Auburn vs. Vanderbilt Prediction, Game Preview
Auburn vs. Vanderbilt prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC matchup between the Tigers and Commodores.
Auburn vs. Vanderbilt prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC matchup between the Tigers and Commodores.
Auburn vs. Vanderbilt Game Preview
When: Saturday, November 5 – 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
TV Broadcast: SEC Network
Auburn has won five in a row, with the last victory being a 40-29 triumph over Ole Miss in Oxford. Running back Kam Pettway stole the show, rushing for 236 yards and a touchdown while quarterback Sean White was efficient, throwing for 247 yards and a touchdown.
Vanderbilt is coming in hot as well, winning two in a row after a 35-17 victory over Tennessee State. The Commodores ran for 358 yards in the win, with Ralph Webb going for 125 and Khari Blasingame reaching 100 himself.
What To Know About Auburn
If the Tigers don’t kill you with the run, then quarterback Sean White will do it with his consistency. Auburn is No. 3 in the nation in rushing offensive, averaging 303.38 yards per game. Pettway has been the star the last few games, including his performance in the win against Ole Miss this past weekend. A group of young receivers, especially Kyle Davis, has started to step up for the Tigers as well.
The defense gave up a lot of yards to Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly through the air in the victory, but they won’t have to worry about that against Vanderbilt. The Tigers are stout when it comes to stopping the run game, and will make sure that Ralph Webb does not get rolling. The defensive line should be able to pressure Kyle Shurmur and force some mistakes.
What to Know About Vanderbilt
The Commodores lean heavily on being able to run the ball with Webb, and that might be a problem when it comes to facing the Tigers. For Vanderbilt to have success on offense, Shurmur must be excellent in this game and be able to get the ball out to his receivers before the pressure arrives from Auburn’s loaded defensive line.
Defensively, the Commodores will try to stop an Auburn offense that has been clicking on all cylinders as of late, with multiple options to run the ball and White being careful when throwing. Linebacker Zach Cunningham has been the force for Vanderbilt on defense.
Advantages
Offense: Auburn. Could Pettway be auditioning for a spot on the preseason Heisman Watch for next season?
Defense: Auburn. Tigers made the adjustments needed at halftime and held Ole Miss to just seven points in second half.
Special Teams: Auburn. Kicker Daniel Carlson is about as automatic as a college kicker gets.
Coaching: Auburn. Gus Malzahn has gone from the hot seat to possible SEC Coach of the Year.
Intangibles: Auburn. Keep winning, and a date with Alabama in the Iron Bowl could be for the SEC West title.
Matchup To Watch
Auburn rushing attack vs. Vanderbilt defense
Stopping Auburn from running the ball might be an impossible task, but the Commodores need to at least make it tough sledding for the Tigers.
Auburn vs. Vanderbilt Betting Odds
Spread: Auburn -24.5
Over/Under: Not available at time of publication
Auburn vs. Vanderbilt Prediction
The Tigers train is not going to stop chugging through defenses any time soon, as the rushing attack has made Auburn a dominant offensive unit. An early kickoff could have both teams (and most fans) blurry eyed, but Auburn will be ready to pound the ball down the Commodores’ throats. This one will be over by halftime.
Auburn vs. Vanderbilt Score Prediction: Auburn 48, Vanderbilt 13
