Sep 6, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) runs the ball past San Jose State Spartans defensive tackle Tony Popovich (98) for a touchdown during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Spartans 59-13. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
It won’t be long before the Auburn Tigers and Kansas State Wildcats kick off one of the season’s best non-conference matchups in Manhattan, Kansas.
Betsided
Led by surefire Hall of Fame head coach Bill Snyder, Kansas State will have a veteran group of players on hand, and the home crowd behind them. More than 50,000 fans are expected to pack into Bill Snyder Family Stadium, which despite its relatively small size is known as one of the toughest places to play in the Big 12. There will be a national television audience for the prime time weekday contest, which should only add to what should be an electric atmosphere.
Auburn will be travelling to Manhattan for the first time since 1978, and will be travelling away from home for the first time all season. Doing so requires a change in routine from the first two games of the year, especially when you factor in the game is scheduled for a Thursday instead of a Saturday.
However, when the whistle blows, it will be a football game like any other. The 5th ranked Tigers are a heavy favorite to win (as much as double-digits at some Las Vegas casinos) but it won’t be easy. For Auburn to earn a victory Thursday, here are five things the Tigers must do.