AUBURN — Auburn is looking to avoid a fourth straight losing season and keep its hopes at a bowl game alive on Saturday night in Jordan-Hare Stadium against the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies.
The Aggies lead the all-time series 8-6 and are coming off of last year’s 27-10 win in College Station.
Here are the biggest things to look for in the game:
Can Auburn build off of last week's offensive performance?
Auburn – against a much inferior opponent – totaled 507 yards of offense last week, with receivers Cam Coleman and KeAndre Lambert-Smith each surpassing 100 yards while Jarquez Hunter crossed the 1,000-yard mark on the season.
Hugh Freeze raved about the Aggies’ defense throughout the week saying, “[T]here's really no weaknesses on them defensively.” While they are led by NFL talent on the defensive front – namely Nic Scourton who has 14 tackles for loss – they give up an average of 124.4 rushing yards per game. The Tigers counter with a stellar run game from the trio of Hunter, Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb that is averaging 5.06 yards per attempt.
Auburn’s offense is averaging nearly seven yards per play (6.74) and sits in the top 15 in yards per play, per completion and per pass attempt. The Tigers just need to find a way to translate their strong statistical performances into points on the board.
Auburn must contain Marcel Reed
Auburn struggled earlier in the season with dynamic running quarterbacks but has since improved in that department. The Tigers boast the third-best rushing defense in the SEC.
Marcel Reed has assisted the Aggies in averaging 212.5 rushing yards per game, boosting them to the second overall offense in the league. Reed has rushed for 375 total yards and six touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
With the absence of Le’Veon Moss – due to an injury suffered against South Carolina – if Auburn can contain Reed and Amari Danniels on the ground, the Tigers' chances of walking out victorious increase dramatically.
Special Teams
To put it lightly, Auburn’s special teams play has been atrocious this season. From penalties on kickoff returns to start off the game, missed field goals or costly decisions from punt returners, it has cost the Tigers some games in the end.
However, last week, the Tigers changed a few things up. Ian Vachon took over the placekicking duties and went 6-for-6 on all PATs and hit both of his field goal attempts, and Freeze said he has done enough to continue in his new role. The Tigers also returned two kickoffs in which they avoided penalties, a rare occurrence, it seems, while Malcolm Simmons looked promising returning punts as well.
If special teams play becomes a factor, Auburn is much more equipped now that it has been all season to make plays with the game on the line.
The atmosphere in Jordan-Hare
The atmosphere in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night under the lights could be a game-changer for the Tigers as they look to play spoiler to the Aggies' hopes at the College Football Playoff.
It’ll be the Tigers' first conference matchup under the lights in JHS this season, and it is their last opportunity to play in front of a raucous crowd of 88,043, which historically makes a difference in these types of games.
“Night games in Jordan-Hare are always fun. Our people enjoy it, and it's – if we can find a way to get this thing to the fourth quarter with a chance to win it, our fans will make a difference. I believe that with all my heart, and so it'll be a fun opportunity” Freeze said.
You can bet the Auburn faithful will do everything in their power to help their beloved Tigers take down the No. 15 Aggies on Saturday.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email logan.fowler@1819News.com.
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