Auburn

Week two of the 2005 State Football Campaign takes the Bullpups to play a team that didn't lose last year. A team that returned a lot of players from the 2004 season, but lost its most recognizable faces. And a team that looked lost at times last week against GT, especially on offense.

Why State: Auburn rushed for only 50 yards last Saturday night. That's 2.2 yards per carry. It's obvious they miss Ronnie and Cadillac more than Tubberville thought they would. And while Tre is a good back, he's no first round draft choice. And while State's defensive front is not as good as Georgia Tech's, they can certainly play. On the flip side GT ran for 139 yards. PJ Daniels is a great back, but I'll take my chances with Norwood any day. A lot has been made of State's ineptness at offensive line during the off-season, but GT's OL wasn't highly touted coming into the season either. If State can find a way to run effectively and keep Auburn and their monster receivers off the field, they've got a chance.

Why Auburn: Did you miss the line about the monster receivers? Cox threw for 342 yards last weekend. Obviously the four picks hurt Auburn, but a kid on his first start throwing for 300 plus yards is impressive. Expect Auburn to try to establish the run early and once those defensive backs start inching up...TD Auburn.

Bottom Line: State hangs in for a while, but Auburn pulls away in the fourth quarter with big plays in the passing game, 34-21.