The Auburn Football Team has dominated Mississippi State over the years, winning 60 of 85 meetings over the 106-year history of the series. That includes a current four-game winning streak over the Bulldogs.

The past two years have been particularly close, with the Tigers eking out a 17-14 road win in 2010, and surviving last year's 41-34 victory at home, when Auburn held State at the one-yard line as time expired.

Those close losses have fueled the Bulldogs preparation for this year's game, and Mississippi State players have spoken openly about wanting another shot at the Tigers.

Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik says every game in the SEC feels like a rivalry showdown, but he acknowledges Saturday's game in Starkville is an important early-season step for both teams.

"We were able to edge them out two years in a row," Chizik said. "I know just by looking at the front end of their schedule, I'm sure that this game has been circled on their calendar for a long time."

Mississippi State will host Auburn at 11 a.m. on Saturday on ESPN.