As the Tigers head up to Lexington, KY following their fourth straight loss of the season, here's what some of our staff has to say about the matchup between Auburn and Kentucky, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Auburn 23-22
"The Wildcats have lost 10 of their last 12 SEC home games dating back to the 2022 season. A Florida team with a hot seat coach beat them by 28. Kentucky hasn't beat Auburn at home since 1966.
"If Auburn loses this one, yikes."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 21-17
"It's the first SEC matchup for the Tigers where they have an offensive advantage, and while Kentucky has a solid defense, they have struggled in winnable conference matchups. Auburn is desperate for a win and has not been able to close out games this season, but I expect the Tigers to put the pieces together on hold out late in this contest."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Kentucky 24-17
"Despite being the slight underdog heading into this matchup, I do think Auburn has the better overall team. The Tigers are in desperate need of a win to get over their four straight conference losses, and Kentucky may be their best chance at a conference win this season.
However, history shows that Auburn is going to find a way to lose, and until it proves it can eliminate the crucial mistakes, I have a hard time picking the Tigers to win. "
Charlie Diegnan, Sports Writer: Auburn 17-14
"Auburn finds themselves in uncharted waters having lost seven straight games against Power Four opponents and being 1-8 in its last nine games against FBS opponents. While Kentucky has been able to compete late with Georgia and Vanderbilt, and steal a win from Ole Miss in Oxford, I think Auburn has a chance to walk into Kroger Field and give Kentucky a run for their money.
"Kentucky lacks offensive firepower, with no running back or wide receiver having over 500 yards yet this season. Quarterback Brock Vandegriff has a six-four touchdown to interception ratio and barely 1,100 yards passing through seven games. I expect defensive coordinator DJ Durkin to pack the box and blitz heavily to pressure Vandegriff into forcing throws and making bad reads.
"Offensively, Jarquez Hunter is our game changer. Going into Missouri, the game plan was to feed Hunter the ball and while he carried the ball 19 times, our offensive line gave little help, and Hunter finished with just 57 yards on the day, averaging three yards per carry. With more help from the offensive line and if Payton Thorne is able to keep the ball in his teammate’s hands and out of the defenses, Auburn could establish a dynamic offense and chew a lot of clock with the duo of Thorne and Hunter.
"If Auburn can win the turnover battle and play moderately on offense, I think Auburn can sneak away with their first SEC win of the season. With a late field goal off the leg of Alex McPherson, Auburn walks away victorious and can finally throw another tally in the season win column."
Craig Noyes, Sports Writer: Auburn 24-20
"There are only seven FBS teams in the country that average at least 6.5 yards per play and only allow five yards per play or less. Auburn is not only one of those seven but also has more losses than the other six combined. Eventually, something has to give, and some positive regression is due to come Auburn's way.
The Tigers have lost once in Lexington in the last 60 years and with a Kentucky team that has fans just as confused as we are is a recipe for something to go Auburn's way. The Wildcats went toe-to-toe with No.1 Georgia and went on the road to upset No. 6 Ole Miss, just to turn around and lose to Vanderbilt out of a bye week.
I have picked Auburn in nearly every game this season and will continue to do so. They will finally prove they know how to play football for more than three quarters against an inferior Kentucky team."
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