Mississippi State
4-4 , 1-4
Auburn
4-4 , 1-4
Bulldogs Fall 27-13 At Auburn
October 28, 2023 | Football
AUBURN, Ala. – After winning both of its prior games in October, Mississippi State came up short of a perfect month on Saturday as the Bulldogs fell 27-13 to Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Bulldogs surrendered an opening-drive touchdown to the Tigers and were left playing from behind the rest of the day.
Auburn was able to take control on its first series with a 75-yard drive that put the Tigers up 7-0. Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne put his team in the end zone for the first time with a 27-yard strike to receiver Shane Hooks.
But State quickly had an answer. On the Bulldogs' ensuing possession, MSU marched down the field all the way to the Auburn 10-yard line. However, State ultimately was forced to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Kyle Ferrie.
It was the first of two Saturday field goals for MSU's freshman kicker. He also later knocked through a 40-yarder in the third quarter.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, it was far from enough. Auburn led 24-3 at halftime, adding on to its early lead with two more touchdown passes from Thorne, as well as a 39-yard Alex McPherson field goal.
McPherson also connected from 49-yards out late in the third quarter to help the Tigers take a 27-6 edge into the final period.
The Bulldogs continued to fight. Six seconds into the fourth quarter, Zavion Thomas made a highlight-reel grab in the back of the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown reception. State wouldn't score again though as Auburn held on for the win.
In defeat, Thomas finished with a career day for State. His 112 receiving yards were a career high and his touchdown catch was his first career scoring reception.
The Bulldogs had three players eclipse the 50-yard mark in rushing for the contest with quarterback Mike Wright tallying 63 yards, Seth Davis totaling 62 and Jeffery Pittman picking up 51. Wright also passed for 161 yards and a score.
Defensively, the Bulldogs were led by Nathaniel Watson. Watson had nine tackles, including a tackle for loss. Fellow linebacker Jett Johnson recorded nine stops and a tackle for loss for State. Defensive backs Corey Ellington and Marcus Banks notched six tackles apiece.
Next Up for MSU…
For the first time in nearly a full month, Mississippi State returns to action in Starkville. The Bulldogs will host Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 4. It'll be homecoming weekend for MSU, and the contest against the Wildcats will feature the return of the iconic interlocking MSU logo to State's uniforms – worn in honor of the 1998 Southeastern Conference Western Division championship team. The game will be televised by SEC Network.
Team Stats
MSU 0, AU 7
AU - Hooks,Shane 27 yd pass from Thorne,Payton (McPherson,Alex kick) 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:22
MSU 3, AU 7
MSU - Ferrie,Kyle 29 yd field goal 11 plays, 65 yards, TOP 05:18
MSU 3, AU 14
AU - Johnson,Ja'Varrius 45 yd pass from Thorne,Payton (McPherson,Alex kick) 5 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:08
MSU 3, AU 17
AU - McPherson,Alex 39 yd field goal 6 plays, 31 yards, TOP 01:57
MSU 3, AU 24
AU - Cobb,Jeremiah 7 yd pass from Thorne,Payton (McPherson,Alex kick) 8 plays, 68 yards, TOP 01:05
MSU 6, AU 24
MSU - Ferrie,Kyle 40 yd field goal 12 plays, 50 yards, TOP 05:45
MSU 6, AU 27
AU - McPherson,Alex 49 yd field goal 12 plays, 44 yards, TOP 05:56
MSU 13, AU 27
MSU - Thomas,Zavion 14 yd pass from Wright,Mike (Ferrie,Kyle kick) 7 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:20
