This season, The Plainsman will make staff picks of Auburn's weekly matchups. Also look for our selections for the national showdowns in the "Plainsman Pick 'Em" section in the print edition of our publication.
Here are our picks for No. 20 Texas A&M at Auburn (11 a.m. CST, ESPN).
Nathan King, sports editor:
I don't see Auburn making an insane turnaround this November. But I do think they can edge this one out over the Aggies.
Jimbo Fisher's team is definitely ahead of schedule, but Texas A&M is playing its second straight road game — and against back-to-back good defenses, at that. Auburn's defense forced Texas A&M to bench Kellen Mond early last year.
Boobee Whitlow's status is key for Auburn's offense, albeit A&M has the No. 5 run defense in the nation. If Whitlow can at least produce somewhat consistent yardage, Jarrett Stidham will have an easier time against a solid Aggies D-line.
This pick is different than what I had in the paper Thursday. But after giving it some more thought, give me Auburn with the home field and defense.
Prediction: Auburn 20, Texas A&M 17.
Cole McCauley, sports writer:
Will Auburn be able to break the home team curse that has haunted this series for the last six seasons? The answer is a very solid...maybe. Regardless of the curse, the struggling Tigers offense was able to get back on track last week against lowly Ole Miss and while the health of JaTarvious Whitlow could very well decide this game, a long-awaited solid game from Jarrett Stidham last week should instill some much needed confidence in the struggling quarterback.
On the Aggies side, the season has been a bit up and down for both A&M and redshirt sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond. At home, Mond has piled up 11 total touchdowns and just one interception but away from College Station, Mond has been a different player, with four total touchdowns and five interceptions. Also worth a note: Mond's dual threat ability has been stifled in recent weeks — good news for an Auburn defense that has struggled against such quarterbacks.
Look for Auburn to try and pound the ball on the ground (especially if Whitlow is healthy) and the three headed D-Line monster of Nick Coe, Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown to have a field day against a weak A&M offensive line in an otherwise close matchup
Prediction: Auburn 21, Texas A&M 18.
Jake Wright, sports writer:
Auburn is back at home for the first time since their disappointing loss to Tennessee. They welcome Texas A&M who is coming off their own disappointing loss to Mississippi State. Each team needs a win as both Auburn and Texas A&M face top 10 teams in November to close out the season.
The matchup to watch will be if Auburn's offense can stay on the field. Texas A&M runs a ball control ground and pound style offense under Jimbo Fisher. They are third in the country with over 35 minutes per game in time of possession. If Auburn can sustain drives and keep their defense off the field, then that bodes well for success. In order to do this though, Auburn will need to run the ball well. This has been a problem for the Tigers all year, and if running back JaTarvious Whitlow can't go then Auburn will be in trouble.
I think that Auburn's offense has taken a step forward and found an intermediate passing game to move the chains and take pressure of the running game. Texas A&M has struggled away from home and Auburn will be desperate to win this game with Georgia and Alabama looming. I think Auburn will sustain a few drives to keep their defense fresh, and the defense will come up big late in the game to seal a victory.
Prediction: Auburn 24, Texas A&M 16.
Tyler Roush, assistant sports editor:
With a week's rest, Auburn is looking to get back on track.
Looking ahead to Georgia and Alabama on the road, Gus Malzahn's squad will need to stay on the field and dictate momentum with Jimbo Fisher's ground-and-pound style controlling time of possession. Despite some success in the run game against the Rebels in Oxford, Auburn's Jarrett Stidham will need to get rolling down the middle of the field in order to get points on the board.
Anything that either quarterback is able to produce will be key to victory. Texas A&M's Kellen Mond has proven that he can play well in victories, but poorly in losses. When trailing, Mond has completed 53.4 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and two interceptions.
With a lead, Mond has completed 68.3 percent of passes for six touchdowns and two interceptions.
Beneath the glare of Jordan-Hare, look for Malzahn to continue his post-bye week success.
Prediction: Auburn 24, Texas A&M 21.
Zach Tantillo, sports reporter:
Ever since Gus Malzahn has taken over as the head coach at Auburn, the Tigers have been undefeated following a bye week. I don't see that success ending against Texas A&M. Auburn had the extra week to prepare, while Texas A&M suffered a tough loss on the road to Mississippi State.
Auburn showed some offensive progress two weeks ago against Ole Miss and I think the Tigers have figured something out utilizing less screen passes and using the middle of the field.
Auburn's running game and Texas A&M's ability to hit big plays are the two biggest swing factors of this game. Auburn gets it done in a hard-fought game.
Auburn 26, Texas A&M 21.
Sumner Martin, sports writer:
After a convincing 31-16 win at Ole Miss, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn earned himself one more week at the helm. Malzahn, once again, faces a must-win game this week against Texas A&M.
Tigers running back JaTarvious Whitlow rushed for a season-high 170 yards against the Rebels last week, but the redshirt freshman may not be active. Whitlow is nursing a shoulder and leg injury, and his absence would be a major hit for Auburn's offensive attack.
And although Auburn's secondary has been shaky for its past two opponents, the run defense is still statistically consistent. The Tigers are holding their opposition to 126 yards per game, which is ranked No. 27 in the country.
Auburn is undefeated after a bye week with Malzahn as the head coach and Saturday won't be any different. Expect a desperate home team to pull away late in the third quarter.
Prediction: Auburn 27, Texas A&M 14.
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