The Auburn Tigers (6-4) are set to take on the New Mexico State Aggies (8-3) in their second to last game of the regular season.
After going on a four-game skid, Auburn has rebounded by picking up three straight wins and securing bowl eligibility for the 2023 season. A win against the Aggies would secure a winning record for the Tigers for the first time since 2020.
What are the biggest things to watch for in Auburn's final non-conference game of the regular season?
What will Diego Pavia be able to do?
New Mexico State has a gifted quarterback in junior Diego Pavia.
Pavia has gone 157-263 for 2,257 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Additionally, he leads the Aggies in rushing and has picked up 703 yards and five touchdowns off of 126 carries.
Playing against Pavia comes at a convenient time for the Auburn defense as he has been compared to Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. The Tigers will take on Milroe and the Crimson Tide next week.
Will there be any rotation at quarterback for Auburn?
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery have stuck with Payton Thorne at quarterback over the last few weeks, and it has paid dividends.
However, it is worth wondering if Auburn's coaching staff will take the potential opportunity to let Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner get some experience in a real game situation.
Thorne will surely start the game, but if Auburn is able to take care of business, some of the other quarterbacks will likely get a chance as well.
How involved will Jarquez Hunter be?
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter has found his stride over the last few weeks.
He has rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games and will have a chance to do so again this week. The only thing standing in his way would be Freeze and Montgomery limiting his involvement to ensure that he is good to go for the Alabama game.
Either way, Hunter will make the most of whatever opportunities that come his way.
What is the most important thing for Auburn in this game?
The obvious answer is staying healthy.
Auburn has dealt with injuries at crucial positions this season but appears to be as healthy as any team in the country at this point in the season.
The Tigers will want to avoid adding any new injuries to the list in this game.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT, and the broadcast can be found on SEC Network.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com.
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