Ahead of Auburn's opening game with Mercer, here's what some of our sports staff has to say about the game, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Callie Stanford, Sports Editor: Auburn 45-13
"Mercer had a major performance in Week 0 that gives them the advantage of playing time, but Auburn won't budge in a nighttime home opener. T.J. Finley should have ample opportunity to show his growth and development, to the point where transfer Robby Ashford may get to make a late-game appearance.
I think the Tiger defense also gets a big opportunity to show out, but Mercer will have some scoring opportunities late in the game once Auburn pulls away a bit. This one has the potential to be a blowout, but I think staff will focus on spreading minutes rather than scoring plays."
Noah Griffith, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 45-13
"Mercer standout wide receiver and Georgia transfer Ty James torched Moorehead State for nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns last week. However, he wasn’t matched up with Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn’s top corner. I expect the mixture of his lockdown coverage, mixed with Derrick Hall and Eku Leota disrupting QB Fred Payton’s pace will hold James and the Bears’ offense at bay, while the Auburn running game takes over behind a strong performance from the offensive line."
Jacob Waters, Sports Reporter: Auburn 38-10
"Auburn is obviously at a talent advantage but I think it will likely keep its offense fairly vanilla in week one, with tough opponents a couple weeks away. Mix that with potentially rotating quarterbacks and I don’t think Auburn runs up the score too much."
Donavan Weaver, Sports Writer: Auburn 48-13
"I think this will be a stress free week 1 for Auburn. The talent gap is too big and I believe T.J. Finley will want to make a statement as QB1."
Chase Black, Sports Writer: Auburn 55-6
"Auburn will look to establish dominance in the inside with its superior size. This will lead to big numbers from the Auburn backfield. Mercer has talented skill players and will make a couple big plays, but Auburn’s speed will keep the Bears reined in."
Emily Porch, Sports Writer: Auburn 34-14
"Because it is Auburn’s season opener, Mercer may be able to take advantage of the Tigers navigating their first game by collecting a couple of touchdowns. However, in the end Auburn will overpower the Bears to take its first win of the season."
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