Through the first four games, Auburn already has as many wins as it did all of last season. The Tigers also defeated an SEC opponent, something they failed to do a year ago. It’s a step in the right direction for first-year head coach Gus Malzahn, but the Tigers are coming off a 35-21 loss to LSU on Saturday. They get a week off to prepare for what could be their biggest game of the season -- a visit from Ole Miss on Oct. 5.

Best game: This one’s easy. Not only was Auburn’s win over Mississippi State its first SEC win in nearly two years, but the game was decided in the final seconds. The Tigers trailed by a field goal with less than two minutes left. Led by quarterback Nick Marshall, the offense went 88 yards on 12 plays and scored the go-ahead touchdown with 10 seconds left on the clock. Auburn won in dramatic fashion, 24-20. Marshall was 6 of 8 for 66 yards on the drive and connected with tight end C.J. Uzomah for the game-winning score.

Best player: Tre Mason was one of the lone bright spots on last year’s team. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. Instead of becoming the feature back in 2013, he became part of a running-back-by-committee with fellow juniors Corey Grant and Cameron Artis-Payne. Still, Mason has been the most consistent of the three through the first four games. He had his best game Saturday, rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns against a stingy LSU defense. He also returned a kick for a touchdown in the season opener.

Best performance: There are plenty to choose from, including Marshall’s game-winning drive or Mason’s effort against LSU, but it’s hard to argue with what Robenson Therezie did in the first game. He was plugged into the starting lineup late because of an injury, but he responded with seven tackles and two interceptions. His second pick came in his own end zone and preserved a 31-24 victory over Washington State. Therezie has since taken over the Star position and is now the every week starter.

Best surprise: Mason has been the best running back on the team, but Grant has been the most surprising with his performance early in the season. He was always kind of lost in the shuffle whether it was his freshman year at Alabama or last year, his first year eligible at Auburn after transferring. The local native got his chance under Malzahn and didn’t waste any time. He rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown in the first game. He has cooled off some since, but he still leads the team with 9.2 yards per carry.

Biggest disappointment: The performance from the defense against LSU was forgetful, specifically against the run, but the biggest disappointment that came from that game -- and possibly the season -- was the loss of wide receiver Jaylon Denson. He went down with what looked like a serious injury to his left leg in the first half, and it now looks like he’ll miss the remainder of the season. Denson only had three catches on the year, but he was still a valuable part of Auburn’s offense.