As the Tigers return home to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores, our sports staff answered a few questions on what to expect from Auburn as it tries to keep its bowl hopes alive.
Can Auburn lean on its ground attack again?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "They'll certainly have to if the Tigers want to find success in the final month of the season. I expect Auburn to run the ball a lot on Saturday, unless the Tigers find themselves trailing, and to have similar success against a average Vanderbilt defense."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "The Tigers will have to lean on their ground attack again if they want to beat the Commodores, and if the offensive line can continue to dominate at the line of scrimmage, Auburn should be able to get its ground game going."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "I think it's a must, and the Tigers should absolutely lean on their run game on Saturday. Good things happen when Jarquez Hunter has the ball in his hands, and when the running game gets going, it only helps Payton Thorne’s production under center. After starting 5-of-10 last week with an interception, Thorne completed 15 of his next 16 passes, and it came after Auburn found its stride in the running game."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "Auburn’s running game is obviously its greatest strength and the Tigers have been most successful when they display a strong rushing attack. I don’t think this will change against Vanderbilt, as Jarquez Hunter should always play a large role in Auburn’s offensive production – I believe he should get at least 20-25 carries per game. Hunter, Damari Alston, and Jeremiah Cobb will need to be effective against the Commodore defense in order to open up the passing game and make Payton Thorne comfortable."
How do the Tigers limit Diego Pavia?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Force Pavia and the Commodores into long passing situation. Vanderbilt has just 19 completed passes of 20 or more years entering Saturday. If Auburn can stop the run, I like there chances."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Auburn must limit Vanderbilt's time of possession, preventing Pavia from spending too much time on the field."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "The best thing Auburn can do is keep him off the field. The Tigers must control the clock, something they have struggled with this season, only winning the time of possession in three games so far. Vanderbilt's offensive strategy is similar: keep its opponent's offense off the field and the ball in Pavia's hands. So, yes, keeping a spy on him and throwing pressure at him from different spots in the defense will help, but ultimately, keeping him off the field will be Auburn's most strategic way in limiting him. "
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "I think Auburn limits Diego Pavia by getting the Vanderbilt offense in tough third down situations, and more importantly, capitalizing on them. Earlier in the season, Auburn’s defense has shown episodes of not being able to get off the field due to unnecessary penalties, allowing the quarterback to scramble for first down yardage, etc. Pavia is a gritty quarterback who is more than capable of extending plays, so the Tigers need to hold him at bay by containing him in the pocket and limiting his dangerous ability to use his legs."
What is your matchup to watch on Saturday?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "I think the opening drives, for both teams, will be a telling sign of the game to come. Vanderbilt has scored a touchdown on its opening drive in four straight games while Auburn has had a three-and-out in three of the last four games. If the Commodores can have a long opening drive, it could be a long day for the Tigers."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "I am focusing on how Auburn's offensive line fares against the Commodores' defensive front. The Tigers' o-line will be their key to an effective run game, and they must play well if Auburn is going to win this game."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "I mentioned it in the answer above, but I think the biggest matchup to watch is who holds on to the football the longest. Auburn cannot go three-and-out on offense and expect to see success come its way on Saturday.
Along with that, Auburn's top priority should be to start off with points on the board offensively, something it has not done in a conference game this season, and something Freeze said will be vital in securing a victory on Saturday. "
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "My matchup to watch on Saturday is Jarquez Hunter versus the Vanderbilt front seven. In my opinion, if Auburn successfully pounds the ground and feeds Hunter throughout the entire game, the Tigers will emerge victorious. Of course, it’s also crucial for the offensive line to continue to play strong, but I believe Hunter will be the difference-maker. If he plays well, Auburn wins; If he doesn’t, the Commodores take come out on top."
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