<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=15DOtL_0wDUP0OS00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=15DOtL_0wDUP0OS00" width="1200" height="630" ><p>No. 19 Missouri returns home following a convincing 45-3 win at UMass to host the fellow Tigers of Auburn at 11 a.m. Saturday. Auburn (2-4) is coming off a much-needed bye week that came on the heels of a three-game losing streak. </p><p>Taylor Jones, who covers the Auburn football for Auburn Wire, provided insight on the team ahead of this weekend's matchup. </p><p><i>This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.</i></p><p>Q: For people who know nothing about Auburn’s football team, how would you describe the team and the year that it has had?</p><p>It has been a frustrating season to this point. Auburn added several talented players through the transfer portal, and for the most part, they have played well. However, Auburn has trouble finishing drives, whether it be due to turnovers or fourth-down play-calling.</p><p>Q: Auburn is at the bottom of the country in the turnovers lost category. What is not working about the Tigers’ offense and is there a remedy to be had at the midseason mark?</p><p>There appears to be a rift between (Auburn coach) Hugh Freeze and quarterback Payton Thorne this season. Freeze showed complete trust in Thorne last offseason but has benched him once and has shown frustrations with Thorne during several press conferences. Interceptions this season, for the most part, are due to what seems to be a communication issue between Freeze and Thorne at times.</p><p>Q: Payton Thorne was benched in the beginning of the season but was named the starter again ahead of the Oklahoma game. What is the feeling around the fanbase and program about Thorne?</p><p>Auburn fans have a love/hate relationship with Thorne. Fans and several media members were surprised that Freeze did not go after a transfer quarterback in the offseason due to his poor performance in 2023. His numbers have improved this season thanks to a brand-new receiving corps but fans still feel that he is not the answer at quarterback despite being the best option on the roster.</p><h2>Q: What is Auburn’s strongest position group?</h2><p>The defensive front seven has impressed me the most this season. Edge rushers Jalen McLeod and Keldric Faulk have been phenomenal at getting into their opponents' backfield this season, while Duke transfer Dorian Mausi has made his presence felt on nearly every play.</p><h2>More from this section </h2><h2>Q: What is Auburn’s weakest position group?</h2><p>For as good as the defensive front has been this season, the secondary is still in rebuild mode. Auburn lost three defensive backs — Nehemiah Pritchett, Jaylin Simpson and DJ James — to the NFL Draft which forced the secondary to rebuild. Texas transfer Jerrin Thompson has been active in coverage this season, but the rest of the unit has not lived up to his level of production.</p><p>Q: Who are a few players that Mizzou fans should be on the lookout for during the game?</p><p>Wide receiver Malcolm Simmons. Simmons was a part of the "Freeze Four" of talented freshmen receivers that Freeze signed from high school (in the 2024) cycle and has proven to be the surprise of the group so far with 260 yards on 18 catches. Defensively, Keldric Faulk and Jalen McLeod are the names to watch due to their ability to break through the line and create tackles for loss.</p><p>Q: What kind of defense does Auburn run, and how can it limit a Missouri offense that has weapons?</p><p>Auburn runs a 3-4, which will bring in extra defensive backs to combat the receiving threats brought on by (wideouts) Theo Wease and Luther Burden III. If (quarterback) Brady Cook can manage to pass without McLeod or Faulk chasing after him, it could be a busy day for the Tigers' defensive backs.</p><h2>Q: What will have to happen for Auburn to leave Columbia with a win?</h2><p>Auburn will have to finish nearly every drive with points. Auburn posts solid offensive numbers but does not have the points or wins to show for it so far in 2024. Play-calling from Freeze and decision-making by Thorne will be the factors to watch for Auburn.</p><h2>What is your score prediction for the game? Who will be Auburn's MVP?</h2><p>I expect a close one, with Missouri winning 27-21. I look for wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith to continue being a reliable target for Thorne and have a solid day production-wise.</p></div></body>

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Know thy enemy: Taylor Jones of Auburn Wire previews Auburn ahead of Week 8 matchup vs. Mizzou

No. 19 Missouri returns home following a convincing 45-3 win at UMass to host the fellow Tigers of Auburn at 11 a.m. Saturday. Auburn (2-4) is coming off a much-needed bye week that came on the heels of a three-game losing streak. Taylor Jones, who covers the Auburn football for...