Mississippi State Gets Its Bell Rung by Auburn

Quarterback Daniel Cobb shook off a slow start to throw three touchdown passes in the second quarter as Auburn defeated Mississippi State, 42-14, in a Southeastern Conference game on Thursday night at Starkville, Miss.

Carnell Williams rushed for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter for the Tigers (3-1, 2-1 in the SEC), who scored the final 21 points to win their third game in a row. Mississippi State (1-2, 0-1) turned the ball over six times.

A new conference rule penalizing the home team if fans used artificial noisemakers never came into play. The rule, which would result in a five-yard penalty for the first offense and 15-yard penalties for subsequent violations, didn’t deter Bulldog supporters from bringing their beloved cowbells into Scott Field, but the home team was not penalized.

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Defensive tackle Rien Long and offensive lineman Billy Knotts, suspended for undisclosed violations after Washington State’s loss last week to Ohio State, will be reinstated after Saturday’s game against Montana State, Coach Mike Price said.... Reserve Florida offensive lineman Mo Mitchell missed his second consecutive day of practice while he takes care of personal and academic problems and would miss Saturday’s game against Tennessee, Coach Ron Zook said.... Freshman tailback Maurice Clarett, who underwent arthroscopic surgery Tuesday on his right knee, is doubtful for Saturday’s game against Cincinnati, Coach Jim Tressel said.... Minnesota rescheduled home games against Illinois and Northwestern--originally to be played on Saturdays--to Thursday nights to accommodate potential Minnesota Twin playoff games. The Golden Gophers will play the Fighting Illini on Oct. 3 and the Wildcats on Oct. 10.