Ahead of Auburn's first power four clash of the season with Cal, here's what some of our staff has to say about the rematch between the Tigers and Golden Bears, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Auburn 36-11
"If Auburn can execute well and avoid turnovers, it should be able to control the game and leave little doubt about the outcome. Last week, the Tigers had two fumbles in the fourth quarter; though the game was already decided, Auburn's four turnovers against the Golden Bears in 2023 turned it into a back-and-forth battle until the end.
Meanwhile, Cal is the only team with three interceptions in a game this season and currently leads the nation in picks. In 2023, they led the nation with 16 fumbles recovered and shared the top spot with 28 takeaways. Despite Auburn's inexperienced talent across the board, I believe they will feel comfortable at home and take care of business against a much stronger opponent than last week."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 28-20
"Auburn is riding with confidence after its 70 point win in week one, and I expect the Tigers to use that confidence to their advantage on Saturday. Cal is going to be a litmus test for the rest of Auburn's season, but if they can dominate at the line of scrimmage, the Tigers should have no problem besting the Cal Golden Bears.
I expect to see Auburn's offensive line tested early as the Tigers figure out rotations but don't see it as a threat to a win.Thorne should be able to throw more completions than last season's game against Cal, pushing Auburn to a week two victory.”
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Auburn 38-13
"After a last-effort win last year in this matchup with Cal, I would expect this game to be different for Auburn in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Tigers put an explosive array of offense on the field last week against Alabama A&M and proved that they have weapons all across the field — no longer a one dimensional offense. Cal running back Jayden Ott is questionable to play for the Golden Bears this week. Pair that with a defense that flies around and has a lot of depth in the front seven, and Auburn cruises to another victory this week."
Craig Noyes, Sports Writer: Auburn 31-17
"After a rock fight in Berkeley the Cal Golden Bears travel to one of the toughest environments they have ever played in. After being outgained by UC Davis in a 31-18 victory it is hard to imagine Cal will be able to get away with that against a revamped Auburn offense. I see a world where this game is tied at halftime but expect Jarquez Hunter to quadruple his carries from week one and for Auburn to pull away in the second half."
Tyler Raley, Sports Writer: Auburn 34-20
"Auburn's offense is seemingly much improved from 2023 even after just one game on the field. With many receiving options to go to such as Cam Coleman, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and others, quarterback Payton Thorne has reliability that his team can make plays when called upon. I expect the defense to also step up to the challenge of exploiting any weaknesses inside the offensive front in order to get into the backfield and keep California's offense very one dimensional, even if Jadyn Ott plays, as it was last week."
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