Coming off of its first SEC win of 2025, Auburn is set to face Kentucky this weekend in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Here's what our staff expects of the upcoming matchup:
Jackie Dominguez, Sports Editor: 30-17 Auburn
I think the quarterback switch up will give Auburn the refresher it needs to bounce back after a rough string of losses. I have no questions about the defense's ability to perform at a high level, so this game is going to come down to the offense's ability to produce. I think Ashton Daniels is going to walk into Jordan-Hare with something to prove, and that's going to drive the offense today. If the offense can keep it tight and minimize mistakes and costly penalties, this could easily be Auburn's second SEC win this season.
Reid Farris, Sports Assistant Editor: 17-7 Auburn
I believe that the Auburn offense will be challenged by the Kentucky defense despite rolling out Ashton Daniels. The Tigers have yet to prove their ability to score on offense in any of their conference games so far this year with most of their point coming from turnovers and special teams. I do think that the Daniels will give Auburn a fresh look to their offense and do enough to get the job done.
Ultimately I think that this game will be won and lost in the trenches specifically for Auburn on the defensive line who will help to make this a relatively low scoring affair between the two teams.
Rory Garvin, Sports Reporter: 27-17 Auburn
Looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since November of 2023, Hugh Freeze has turned to Ashton Daniels to lead his offense. I believe Daniels will provide a much-needed spark for the Tigers' offense against a struggling Kentucky defense, allowing 30.1 points per game. Expect Jeremiah Cobb to have a big night.
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: 23-10 Auburn
"Hugh Freeze made the correct decision at quarterback with starting Ashton Daniels over Jackson Arnold. I think Daniels will provide a spark, not only for the rest of the team, but also for the fans in Jordan-Hare Stadium. I expect Auburn's defense to show up once again like it's done all season, and the Tigers' offense should be able to produce against a lackluster Kentucky defense."
Braden Hensley, Sports Writer: 17-6 Auburn
With Auburn’s ongoing quarterback tossup between Jackson Arnold and Ashton Daniels, especially considering Auburn’s already struggling offense, I find it difficult to predict that this will be a high scoring affair. I do, however, believe that Auburn’s stellar defense, which has not allowed more than 24 points in a game this season, will hold Kentucky’s similarly struggling offensive attack to very little gains. The Wildcats have only put up 24+ points against a conference opponent once this season, coming last weekend against the Tennessee Volunteers, in which they put up 34. If this game were to take place in Lexington I would be more confident in Kentucky’s ability to move the ball, but with Jordan-Hare Stadium at night roaring while their offense is on the field, I believe Auburn’s defense will once again show out.
Jonathan Wallin, Sports Writer: 33-17 Auburn
Quite simply, I like Auburn’s defensive matchup against a struggling Kentucky offense too much not to pick the Tigers here. Even if there are some bumps in the road for quarterback Ashton Daniels in his first career SEC start, I believe that having playmakers like Jeremiah Cobb and Cam Coleman will give him all the support he needs to lead the Tigers to a second straight win Saturday night.
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