Potentially without All-American Johni Broome for the third straight game, No. 1 Auburn hosts its first AP top-10 matchup since the 1959 in a clash with No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday night in efforts of staying atop the conference standings.
Our sports staff answered a few questions on what to expect from the Tigers as they try to keep its undefeated SEC record alive.
Who will step up for Auburn if Broome can't go on Saturday:
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "I think Auburn's guard-play will be a big difference on Saturday for the Tigers on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Auburn will need a collective effort in the paint on Saturday in the paint to fill the void left by Johni Broome. Dylan Cardwell and Chaney Johnson will need to continue to step up, and the Tigers need to control the boards early and match Tennessee's physicality. The guard play, specifically of Tahaad Pettiford will be crucial for Auburn's scoring effort."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "While I think it will be a group effort for the Tigers, led by Tahaad Pettiford - who has scored in double digits in all of the Tigers' conference matchups so far - I don't see one guy ahead of the other for the Tigers on Saturday, primarily because of how tenacious the Vols are on defense. "
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "Many players on this team have stepped up well against the two bulldogs teams last week. However, Tennessee is a bigger test for Chaney Johnson and Dylan Cardwell. They will have to be the ones running the floor, scoring in the paint, and making good defensive plays like they've been doing this season. We will also have to see another good game from standout freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford. He will need to stay consistent on his 3-point shooting if he wants to help his team win Saturday."
What is the biggest matchup to watch between the Tigers and Volunteers:
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "The Denver Jones, Zakai Zeigler matchup might be one of the great defensive pairings of the season. Pearl mentioned that the Volunteers 'go as he [Zeigler] goes, and he always goes' so, his offense against Jones' defense will be a key to the top-10 matchup."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "I cannot wait to watch Denver Jones guard Zakai Zeigler. Pearl has talked about the quiet, but dominant defensive efforts of Jones against some of the nation's best point guards, and I expect him to bring that same intensity against Zeigler, who never seems to stop moving."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "Auburn's offense versus Tennessee's defense. The Tigers boast the most efficient offense in the country while the Vols rank No. 3 in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. Tennessee defends the 3-point line better than anyone else in the country, while Auburn has tallied 10 games with double-digit 3-pointers with three players shooting over 40 percent from deep."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "The guards on both teams will be the biggest matchups because they have been very consistent behind the line this season. Tahaad Pettiford and Miles Kelly will have to outshoot Zakai Zeigler and Chaz Lanier if they want to pull off the win Saturday."
If Auburn _______, it will beat a third straight ranked opponent:
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Defend without fouling. The Tigers have been fortunate to not see Chaney Johnson or Dylan Cardwell get in foul trouble in Auburn's first two tests without Johni Broome. If the duo can do the same and allow the Tigers to run their preferred lineups then I expect Auburn to pick up another quad-one win."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Brings the offensive tempo early and sustain it through the second half. The Tigers have shown they can start strong against tough opponents, and they’ll need a similar early run against Tennessee’s suffocating defense, which looks to on disrupt offensive rhythm. To come out on top, Auburn must avoid the second-half offensive slumps that have plagued them in some games this season and maintain intensity for the full 40 minutes.."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "If Auburn can keep the league's leading scorer in check, it will defeat a third straight ranked opponent. Chaz Lanier has scored in double digits in all but two games and has recorded at least 20 points in eight games this season. Typically, the Tigers have done a good job of keeping their opponents' top scorers in check - barring South Carolina and Texas - and they'll need to continue that trend on Saturday for the win."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "If Auburn can shoot the 3-ball well, dominate on defense and get the Jungle roaring, then Auburn will remain No. 1 in the polls. Tennessee already has two road losses against Florida and Vanderbilt. If the Tigers can create the same pressure those two teams did earlier this season, then they will win this game Saturday."
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