Ahead of Auburn's homecoming game against Samford, here's what some of our staff has to say about the game, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Jacob Waters, Sports Editor: Auburn 45-7
"Auburn's offense was dreadful against California last Saturday, and while I do have remaining doubts about the Tigers' offense, I don't expect to see many issues against Samford.
Auburn has a clear talent advantage over Samford, and while we've seen Auburn teams struggle with FCS opponents in the past, Auburn should roll past the Bulldogs Saturday. I expect the Tigers to have no trouble against Samford, jump out to a big halftime lead and get the opportunity to give some freshmen a chance to see the field, much like the matchup against UMass. Auburn's quarterbacks will have a big day, and the defense will have no issues against Samford, setting Auburn up to be undefeated heading into the Texas A&M game."
Matthew Wallace, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 42-13
"Samford was one of the best FCS teams last season, with its only regular-season loss coming to Georgia, the eventual FBS national champion. Last week, however, the Samford defense struggled mightily, giving up 34 first downs and 546 yards to Western Carolina in a loss.
The Catamounts completed nearly 83% of their passes against the Bulldogs last week, meaning this could be an opportunity for Payton Thorne to gain confidence after the abysmal offensive performance Auburn had last week. Auburn has never lost to Samford and will continue the streak on Saturday, which would be their 32nd straight homecoming game win."
Grace Heim, Sports Reporter: Auburn 35-7
“With a win on Saturday, Auburn will claim its second 3-0 start to the season since 2015, and the Tigers should have no problem defeating the Samford Bulldogs on Saturday.
I expect Auburn’s offense to get into more of a passing rhythm early in the game against Samford, giving the offense a confidence boost after a slow performance against California last Saturday. The Tiger defense should have no problem stopping a Samford offense that struggles to run the ball, and I’m expecting to see the Tiger defense force some turnovers. All in all, expect a big homecoming win for Auburn on Saturday.”
Daniel Locke, Community News Editor: Auburn 45-10
"Auburn desperately needs a bounce back, and what better opportunity than this Homecoming Week matchup? The offense struggled to get anything going against Cal, so I would expect head coach Hugh Freeze to make getting into a rhythm a top priority.
I believe the ball will be thrown a lot to both build confidence and help both quarterbacks get more comfortable with the playbook. Additionally, I think the running backs will get plenty of chances to show off as well. I am also looking at the defense to build on the great performance against Cal from last week with another impressive game. I am expecting at least two forced turnovers. I expect Auburn to take care of business."
TP Hammock, Sports Writer: Auburn 56-14
"Auburn has a great chance to get its offense back into rhythm after a tough showing at Cal. While many are panicking about that performance, I think people should know that Cal's head coach, Justin Wilcox, is a defensive-based coach. People thought that Cal was just going to roll their helmets out there and take the defeat, but that sure did not happen, as it was a tough battle for Auburn. Nevertheless, Samford's defense will not be up to the same talent and skill as Cal's was.
I think you can see many of the young guys getting some playing time. This is a Samford team that got beat 30-7 versus Western Carolina. Auburn needs to look to get one of their quarterbacks to get into a groove before conference place starts. I do not believe in a two-quarterback system. I think this week you put a starter out there and let them work. When it's time to pull off the gas, you put in that second team. I think Auburn rolls Samford and gets ready for the long road trip out to College Station."
Noah Griffith, Staff Writer: Auburn 49-0
"Auburn's offensive performance was concerning last week, but the defense has had several guys step up and create pressure that has resulted in turnovers. Jaylin Simpson has had interceptions in both games as well as a fumble recovery in week one. That fumble was forced by Donovan Kaufman, who also recovered a fumble against Cal. D.J. James also had the game-sealing pick at Cal. If I'm on the topic of defense, I have to mention Eugene Asante, who's had three tackles for loss and two sacks with 18 tackles through two games.
The Tiger defense's ability to create turnovers, as well as Samford's poor rushing offense, is why I'm predicting Auburn to pitch its first shutout in two years. Offensively, I expect Auburn to go run-heavy, similar to the UMass game, but the quarterback battle doesn't seem to be settled, so I wouldn't be surprised to see both Thorne and Ashford let loose on a few passes down the field."
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