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

By Rob Maxwell

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
Myles Gaskin will get plenty of attention from the Auburn defense Sept. 1. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Auburn vs. Washington

When: Sept. 1
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Time: 3:30 pm ET
TV: ABC

The game of Week 1 is set with No. 9 Auburn playing No. 6 Washington from the Pac-12. It should be a fantastic matchup and it gives the winner a jump start in positioning for the College Football Playoff (and yes we know, there’s still a ton of football to be played).

The Huskies had the No. 5 scoring defense in the country last season and the 17th-best scoring offense. QB Jake Browning returns for his senior season after throwing for 2,719 yards, 19 TDs and five interceptions. That made him the nation’s 16th-most efficient passer in 2017.

In the backfield, Myles Gaskin also is back for his senior season after running 222 times for 1,380 yards and 21 touchdowns.

All signs point to record-breaking season for Jarrett Stidham. light. Hot

So stopping that 1-2 punch will be at the top of the to-do list for Auburn. Kevin Steele’s defense should be as ready as any defense in Auburn history has for an opener of this magnitude. While we have high hopes for what this Auburn offense can do, it’s likely that it will need the defense to keep things close and create opportunities in Week 1. We think that happens and Jarrett Stidham doesn’t have a meltdown like in Week 2 last season against Clemson.

Prediction: Auburn 27, Washington 21 | Record: 1-0

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