WHY AUBURN LOST

Mississippi State wide receiver De'Runnya Wilson (1) drags Auburn defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) over the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Jim Lytle)

(Jim Lytle)

STARKVILLE, Mississippi - Once a state champion on the basketball court at Wenonah, De'Runnya Wilson had dreams of an NBA career.

Then he began playing football again late in high school, and the 6-foot-5 specimen dominated, scoring seven touchdowns as a senior.

He rooted for Alabama growing up, but said he never heard from Alabama after knowing head coach Nick Saban had watched him in a Thursday prep game. Wilson even talked to Alabama assistant Lance Thompson the next day.

But alas, an offer never came.

Wilson instead signed with Mississippi State and has blossomed into a star for the No. 1 and undefeated Bulldogs (9-0, 6-0). To say Saturday's game at No. 5 Alabama (8-1, 5-1) is a big game for the Birmingham native is a huge understatement. There's a good chance no Bulldog wants this win more.

"I didn't want to go to Alabama," said Wilson, who ultimately picked MSU over Auburn. "I just wanted to come here and beat Alabama. That's my dream and that's what I want to do as a football player."

Wilson was raw when he came to Starkville but his athletic abilities shined through. He's still learning how to get out of holds in tight coverage routes. But the numbers speak for themselves. He caught 26 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman. With Jameon Lewis getting injured, Wilson has emerged as Dak Prescott's top target.

Wilson has caught 22 passes for 367 yards and six touchdowns. He had at least 72 yards receiving and a touchdown in Mississippi State's three biggest wins so far - at LSU and at home against Texas A&M and Auburn.

"Everything you've seen this year, we've known about him," Mississippi State offensive lineman Ben Beckwith said. "He's just been on a bigger spotlight and been our top receiver since Jameon went down."

Wilson has slowed down a bit lately, catching just four passes over his last three games, but the Bulldogs remain undefeated.

"They're been keying in on him," Prescott said. "He's a big-time receiver and a big guy. They're trying to play up and over on top of him or do both."

Now at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Wilson has left basketball in the background. He was a very good high school player and won the state's Mr. Basketball award as a senior. But his future is in football.

"I kind of do (miss basketball), but it's all about football right now," Wilson said. "I'm loving football, the atmosphere of it. I'm just enjoying my time and chemistry of the Mississippi State football team."