With bowl eligibility still at grasp for the Tigers, here's what some of our staff has to say about the matchup between Auburn and ULM on Saturday, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Auburn 29-13
"Auburn has had a rough past few seasons with some very memorable losses, hello New Mexico State. ULM has struggled down the stretch and I don’t expect this to be much of a competitive ball game."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 38-13
"Auburn must establish a strong running game against a Warhawk defense that has surrendered at least six yards per carry in two of its last three games. Look for the Tigers to attack early on the ground, with running back Jarquez Hunter getting several touches.
Defensively, Auburn should have few issues containing ULM. If the Tigers can get their offense clicking, particularly in the run game, they should be well on their way to victory."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Auburn 35-14
"Auburn holds a clear talent advantage over ULM, and that should show on Saturday. With Payton Thorne still questionable, it will be interesting to see who Hugh Freeze handles the quarterback situation. Ultimately, if the Tigers rely on their run game and continue playing high-level defense, Auburn's hopes for a bowl game will still remain."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: Auburn (24-10)
“Auburn absolutely needs this win to get back on track before two tough SEC matchups to close out the season against Texas A&M and at Alabama. I think the Tigers are presented a simple recipe for success on Saturday: feed Jarquez Hunter. After Hunter rushed for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in Auburn’s victory over Kentucky, he only received 12 touches for 50 yards versus Vanderbilt a couple of weekends ago. He only had two carries in the second half — both of which came early in the third quarter.
Although there is uncertainty at the quarterback position, I believe if Hugh Freeze gives the ball to Hunter and allows him to likely dominate the ULM defensive front, the Tigers will find a way to come out on top.”
Jackie Dominguez, Sports Writer: Auburn 45 -14
"Auburn's defense should have minimal problems containing ULM's offense, so the main point will be the Tiger's ability to produce offensively. The Warhawk defense allows 198.7 rushing yards per game, which gives the Auburn rushing offense a chance to shine. Even with Payton Thorne listed as questionable for this weekend, ULM's defense will likely be unable to restrain all of Auburn's offensive weapons, leading to a prolific evening for the Tiger offense.
This win would help to bolster Auburn's confidence going into back-to-back games against two top 10 SEC teams, and this game momentum could give the Tigers an extra edge in the coming weeks."
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: Auburn 35-10
"The Tigers are searching for their first home win since defeating New Mexico back in September and I think they will get it Saturday. I believe Auburn’s top 25 defense will show up yet again and make things very difficult for Coach Bryant Vincent’s squad.
The Tigers’ offense will take advantage of the Warhawks recent defensive struggles with the help of Jarquez Hunter on the ground and Keandre Lambert-Smith through the air regardless of who is at quarterback."
Luke McClure, Sports Writer: Auburn 30-13
"Despite this being one of the worst seasons in recent Auburn memory, Auburn is still a top 20 defense and in the top 45 in yards per game. The main problem has been turnovers, but against a team they hold a clear talent advantage over, I don't expect that to be a huge problem for Auburn on Saturday. If the Tigers rely on their All-SEC back Jarquez Hunter and play solid defense, they should find themselves back in the win column."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
