College Football Game Preview: No. 17 Texas A&M vs. Auburn
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For Gus Malzahn and Kevin Sumlin, this game should be treated with the utmost importance. This is a huge game for both coaches who were largely considered to be on flaming hot seats entering this season.
No. 17 Texas A&M (2-0) will travel to Auburn to face the Tigers (1-1) where the Tigers are currently the betting favorite. The Aggies and quarterback Trevor Knight are looking to continue to add momentum following a huge win against UCLA, and a blowout of Prairie View A&M.
Auburn is looking to build off a blowout of Arkansas State which saw their first glimpse of their offensive identity. Sean White and the offense cranked out 706 yards, and 462 rushing yards. They are also looking to showcase their defense again, against another top offense in the country.
Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) tackles during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn: Trevor Knight is a well documented dual threat quarterback, and Carl Lawson will need to have a big day to contain him. Lawson, when healthy, is one of the top edge rushers in the nation and could have a huge impact on the game if he can win his match ups.
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M: Garrett, like Lawson, is a top edge rusher. Garrett is a force to be reckoned with off the edge and can really disrupt Auburn’s offense if he isn’t dealt with. He’s a talented run stopper, and better pass rusher who can take over a game if he isn’t contained properly.
Trevor Knight, QB, Texas A&M: Trevor Knight has enjoyed early success since he became a starting quarterback for the first time since 2014 this year. If he can limit his mistakes, and if good Trevor Knight shows up, then the Aggies will be have a chance to light up the Auburn defense. Not to mention his dual threat ability will keep the Tigers on their toes.
Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn: Kerryon Johnson was thrust in the starting role following the departures of the top two running backs from the program, and he has shined. He has 218 yards and three scores in two games, and will have a huge role in Saturday’s game. If Johnson can force A&M to load the box and respect the edge than Sean White’s job will become a lot easier.
Sep 10, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) celebrates with wide receiver Ricky Seals-Jones (9) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Prairie View A&M Panthers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Secondary’s stepping up: Both teams ares known for their prolific offenses, but so far their defenses have been the talk of their teams. A&M’s defense has been a surprise so far, especially after stifling UCLA. Auburn as well, their front seven has been a nightmare to deal with. However Saturday’s game will come down to which secondary can step up and shut down the opposition’s receiving corps.
Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jeremy Johnson (6) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Ricardo Louis (5) during the third quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 56-34. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Special teams opportunities: Auburn’s special teams has been key in their games so far, like Daniel Carlson’s fake field goal, and A&M’s return game with star sophomore Christian Kirk. Daniel LaCamera missed an inopportune field goal vs. UCLA that would have sealed the game in four quarters, and that could be a big problem if he misses Saturday. Scoring is hard to come by at Jordan Hare and both teams may need special teams to come through big time.
Controlling the line of scrimmage: Auburn’s offense is built around the run, and A&M will need to slow them down and force Sean White to throw the ball to have their best shot. The Aggies will get a large dosage of Kerryon Johnson and company, and controlling the line will be a major key to their chances to win.
Sep 10, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn signals to his team during the second quarter against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Red Wolves 51-14. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
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Auburn will need a huge day from Sean White against a very underrated defense to get the job done Saturday.
And it won’t be any easier with Myles Garrett, an unstoppable force, in his face. They will need a huge effort from their defense as well.
Texas A&M’s offense is loaded with weapons, and has shown improvement in the run game and at quarterback with Trevor Knight upping his game. With an improved defense, and a talented offense it is hard to see them losing, however playing at Jordan Hare can be tough, ask Clemson.
Ultimately A&M’s offense and their improved defense will prevail. Auburn’s running game will gash them, but they will eek out a close one on the road to further improve their resume. Expect a big game from both offenses, and a shootout ending in favor of the Aggies.
Final Score: Texas A&M 38 Auburn 34
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