Auburn is now 2-0 after handing business on The Plains against Ball State. The next test is a bit more challenging with South Alabama coming to town for the first time ever.
With Auburn looking to stay undefeated heading into next week’s SEC opener, here is some quick analysis:
Logan Fowler: Auburn 35-17
“Auburn will see a step up in competition this week against South Alabama. The Tigers still ‘out talent’ the Jaguars by a large margin, but I would expect this one to be closer in the first half before Auburn pulls away.
“It will be interesting to see if Auburn’s rushing attack can continue to perform at a high level, considering it is dealing with a thinned out running back room. Again, I expect Auburn’s defense to come out firing on all cylinders with the intent of continuing to sure up some things in the secondary.
“Auburn needs to have a complete performance and answer all its questions before heading to Norman next week. Take care of business, start 3-0 and stay healthy.”
Ike Jones: Auburn 38 -13
“I can admit, I was off last week when trying to predict the offensive output. This week, I am being a bit more measured. I still expect Auburn to win comfortably, but I don’t expect it to be as easy.
“Auburn has come out sluggish in each game on the 1st drive and this South Alabama team is talented enough to make it interesting. I still believe in this Auburn defense’s ability to stop the run (something South AL will want to do a lot of) and this Auburn offenses ability to impose their will.
This will be close early, but expect Auburn to pull away in the 2nd half.”
Mike G.: Auburn 42-7
Auburn has been downright dominant defensively, and I expect that to continue Saturday against South Alabama. Through two games, the Tigers have shown they can dictate terms at the line of scrimmage. That’s what wins you these kinds of matchups. When your front seven can collapse the pocket and shut down early run attempts, it forces opponents into uncomfortable situations and South Alabama isn’t built to handle that from the likes of the level of talent Auburn will field this year.
Cam Coleman already looks like the kind of receiver who can flip a game in a single snap. If South Alabama commits resources to slowing him down, it just opens up the middle for tight ends or backs. And if they don’t? Coleman is going to make them pay, plain and simple.
But make no mistake, this game is about Auburn’s defense. Hugh Freeze doesn’t need perfection, he needs aggression. Blitz early, trust your corners, and force their quarterback to win with his arm. I’ve said before, I’d rather take my chances with them trying to complete low-percentage throws than let them drag the defense through long, methodical drives. Auburn has too much speed and talent on defense to let South Alabama sustain success.
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