COL FB: Auburn 3, Mississippi State 2

STARKVILLE, Miss., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Wes Byrum kicked a 35-yard field goal Saturday to give the ninth-ranked Auburn Tigers a 3-2 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Byrum was just 1-of-3 on field goals, missing from 22 and 42 yards, while the Bulldogs' Adam Carlson also missed a 38-yard field goal in a defensive struggle.

Auburn's Chris Todd was 14-of-26 for 154 yards but lost two fumbles for the Tigers (3-0, 1-0 SEC). Brad Lester ran for 51 yards on nine attempts but was taken from the field on a stretcher in the third quarter with a sprained neck.

Ben Tate took over in the backfield and gained 92 yards on 20 carries.

Mississippi State's Wesley Carroll hit 10-of-25 pass attempts for 78 yards and an interception for the Bulldogs (1-2, 0-1). Christian Ducre gained 49 yards on 16 carries.