Expert picks: Does Auburn snap its losing streak in front of a sold out Jordan-Hare Stadium?
Auburn football faces Texas A&M this Saturday in a battle of similarly struggling teams.
Both teams enter 3-6 records. Both are 1-5 in SEC play, and both are riding five-game losing streaks.
Someone has to win, right? In that case, it appears the Tigers are due.
Auburn returns to Jordan-Hare Stadium to play in front of fans who have found a sense of hope after watching their team play inspired football last Saturday night at Mississippi State. Although history has not been kind to Auburn in this series in games played on the Plains, something feels different about this season’s game.
The staff at Auburn Wire believes Auburn will return to Jordan-Hare Stadium and earn an emotional win in front of its home fans. Here is what Taylor Jones, J.D. McCarthy, and River Wells predict will happen in the game.
Auburn vs. Texas A&M: Offensive X-factors
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Taylor Jones- The running backs
Auburn played its best game since early September last Saturday at Mississippi State. However, Auburn running backs Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter were held to under 100 yards on the ground. Auburn wins if either or both backs have solid days on the ground.
J.D. McCarthy- The offensive line
The Aggies have been terrible against the run this season and Tank Bigsby should get plenty of carries. While he is capable of breaking off some long runs if the offensive line can consistently open up lanes for him then Auburn’s offense can take control.
River Wells- Carnell Williams
I know you’re typically supposed to pick a player here, but Cadillac Williams will be the difference-maker. A&M is more talented, but the culture is in freefall and he’s facing a Jimbo Fisher whose abilities are being questioned by many. Winning the head coaching battle and not being nervous about the home crowd are musts for Williams if Auburn is to win this game.
Auburn vs. Texas A&M- Defensive X-factors
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Taylor Jones- Colby Wooden
Outside of Derick Hall, Colby Wooden was a force on the Auburn defense last week. He will need to team with Hall again to make noise against a vulnerable Aggie offense.
J.D. McCarthy- Derick Hall
Texas A&M is expected to start true freshman Conner Weisman, and if Hall can get some early pressure on him the Tigers may be able to rattle him and throw off the Aggie’s offense.
Auburn vs. Texas A&M- Final score prediction
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Taylor Jones | Auburn 37, Texas A&M 28 |
J.D. McCarthy | Auburn 31, Texas A&M 24 |
River Wells | Auburn 24, Texas A&M 17 |
