Auburn delivers on big stage while State makes debut

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Act like you've been there before.

The cliché about handling success is invoked a lot in sports, particularly after teams pull an upset.

In today's epic matchup between No. 2 Auburn and No. 3 Mississippi State, the stage has never been bigger in the series, and only one team has been "there" before, and succeeded: Auburn.

The Tigers (5-0, 2-0 SEC) are playing a top-five opponent for the fourth time in their last nine games, with the previous three games being in the Iron Bowl, SEC Championship and BCS National Championship.

"I think playing in big games is something we have come to enjoy and something we're really used to," Auburn tight end C.J. Uzomah said. "We play in the SEC, the best conference in college football, so we're used to that week in and week out. It's something we have kind of embraced."

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn knows what to expect from his team as it prepares for yet another colossal matchup this afternoon at Davis Wade Stadium.

"The fact that we've been in some big games, it definitely helps," Malzahn said. "From a coach's standpoint, I know exactly what I'm going to get out of our players. They're going to play extremely hard and that gives you confidence as a coach."

By contrast, Mississippi State (5-0, 2-0) is in an unprecedented position for the program. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 3 in the AP poll – their highest ever – with the No. 1 spot likely on the line this afternoon.

The Bulldogs' success thus far isn't enough for Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen.

"We really haven't accomplished all that much yet," Mullen said. "We're only 2-0 in the SEC. I think we wanted to win a lot more than that in the SEC this year than those two games. … There's a lot at stake this week for us to continue down the path of the goals we want to achieve."

Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee does put stock in big-game experience, which Mississippi State has gained in recent weeks as well with wins at LSU and a blowout of Texas A&M.

"One thing I do feel good about knowing that our guys, whether we're playing or good or whether it's a struggle or whether we're not playing well, they're going to play four quarters and they're going to believe and find a way to win," Lashlee said. "That's the mentality they have and they've proven a lot of times they find a way to do that. Our guys have great confidence in that and so do our coaches."

One of times came against Mississippi State last year, when Nick Marshall led a 12-play, 88-yard drive, capped off with an 11-yard pass to Uzomah with 10 seconds left to win the game 24-20.

In a series that has seen three of the last four games come down to the wire, handling the pressure that comes from those moments, should they present themselves, will also be crucial.

"It could be the style of play and the matchups that just lead it to come right down to the wire and how we matchup against each other," Mullen said. "We have certainly kept it exciting every single year; it seems like, in this matchup. It's great for the fans and the atmosphere and obviously exciting for all the players and the coaches involved. It's a lot of fun to play in those games that you pay for 60 minutes and it comes right down to the wire, you have an opportunity to go make a play to win the game."

Malzahn called it a "tribute" to his players that they have been able to "rise to the occasion" consistently in big games during his tenure.

Only one team can accomplish that today and put itself in the driver's seat of the SEC West, the polls and the College Football Playoff at the midpoint of the season.

"We know we're going to get their best shot and we know that it's a huge game for them, but at the same time, it's a huge game for us," Malzahn said. "We have goals and this is another big game."