Auburn faces a must-win matchup in Jordan-Hare on Saturday as it closes out its non-conference schedule against the ULM Warhawks.
With bowl eligibility hanging in the balance, the Tigers (3-6, 1-5 SEC) must secure victories in their final three games to extend their season, while a win for the Warhawks (5-4, 3-3 Sun Belt) would make them bowl eligible.
It’s the first meeting between the two teams since 2017, and the Warhawks look to snap a three-game losing streak when they come to Jordan Hare. ULM started the season 5-1 with a loss to No. 3 Texas and opened up conference play 3-0.
The Tigers must win out to reach bowl eligibility, with tough games against No. 15 Texas A&M and No. 9 Alabama still ahead. A loss on Saturday for Auburn would secure a fourth straight losing record for the Tigers.
Here’s a look at the players to watch and the keys to victory as the Tigers prepare to face the Warhawks.
Players to watch
Auburn
KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR)
Lambert Smith averages 19.3 yards per catch for Auburn on 34 receptions for 657 yards. He has recorded seven touchdowns in his first nine games at Auburn, averaging 73.0 yards per game — the seventh-highest mark in the SEC.
Keldric Faulk (DL)
Faulk picked up SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors following the Tigers’ win at Kentucky, recording his third game with multiple sacks against the Wildcats. This season, Faulk has posted nine tackles for loss and seven sacks —the fourth most in the SEC — surpassing his 2023 totals of 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
ULM
Ahmad Hardy (RB)
A true freshman, Hardy leads the Warhawks’ rushing attack and has recorded 915 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns this season. Hardy tops all freshman FBS running backs and ranks 18th nationally in rushing yards (915).
Wydett Williams Jr. (DB)
Williams has been a key contributor for ULM’s defense this season, leading the Warhawks with 74 total tackles. He also boasts one sack, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
Keys to Victory
Auburn
Auburn will need to run the ball effectively against a struggling Warhawk defense that has allowed at least six yards per carry in two of its past three matchups. Expect to see the Tigers get the ground game going early and for running back Jarquez Hunter to have a handful of carries.
The defense should have little problems stopping ULM, and if Auburn can get its offense going, especially on the ground, its path to victory should be smooth.
ULM
The Warhawks need to run the ball effectively on Saturday and hope the Tigers cannot do the same. Hardy will see a lot of carries and expect ULM to attempt to dominate the time of possession battle with slow and methodical drives.
By establishing a strong ground game, the Warhawks can only keep Auburn’s offense off the field and wear down the defense, creating opportunities to keep the game close. Winning the time of possession battle will be crucial for ULM’s success in this matchup.
Auburn and ULM face off for the 12th time on Saturday, Nov. 16 in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11:45 a.m. CST and will be televised on SEC Network.
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Grace Heim is a senior from Enterprise, Alabama, majoring in Political Science. She started with The Plainsman in January of 2023.
You can follow her on X (Twitter) at @graceeheim
