Following a hard-fought 14-10 win over the Cal Golden Bears in Berkeley, Calif. last weekend, the Auburn Tigers return home to Jordan-Hare Stadium for a matchup with the Samford Bulldogs on Homecoming week.
There are a lot of things to watch for this weekend, but what are some of the most intriguing storylines ahead of Auburn's final contest before conference play begins?
What will the quarterback situation look like?
Despite Payton Thorne being declared the starter before the season, Auburn has been running a two-quarterback system with him and Robby Ashford.
Head coach Hugh Freeze said from the beginning that Ashford would have a role in the offense because of his unusual athleticism, but the rotation between the two has been constant.
Freeze needs to stick with one guy as the primary quarterback, or this offense will never develop any sort of identity.
Will Auburn be short-staffed defensively?
There is a chance that Auburn could be without some key contributors on the defensive side of the ball in this game.
During his Monday press conference, Freeze mentioned that Auburn might be missing cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett once again. Additionally, safety Donovan Kaufman and cornerback J.D. Rhym might not be able to go.
Linebacker Austin Keys will be out once again due to a thumb injury he picked up in practice last week.
Will the defensive front seven have a breakout game?
Auburn's defensive line and linebacker groups both have room for improvement.
Samford could provide a much-needed opportunity for the Tigers to figure things out at both spots.
The secondary has been playing a high level of football to start the season. If the front seven could match it, this defense could be special.
Who might be Auburn's leading rusher?
After missing Auburn's first game of the season, Jarquez Hunter led the team in rushing against Cal with 53 yards.
Freeze and offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery will likely want to give Hunter a good amount of carries to ensure that he is ready to go for conference play.
Damari Alston, Brian Battie and Jeremiah Cobb can all be expected to get touches, however.
What will the environment inside Jordan-Hare Stadium be like?
With Auburn picking up the win last week to improve to 2-0 and it being the first night game of the Freeze era, Jordan-Hare Stadium will be rocking.
It will be loud, and Auburn will prove once again why it is one of the toughest places to play in all of college football.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com
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