Five reasons Auburn beats the Samford Bulldogs
After a hard fought and frustrating win at Cal last week, the Auburn Tigers return to Jordan-Hare this weekend to host the Samford Bulldogs for homecoming. This game will be an opportunity to fix many of the problems that plagued the Tigers in Berkley. Here are five things that will lead the Tigers to a win and get them to 3-0 heading into College Station next week.
1. Run Game
Through two games Samford's defense is giving up 155 yards per game on the ground. Auburn is averaging 212 per game. Hunter, Alston, Battie and Cobb will have a good day and the Tigers will reach, if not exceed their average.
2. Passing Game
Payton Thorne has a a lot of work to do to get the passing game in sync. The Bulldogs secondary has been yielding 222 yards per game, a total that Thorne hasn't reached yet. Saturday will be his time to get to that 250+ mark. Reaching that would mean receivers are catching the ball, and guys like Jyaire Shorter and Shane Hooks need to step up and help Thorne achieve those numbers.
3. Secondary
Samford QB Michael Hiers is a gunslinger with a completion percentage of 71% while passing for 345 yards per game. He'll provide a good challenge for Auburn's secondary, but they are up to it, only surrendering 160 yards per game. Hiers hasn't faced a secondary with the talents of DJ James, Jaylin Simpson and company.
4. Offensive Line
Auburn's new look offensive line has been playing well through two games. Despite the game last week they have paved the way for a good rushing attack while providing decent protection, only allowing 2 sacks per game.
5. Turnovers
Last week you read here that turnovers could make for a long night against Cal and they did. This week the Tigers must take care of the football and not put the defense on a short field. Perhaps one or two interceptions may occur as the passing game gets a workout, the backs have got to stay fumble free. Tigers will do a better job of that this week.
The Tigers and the Bulldogs kickoff at 7:00pm Eastern on ESPN+.
Other Stories
Auburn basketball releases full 2023-24 schedule
Auburn football week three depth chart: Tigers change starting linebackers before Samford game
Takeaways: Auburn completes comeback against the Cal Golden Bears
Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante had an insane outing vs California
Is a two-quarterback system sustainable?
Five-star wide receiver Perry Thompson flips from Alabama, commits to Auburn
Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!
Join the Locked on Auburn Discord
