when facing the Auburn Tigers defense, the Miss. State Bulldogs only managed to convert on two third down opportunities.

How many third downs did the Bulldogs manage to face in this game?

A DOZEN.

Kevin Barbay’s offense has been up and down all season for a number of reasons. And while I actually came away from this game pretty satisfied with most of his aggressive play calling, it’s clear that executing is an issue for this offense (shoutout to the play where the Bulldogs crashed into each other).

And that’s just one reason why the Bulldogs went 2 for 12 on third down. Those short possession really hurt Mississippi State as the defense seemed similarly dysfunctional. Miss. State hasn’t been able to string together many long drives throughout this season.

At least the Bulldogs were willing to gamble on fourth down. That was encouraging to see. I’m actually really happy that Barbay and Arnett went for it on a few fourth downs.

I just wish they’d converted a few more third downs along the way.

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