Ahead of Auburn's game against New Mexico State, here's what some of our staff has to say about the game, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Jacob Waters, Sports Editor: Auburn 38-17
"Auburn has one final game before the big one against Alabama, and I think the Tigers will take care of business against New Mexico State without any drama. The Aggies have won six consecutive games and will surely come in with hopes of pulling off an incredible upset, and while I could see Auburn getting off to a slow start and maybe looking ahead to its matchup against Alabama, the talent difference between the Tigers and Aggies will be too much.
I believe Hugh Freeze and the coaching staff will create a game plan that allows Payton Thorne to have a big game and give him momentum heading into the Iron Bowl as the Tigers don't have any real issues handling New Mexico State."
Matthew Wallace, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 45-17
"It seems like Auburn has a close game against a mid-major opponent every season, and New Mexico State is no pushover. The Aggies are 8-3 but have benefitted from a weak schedule — even losing to UMass in week zero before Auburn beat the Minutemen in week one.
The New Mexico State offense is good, gaining 420.1 yards per game. The offense, however, runs through quarterback Diego Pavia, who is uncertain for the game with a hamstring injury. If Pavia is unable to play, New Mexico State loses not only its starting quarterback but also its leading rusher. Auburn should win this game going away, giving it its winningest season since 2019."
Grace Heim, Sports Reporter: Auburn 45-10
"The Tigers should have no problem securing a victory against New Mexico State before their highly anticipated game against Alabama. Auburn has seemed to find their offensive rhythm and has won three straight contests, making it bowl eligible. I do not expect that rhythm to vanish in the Tigers' mid-November nonconference contest. Auburn, however, will have to continue to play tough if they want to secure another win heading into the Iron Bowl.
New Mexico State’s starting quarterback is questionable due to injury, and without him, the Aggie offense will not be able to perform against a Tiger defense that has improved significantly since the beginning of the season. I expect Payton Thorne to have another big game, giving the Tigers a big confidence boost before the Iron Bowl.”
TP Hammock, Sports Writer: Auburn 49-14
"It seems that Auburn has found its offensive identity just at the right time toward the end of the season. However, the team they are facing has been on fire for the last six weeks. New Mexico State is historically a bad program. However, with head coach Jerry Kill stepping in, the Aggies have looked like a real Group of Five player for a good bowl game. With their quarterback Diego Pavia at the helm, the Aggies have clinched a birth in the Conference USA title game. They currently are on a six-game winning streak, the longest in their program's history since 1960. I have had the pleasure of watching many of their football games as they have played on weekday nights, and they have been a fun watch and impressive in their conference.
As great as this season has been for the Aggies, this is a very big mismatch for them. Auburn's run game, and the play of Payton Thorne has gotten Auburn back on track. Did you know the last time these two played was in 2012, when Auburn smashed New Mexico State, 42-7? How times have changed. But one thing will be the same, a big Auburn victory.
I think Auburn will handle New Mexico State, with not much resistance. Auburn will get its young guys in for some reps as it will look to keep its starters healthy before next weeks Iron Bowl."
Caitlyn Griffin, Sports Writer: Auburn 42-13
"Hugh Freeze and his Tigers are rolling with momentum, going on a three-game winning streak. After finding its identity, Auburn looks to add another win to its belt this weekend against the New Mexico State Aggies.
After Arkansas, Auburn showcased its offense abilities after a rough start to SEC play, proving to be a dual threat in passing and rushing. However, this game will not be an easy win for Auburn, with New Mexico being 8-3 (6-1 C-USA). The Aggies and Tigers share similar styles in rushing and passing. But Auburn’s strong defense will test New Mexico’s offense.
So, if the Tigers generate offensive rhythm and maintain it, Auburn will secure another win."
Craig Noyes, Sports Writer: Auburn 31-17
"The annual late November nonconference game in the SEC is one that many people are not fans of but for Auburn, it is a chance to build off recent success into the Iron Bowl and beyond.
But, looking deeper, the 8-3 Aggies have similar statistics. The Auburn offense scores 29.3 points per game, while New Mexico St scores 28.7. The Tiger's defense allows 20.5 points per game, while the Aggies allow 20.82.
Auburn looks to carry its recent momentum into the Iron Bowl but must stop itself from looking ahead against one of the better non-Power Five teams in New Mexico State. This game has the makings of an upset as the Aggies can keep it close, but Auburn will come away with their fourth win in a row."
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