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
Ryan Davis is one of Auburn’s biggest weapons. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Alabama State at Auburn

When: Sept. 8
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn
Time: 7:30 pm ET
TV: SEC Network Alternate

We’re not going to go into a lot of details here. The Hornets went 5-6 last season and against their toughest opponent (Troy), lost 34-7 and averaged just 2.8 yards per play. Troy is not Auburn. Alabama State will find it difficult picking up first downs and look for Auburn to strike with big plays before getting a lot of players involved before next week’s game against LSU.

This will be the first game where we’ll get to see how Gus Malzahn and his coaches will use the redshirt rule. If Auburn builds a large lead as expected, we’ll see Malik Willis at quarterback and possibly Joey Gatewood. Look for a slew of freshmen running backs and receivers to get the majority of reps in the second half.

This one should be fun for everyone with the objective of building off a Week 1 victory and staying healthy for what should be a tough matchup against LSU.

Prediction: Auburn 56, Alabama State 7 | Record: 2-0