UMass vs Auburn is one of the college football Week 1 slate’s highly lopsided affairs, with the Hugh Freeze era’s beginning overshadowing a David vs Goliath-esque matchup between an ascending SEC program and a Group of Five independent that has won three games in the last four seasons prior to this one.
Surprisingly, UMass already has a win on their 2023 record, having knocked off New Mexico State in University Park, NM despite being a touchdown underdog in Week 0. The Minutemen put up 41 points and won by double-digits in the Aggies’ Conference USA debut.
Does that put the sizeable Auburn spread in serious jeopardy on September 2 during the deb-Hugh?
UMass vs Auburn Odds, Spread and Total
Auburn is a -35.5-point favorite at Jordan-Hare Stadium and is a -10000 moneyline favorite; with the UMass moneyline sitting at +2000. The over/under total for the matchup has been placed at 51.5 points. All lines are courtesy of BetMGM and are subject to change.
UMass vs Auburn How to Watch
Date: September 2, 2023
Game Time: 2:30 Central Time
Venue: Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama
How to Watch: ESPN, which is available on FuboTV.
UMass record: 1-11 (2022)
Auburn Record: 5-7 (2022)
UMass vs Auburn Key Players to Watch
UMass
Taisun Phommachanh: Taisun Phommachanh had a breakout game for UMass in Week 0, amassing a total of 286 yards and a touchdown in the 11-point win for the Minutemen in New Mexico. The Clemson transfer looked the part of a QB1, and his efforts single-handedly lowered the UMass vs Auburn spread.
What AU spread bettors must watch for is whether or not the Bridgeport, Connecticut native is able to throw any passes beyond 20 yards; something he didn’t do against the Aggies in Week 0.
Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams: Averaging over five yards per carry in Week 0, Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams helped Phommachanh stay unpredictable with his play-calling due to his ability to burn the Aggies’ defense out of the backfield on the option and up the gut.
The Rutgers transfer is capable of carrying a big load, so his durability will be worth watching against a newly-implemented Auburn defensive front.
Auburn
Jarquez Hunter: The biggest question fans will have ahead of the offense taking the field for the first time under Freeze is whether or not Jarquez Hunter will be lined up in the backfield or not. Hunter was at risk of suspension in the offseason due to a sexually explicit video that made the rounds on social media, so until he walks onto the field, his whereabouts will worry Tiger fans.
If Hunter is on the field, something tells this writer that the third-year starter will let his presence be felt after an offseason from hell.
Shane Hooks: Jackson State transfer Shane Hooks made good on his potential in Mississippi’s capital city far more than when he was with the Ohio Bobcats for the first two years of his collegiate career. In 2021 and 2022, Hooks hauled in 82 receptions for 974 yards and 12 touchdowns as one of Shedeur Sanders’ weapons.
Hooks has been impressive in camp and could be one of the breakout receivers, and in general, skill position players, who can lead the Tigers’ offense in 2023.
UMass vs Auburn Prediction and Pick
Auburn is obviously going to win this one but by more than seven touchdowns? That seems a tad too optimistic. This game may not be high-scoring enough for there to be a 36+ point win, and the Tigers defense pitching a shutout doesn’t feel all that likely either.