Auburn Versus Alabama A&M: Final Score Predictions

Will Auburn come out and immediately take care of business versus Alabama A&M?

The Tigers are a massive favorite. FanDuel has the point spread at Auburn -32.5. Auburn’s overall talent and depth give credence to the spread but there’s work to be done after last season’s 7-6 season. In short, it’s time to prove Auburn’s 2024 football team is vastly improved from the year prior.

Here are two Auburn Daily writer’s opinions about how the game will play out and which Tigers play well.

Zac Blackerby, Publisher

The Auburn Tigers get the offense going early and showcase their revamped passing attack. Payton Thorne gets the new wide receivers involved early and we see some electricity at Jordan Hare Stadium.

I think as the backups rotate in, the calls will get more vanilla and the scoring will slow. There are a bunch of freshmen that this staff will want to give reps to on Saturday. They will show signs of promise as well as signs of youth.

Saturday should be fun on The Plains.

Auburn 45 Alabama A&M 10

MORE TIGERS: Full Game Day Information

Brian Smith, Recruiting Analyst/Writer

First off, how well will Payton Thorne command the offense? During a fall camp interview with Auburn’s starting quarterback, several reporters asked questions that leaned on that question. Thorne made no hesitations when discussing how much more comfortable he is now as compared to last season.

So, it’s time to produce.

Auburn’s offensive line has former Mississippi State player Percey Lewis at left tackle, giving Thorne more time to pass. There are three talented Transfer Portal receivers, plus four freshmen pass catchers led by Cam Coleman. Do not forget about one of the nation’s most experienced tight end rooms. Rivaldo Fairweather is a future NFL player among them.

Thorne is expected to hit more down-the-field-completions. With this group to throw the football, he should be able to make it happen. Look for Thorne to throw for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns and be done by the early fourth quarter.

While Auburn will rotate several running backs, Jarquez Hunter will be the feature runner through the first half. Power, speed, vision, moves, and desire represent several of Hunter’s best traits. 9 carries, 56 yards, and a touchdown for the senior.

Overall, Auburn’s running game will be consistent and provide a wide variety of looks with jet motions and eye candy to keep Alabama A&M’s defense honest. The Tigers will average nearly six yards per tote on the day.

Defensively, keep an eye on former Texas A&M nose guard Isaiah Raikes. He’s capable of commanding double teams and still making a play. Raikes might be the most important player Hugh Freeze and the Tigers added to the 2024 football roster. One cannot teach Raikes’ natural size and strength, let alone how hard the young man plays.

Several other newcomers will get a chance to shine and look for DJ Durkin to rotate freely as Auburn builds an early lead. Edge rushers like Jalen McCleod and Keyron Crawford will be key to keeping A&M off the scoreboard through halftime. Those are two high-level pass rushers for the Tigers.

The back seven is still working itself out with a lot of competition. Perhaps one or more players will seize the day and earn a starting spot for good. Keep an eye on Kayin Lee, the sophomore cornerback. He’s a future pro and one of the SEC’s most talented cover corners.

Auburn 52 Alabama A&M 10