The News-Courier in Athens, Alabama

September 9, 2010

Tigers hang tough to beat MSU 17-14

The Associated Press
Associated Press

— STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Cameron Newton threw two touchdown passes and accounted for 206 total yards to help No. 21 Auburn beat Mississippi State 17-14 on Thursday night in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.

Mississippi State’s last drive ended at the Auburn 40 when Chris Relf’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete with 22 seconds remaining.

Newton, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound junior, outgained Mississippi State 146-125 all by himself in the first half.

After leading 17-7 halftime, the Tigers managed to hold off the Bulldogs for the win.

Auburn (2-0) has won 17 of its past 18 SEC openers. The Tigers outgained Mississippi State 348-246.

The Bulldogs (1-1) haven’t won its first two games in a season since 2000.