After another season-opening victory, Croom turns focus to Auburn

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) Once again, Mississippi State can&#39;t enjoy a season-opening victory under Sylvester Croom. Not with Auburn next on the schedule.<br> <br> For the second straight year, the Tigers loom as difficult second opponents for Croom&#39;s young Bulldogs.<br> <br> ``We are talking about one of the premier teams in the country,&#39;&#39; Croom said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. ``As far as I am concerned, they are just as good as Southern Cal last year.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> One week after Croom&#39;s first coaching victory last season, Auburn dealt him his first defeat a 43-14 rout in which the Bulldogs&#39; offense was held scoreless for 58.5 minutes.<br> <br> This season, Mississippi State is in the same position, winning its first game and facing Auburn in Week Two. The Bulldogs are looking for their first 2-0 start since 2000 and face an Auburn team that had its 15-game winning streak snapped by Georgia Tech.<br> <br> ``Those streaks are for the players, and you don&#39;t forget that loss any time in the near future because it did end a winning streak,&#39;&#39; Croom said. ``I am sure the players that were part of that streak are going to be constantly reminded of it. It also puts them in a position where they want to get another streak started, and we are first up, so we have to do our part to make sure that does not happen.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Mississippi State also has a few active streaks, though they&#39;re not trends the Bulldogs are bragging about. Mississippi State has lost 15 straight games against Southeastern Conference Western Division opponents and has lost 12 consecutive road games.<br> <br> ``It is a great challenge for us, but also a very good opportunity for us to see if we can get something done that we didn&#39;t do last year, as far as winning an SEC road game.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)