As the Tigers go for a second straight SEC win this Saturday, here's what some of our staff has to say about the matchup between Auburn and Vanderbilt, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Vanderbilt 24-15
"Auburn also has yet to beat a team that has ended, or is projected to end, the season with a winning record with Freeze at the helm. A win Saturday would be a step in the right direction.
Vanderbilt limits other team’s possessions well. Despite the very-needed win at Kentucky, Auburn still has a problem with taking advantage of scoring opportunities. I would expect it to come back to bite them this Saturday."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 21-17
"Last week's road win against Kentucky was a necessary morale booster for Auburn who faces an improved Vanderbilt with Diego Pavia at the helm. The Tigers should be well prepared for Pavia, having faced him in their loss to New Mexico State last season, and I expect them to limit his performance on the ground.
If Auburn can control the game, run the ball effectively and limit Pavia, they should be able to secure a win against the Commodores."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Auburn 24-17
"Auburn is coming off a much-needed win last week, and the Tigers are riding a wave of momentum into Jordan-Hare Stadium after three-straight games on the road. Auburn has never lost to the Commodores at home, and if it controls the clock and flips the script on the slow starts, that record will still hold true. "
Tyler Raley, Sports Writer: Vanderbilt 31-23
"Auburn makes its way back to Jordan-Hare Stadium after a month-long road stretch looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since the 2023 season. Only one thing stands in the Tigers' way, and that is Hugh Freeze's current foes in Jerry Kill and Diego Pavia, who are both with Vanderbilt this year after coming over from New Mexico State.
A Freeze coached team has lost to Kill and Pavia each of the last two years, and I believe that will happen again. While Auburn's defense played phenomenally at Kentucky last week, Pavia has thrown a combined 35-for-49, 415 yards and six touchdowns against Freeze's squads the last two meetings. I think he will do just the same again, making it three consecutive wins for his nemeses against him."
Luke McClure, Sports Writer: Auburn 26-22
"Auburn finally got back in the win column against Kentucky after a four-game losing streak. The run game really got going against a good Kentucky defense and if they are able to keep the offense on schedule by avoiding penalties, I expect that to keep rolling.
"The key for Auburn will be keeping the game out of Payton Thorne's hands and just make him do the basic throws and not try to be superman. If they can do that Auburn should be able to lean on the crowd and Jarquez hunter to pull out a win."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: Vanderbilt 27-20
"After what seems like forever since Auburn has played at home, the Tigers seek to build on their first Power Four win in almost a year as they welcome a fierce Vanderbilt team to town.
While Auburn hasn’t had much trouble with Vanderbilt in recent history, the haunting nightmares from late last season are still prevalent in the minds of players and fans. The Commodores are led by New Mexico State transfer quarterback Diego Pavia, who played a prominent role in Auburn’s shocking loss to the Aggies at the end of last season. New Mexico State’s head coach last season, Jerry Kill, is now Chief Consultant to the Head Coach/Senior Offensive Advisor at Vanderbilt.
In order to win this game – just like last weekend – the Tigers will have to rely on Jarquez Hunter. I don’t think he’ll be able to have the same production two games in a row, and considering the way Vanderbilt has competed against the top teams in the nation (including beating No. 1 Alabama), I have a hard time picking Auburn to win this one. Auburn has never lost to Vanderbilt inside Jordan-Hare Stadium, but I think the Commodores will claim their first victory on the Plains this Saturday."
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