Coming off an opening win against Mercer, Auburn stays at home in week two to host the San Jose State Spartans out of the Mountain West Conference. 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
"I underestimated the Auburn staff last week and didn't expect Robby Ashford to truly see the field. I was wrong. I think his inclusion is absolutely a game-changer for the Tigers and that will be even more evident this week.
Bryan Harsin and even players have harped this week on how much more they expect out of the defense, so I expect San Jose State to be held to less than Mercer, with the offense scoring more as they settle into the new approach. This should be the blowout that some people expected last week."
Noah Griffith, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 52-6
"Callie and I predicted the score to be 45-13 last week. Auburn won 42-16. Listen to us.
I think Auburn has a lot to build off of from week one, and Auburn increased its win point differential by 12 (from 50 to 62) from week one to week two last year, and I expect them to increase it again -- by scoring 10 more points and holding San Jose State to 10 less than against Mercer. San Jose State squeaked out a 21-17 week one win over Portland State, but I expect Derrick Hall and Eku Leota to have a field day and help keep the Spartans out of the end zone."
Jacob Waters, Sports Reporter: Auburn 31-13
"San Jose State struggled with Portland State last week as it could never get its offense flowing. Those troubles will trickle into its matchup with a more talented SEC team too. However, SJSU added some quality additions through the transfer portal on the defensive side of the ball. With Auburn still trying to identify a starting quarterback plus SJSU's solid defense, I think Auburn will have a little trouble moving the ball but still leave Jordan-Hare Stadium with a comfortable win."
Donavan Weaver, Sports Writer: Auburn 59-9
"While I think Auburn underperformed last week, I believe the Tigers will make significant improvements in week two. Auburn won't have the sloppy turnovers they did in week one and will have better luck getting to the Spartans quarterback. Also, San Jose State struggled to get a win last week against Portlant State and had trouble protecting their quarterback. Auburn will have little trouble in putting this game away early."
Larry Robinson, Photo Editor: Auburn 35-14
"The Cali boys are gonna have their hands full with Auburn's defense looking strong one game in. T.J. Finley will have to prove himself after a two-interception performance against Mercer last week, and Robby Ashford looks ready to take the reigns if T.J. struggles. Tank Bigbsy churns for another 115 yards and the receiving core has a bright spot (who that bright spot is yet to be seen). Big week for improvement as the team moves on to real opponents with Penn State and Missouri immediately after the Spartans."
Chris Mendoza, Sports Writer: Auburn 42-10
"Auburn had plenty of bright spots from last week to grow from. The quarterbacks both played solid outside of a few mistakes that I think would have been addressed in this week's practice. Auburn struggled to contain the opposing quarterback last week which is another issue that should be kept a close eye on this weekend. I think Auburn will show improvement against a team that struggled to pull out a win last week."
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