Rain showers are hitting the Loveliest Village on the Plains in Week 3. Jordan-Hare Stadium is flooding through the seats below.
Josh Pate caught good video proof that Auburn and Florida could be playing in a washout during Alex Golesh and Jon Sumrall's SEC debuts as head coaches.
Quick weather update from Auburn pic.twitter.com/ij3F5t78gh
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) September 19, 2026
With the Florida State-Alabama game being delayed, it's fair to wonder if the Tigers and Gators will take the field on time. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) maintains a marginal risk (level 1/5) for severe thunderstorms across parts of east and northeast Alabama, with strong winds and frequent lightning as the main threats, per James Spann.
Regardless, if this game becomes a mud-fest, Auburn will benefit.
Auburn would benefit greatly from rain storms because of its backfield
Jeremiah Cobb, Omar Mabson II, and Byrum Brown are all uniquely positioned to benefit from rainfall and muddy conditions. In particular, Brown becomes more unpredictable, though his deep ball becomes neutralized if he loses his grip.
Brown has one of the strongest arms in football, but he is the kind of physical dual-threat who excels when things get ugly.
Cobb and Mabson are strong physical runners who will enjoy breaking through between the tackles in such conditions. There have been interior offensive line issues through the first two games, but UF's run defense hasn't been tested like AU is about to test it.
Jadan Baugh is a massive test for Auburn's defense
On the flip side, Gators running back Jadan Baugh is one of the most dominant running backs in the country. Baugh leads the SEC in nearly every statistical category at running back, including yardage and touchdowns.
With that said, the Tigers are ranked No. 23 nationally against the run. Auburn hasn't given up a run longer than 12 yards. Mike linebacker Elijah Melendez has an 86.9 run defense grade, per PFF, anchoring the middle. Melendez had 18 total tackles and three tackles for loss against Baylor and Southern Miss.
Unstoppable force, meet immovable object.
With Aaron Philo potentially neutralized in the passing game, Baugh is the kind of running back who may be able to win a game like this on his legs alone.
DJ Durkin's defense will face a stiff test, no doubt.
You simply have to like the Tigers' chances better if the running game will be a bigger deciding factor in this one, though.
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