Auburn game-by-game predictions: Running the table possible, but brutal path awaits

Gus Malzahn and his Auburn team eye an SEC title and playoff spot in 2018. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Gus Malzahn and his Auburn team eye an SEC title and playoff spot in 2018. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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auburn football-season preview
Darrell Williams and the Auburn defense will get after Liberty. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Liberty at Auburn

When: Nov. 17
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn
Time: TBD
TV: TBD

Before you laugh at this matchup, keep in mind that Baylor beat Liberty, 48-45, in Week 1 last season. Baylor was a complete mess, too, but there’s no way the Flames should have been able to push the Bears that far.

If Auburn gets to this game in contention for a spot in the SEC title game and in position to make the College Football Playoff as we expect, there’s absolutely zero chance it takes this game lightly.

Look for Stidham to play the first half, tops, and help Auburn safely put the game away. Then Willis and Gatewood guide the ship (and leave Auburn fans wildly optimistic about seasons to come) the rest of the way.

You’ll also see plenty of Asa Martin, Anthony Schwartz, Seth Williams, Shaun Shivers, Shedrick Jackson, Christian Tutt, Coynis Miller, Richard Jibunor and many more of the young players who won’t lose the possibility of redshirting. Of course, some of these players will have played more than their allotted four games without burning a redshirt anyway.

Auburn rolls big and most importantly arrives to the Iron Bowl in good health.

Prediction: Auburn 56, Liberty 10