JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Winning, it turns out, isn't second nature. Just ask Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs were full of high hopes - and perhaps unfounded expectations - following last year's breakthrough 8-5 season. But with two games gone in 2008, they find themselves in need of another upset of Auburn to wipe away a disappointing 1-1 start.

Last season's roll started with a 19-14 win at Auburn in Week 3.

Coach Sylvester Croom says he can think of no better way to get the Bulldogs turned around than an upset of No. 9 Auburn on Saturday in Starkville.

The game comes after a season-opening 22-14 loss to Louisiana Tech and a ho-hum 34-10 win over Championship Subdivision opponent Southeastern Louisiana.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)