After three weeks, it is time for the first SEC game of the Hugh Freeze era at Auburn.
The Texas A&M Aggies will be the ones standing across the field from the Tigers this Saturday. The Aggies are 2-1, their only loss coming against the Miami Hurricanes on the road in week two.
Auburn has put together a solid run so far, but is it enough to win games in conference play? What are the four things that will likely decide the outcome of the game?
How will Payton Thorne play?
Thorne has solidified his status as Auburn's starting quarterback.
He is 43-63 so far this season for 517 yards and four touchdowns. He has also thrown three interceptions, but his decision-making has been solid overall.
If Thorne can maintain his composure and not put the football into dangerous areas, Auburn's chances of walking away with a win improve drastically.
Jarquez Hunter, breakout game?
Hunter has been expected to be a difference-maker for the Tigers this season, but that has not gone as planned just yet.
Hunter missed Auburn's season opener against UMass and has only rushed for 90 yards and a touchdown off of 22 carries in the two games he has played.
Stabling the ground attack with Hunter at the helm could be a path to victory for Auburn.
Will the defense be stretched too thin?
Auburn has been dealing with some injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebacker Austin Keys has been sidelined with a thumb injury and Keionte Scott had surgery on Monday for an apparent ankle injury.
Auburn is deep in the secondary, but will the injury bug be too much for Auburn to overcome?
Can Auburn contain Evan Stewart?
Texas A&M has an incredibly gifted wide receiver in Evan Stewart.
"They have great receivers, One of the best I've ever seen in (Evan) Stewart," Freeze said. "He’s really talented and I think they’re doing some really good things offensively. They’re going to be a great challenge for us to try to keep them under. Hopefully keeping them from having explosive plays, particularly ones that lead to points.”
Stewart has caught 19 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns this season. He will be the biggest test yet for Auburn's secondary.
Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT and ESPN will have the broadcast.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com
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