Three Predictions For Auburn’s First Game Verus Alabama AM

Five days until the Auburn Tigers host the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.

This should be a game in which the Tigers most certainly win. It also should provide insights into bigger questions about the offense taking hopefully big steps forward after ranking at No. 92 nationally in total offense, per CFB Stats .

Here are three predictions about how the Tigers will perform, with the first focusing on what Auburn fans probably want to see more than anything else.

1) Auburn’s passing game will show signs of improvement.

After averaging 162.2 yards passing per game last season, #124 in the nation , there’s almost no place to go but up. The Tigers add seven players to the roster from the Transfer Portal and the 2024 recruiting class. This is where it gets interesting for quarterback Payton Thorne as his options are far better than last season.

Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather returns and he’s one of the best in the SEC and the nation. He should be bolstered by the additions of players like Penn State receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith , Georgia State’s Robert Lewis , and California’s Sam Jackson IV . Then there are the freshmen.

Most notably, all eyes will be on Cam Coleman . He’s as talented as any receiver Auburn has probably ever signed. He’s going to make some plays this Saturday but look for a well-rounded effort.

The Tigers will likely hide some of what they’ll run versus California in Week 2, but screens to any one of the running backs, receivers, and tight ends, plus some deep shots to Coleman, will be a glimpse of the improvements.

Auburn should pass for well over 200 yards and a couple of touchdowns to give the faithful fans something to smile about.

2) Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter will be the best player on the field.

Head coach Hugh Freeze will rely on his best running back to pound Alabama A&M and help the run-pass option game flourish. Look for Hunter to rush for at least 100 yards in about three quarters of action before leaving the game in a blowout.

His ability to pass protect and be a receiving threat will also be significant contributions. He’s a future NFL player will be dominant overall.

3) Auburn’s defense will create big plays and turnovers.

The additions of Isaiah Raikes at nose guard, Jerrin Thompson at safety, and Keyron Crawford at defensive end are three of the reasons to be excited about an even more athletic and deeper defensive unit.

Most importantly, there is no position where Auburn has major holes to fill within the starting lineup. The Tigers are a more sound unit and that will provide more chances for big plays; A&M will have no easy answers with play calls.

Look for Auburn to create at least two turnovers this Saturday as they swarm to the football and create havoc.