Auburn football predictions: More points, more offense vs. Southern Miss
By Rob Maxwell
The Auburn football team is 3-1, ranked No. 10 in the country and everything is hunky dory on the Plains. …
Well, not exactly. Yes, the Tigers are 3-1 and yes, they are No. 10, but it hasn’t been the smoothest ride through the first four weeks of the season.
A loss that should have been a win and struggles on offense — running and passing — have Auburn football fans skeptical of where this season is headed.
The game Saturday against Southern Miss should provide some answers, one way or the other.
Here are the Fly War Eagle staff picks:
Shea Brennamen
I am a little worried, not gonna lie. After witnessing Auburn’s offensive line up close last weekend I can 100 percent say that I have absolutely no idea what to expect anymore. Guys it can only get better, right!?!? RIGHT!?!? Gus said Saturday is the day he’s going to air out the offense and not a moment too soon. Saturday y’all can catch me at Jordan-Hare clutching my inhaler.
Prediction: Anxiety 100 Fans 0, Auburn 48 Southern Miss 13.
Tyler Doyle
Last week may have been a W but it wasn’t as smooth on offense as we would’ve liked. Unfortunately, we may not see too much improvement this week. Southern Miss is ranked among the top 10 in the nation in terms of total defense. Granted, that’s against the likes of Jackson State, Louisiana-Monroe, and Rice so I don’t expect them to actually be a defensive juggernaut. However, they’ll make some defensive plays and won’t allow a complete blowout. Auburn still wins easily.
Prediction: Auburn 38, Southern Miss 7
Kevan Lindsey
The Auburn Tigers need to find a running game after what many fans consider a poor performance last week. Living just 30 miles away from the University of Southern Miss, I know all to well they will bring their best to Jordan-Hare. Expect Southern Miss to pass the ball around with Jack Abraham who ranks sixth in the FBS for passing yards. At the end of the day, Auburn should be too much for the Golden Eagles and will pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Auburn 48-17
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Rob Maxwell
All right, let’s make one more go of it. I really, really, really can’t believe that this offense isn’t capable of putting up really good numbers every week, no matter the opponent. But if it can’t this week, the rest of the season gets much trickier. So here goes: Jarrett Stidham finally snaps out of the slump. He gets warmed up with the quick-hitters to Ryan Davis and Anthony Schwartz and for the first time in a long time, the Tigers end up looking like a pass-first offense. The pass sets up the run and Auburn pulls away in the second half. If it’s not a 40-plus point, 500-yard day for the offense, I’m not happy. And keep an eye on Davis and Noah Igbinoghene — another return is going all the way soon. Bet on it.
Prediction: Auburn 45, Southern Miss 14