The countdown is on, Auburn fans. Game 1 of the 2025 season takes us straight into enemy territory — Waco, Texas — to face a Baylor Bears squad buzzing with confidence and Big 12 title talk. But before you start worrying about green-and-gold fireworks, let’s break down what the Tigers are up against… and why there’s still plenty of reason to believe Auburn can steal the show. Here is what Tiger fans need to now before Week 1.
Baylor’s Big Guns on Offense
The Bears are led by QB Sawyer Robertson — a dual-threat weapon with a cannon arm and enough wheels to keep a defense honest. He’s accurate, smart, and coming off a season where Baylor finished 6-1 down the stretch. They’ve got Bryson Washington in the backfield, who’s already being whispered about as the Big 12’s best running back, plus a deep receiver room featuring a jack-of-all-trades in Josh Cameron and Alabama transfer Kobe Prentice.
Translation? This is no cupcake opener. Baylor will try to control the tempo and use an air raid attack to keep Auburn’s defense off balance.
Where Auburn Can Win the Battle
Baylor’s offensive line is experienced, but the right tackle spot is a new face — and you can bet Auburn’s edge rushers are licking their chops. Inside, the Tigers’ defensive tackles will be key to slowing down Washington and forcing Robertson into obvious passing downs. Auburn’s speed and athleticism on the edges could be a game-changer here.
On offense, Auburn’s receiving corps might be the best Baylor faces all year. If Jackson Arnold settles in and hits early, the Tigers can test a Baylor secondary that struggled last season and is still proving itself.
Dave Aranda’s Defense
Baylor’s head coach is also their defensive mastermind. Expect an aggressive scheme, anchored by linebacker Keaton Thomas — a do-it-all player who could hear his name called in the NFL Draft. They’ve beefed up the nose tackle spot, adding nearly 700 pounds of combined muscle with transfers from Texas A&M and Tulane, hoping to plug the run.
But aggressive defenses can be beaten with balance and tempo — two things Hugh Freeze has preached all offseason.
Special Teams Sneak Attack
Let’s be honest — Auburn fans have PTSD here from last season. Baylor’s Palmer Williams is the real deal, capable of pinning opponents deep with a single swing. Josh Cameron is also a dangerous return man. Auburn will need to be sharp in coverage and creative in finding good starting field position.
On the opposite side, Auburn had less than desirable outcomes. The kicking game and the kick return game were both sore spots for Auburn. The return of Alex McPherson is a stabilizer. Also, there is some hope that Rayshawn Pleasant can be a game changer as a return specialist.
Why Auburn Has a Shot
Yes, Baylor is loaded with experience and confidence. But Auburn’s defensive front can cause problems, the Tigers’ wideouts can exploit Baylor’s back end, and Jackson Arnold’s mobility can neutralize the Bears’ pass rush. Week 1 is the perfect time to catch a contender before they’ve fully hit their stride.
If Auburn wins the battle up front and avoids giving Baylor short fields, this one could swing the Tigers’ way in the fourth quarter.
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