While we won’t be able to get an answer, there will be a hint when Auburn plays Starkville on Saturday. It is difficult to imagine how State can win the six required victories to qualify for bowl eligibility without defeating Auburn Saturday at 11 a.m. After a bye week, State is now at 2-2. Auburn is 3-2 after back-to-back victories at home over LSU, Louisiana-Monroe. The Bulldogs will play at 2-3 BYU, 2-3 Kentucky (State should favored), Samford (1st home victory), 5-0 Texas A & M (2nd underdog), 5-0 Alabama (3rd heavy underdog), 4-1 Arkansas (4th underdog) and 3-2 Ole Miss (2nd underdog). Even if the Bulldogs win narrowly against Auburn, six wins isn’t a certain thing. Six victories are a pipe dream if Auburn loses. They are played one at a time by players and coaches. All of us can see ahead. These four games are similar to the Murderer’s Row state that used to play. Bottom line: The Bulldogs must beat Auburn if State hopes to reach a bowl. Yes, South Alabama is still haunting. Read Rick Cleveland every day.