Auburn football opponents face off in week zero matchup

Here are our observations from the UMass vs New Mexico State game.

Author:
Joshua Collins
Publish date:
Aug 27, 2023 10:00 AM EDT

In this story:

The Auburn football team has been handed a gift in film form this week with two of their upcoming opponents the UMass Minutemen and the New Mexico State Aggies squaring off against each other in today’s opening matchup of week 0 of the 2023 football season.

The Auburn Daily staff after watching this matchup have provided their observations on the Auburn Tigers upcoming non-conference opponents. The final box score of this matchup was 41-30 with the UMass Minutemen clinching the victory over the New Mexico State Aggies despite some fourth quarter heroics. With that said, here is what we have to say about their football teams and what the Tigers can expect when they face them on the field.

UMass Minutemen:

The Minutemen came out with a relatively quick start to the game with an opening drive interception which was chaptalized on by their offense led by transfer starting quarterback Taisun Phommachanh. The new QB threw for 192-yards with a completion percentage of 59-percent completing 10-of-17 passing attempts. Phommachanh also put up some respectable numbers rushing, carrying the ball 16 times to the tune of 92-yards and one rushing touchdown displaying his dual threat capabilities.

The new starter did have a few noticeable issues with his play namely not fully allowing the plays to develop before he escaped the pocket, while also making some rather risky runs that wouldn’t bode well against an SEC caliber defense. The Minutemen have a decent running back room with some depth that could prove to be a bit of a nuisance at best.

The Minutemen had some significant difficulties with penalties in this matchup posting nine total penalties equaling a loss of 79-yards overall. The defense seemed to hold up decently with a capable pass rushing unit producing enough pressure to cause 2-interceptions, one of which was a pick-6. The defense did however give up several chunk-plays to the New Mexico State Aggies opening the door for them to keep the game competitive. This team is rather transfer heavy boasting a total of 27-transfer players on the roster most of which come from Power Five programs.

All in all, the Minutemen played well enough to earn them the away win against the Aggies, however, they do not look like a team who can walk into Jordan-Hare and perform the same.

New Mexico State Aggies:

The Aggies did not get off on the right foot during this matchup with their veteran quarterback Diego Pavia throwing an opening drive interception. However, the Aggies where able to string some success together on the field to keep the game interesting. Pavia managed to throw for a total of 248-yards to the tune of three touchdowns and two interceptions with a completion percentage of 59-percent as well. Pavia rushed for a total of 27-yards with 15-carries. During the first half Diego seemed to be pressing his game attempting to carry his team on his shoulders. The Aggies seemed to be entertaining a two-quarterback system bringing in backup transfer quarterback Eli Stowers several times throughout the game. The Aggies also have a decent running back room and tend to be a run heavy team running a fair number of three-back sets.

Their defense allowed 41 points to be scored on them and looked to be having a difficult time with containing the Minutemen throughout the game. They were able to break up some pass plays and place some pressure on the quarterback at times but missed multiple assignments on the field leading to some big plays. This does not bode well for them coming up against one of if not the most talented running back rooms in the country when they arrive to face off against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare.

Considering their matchup against the Tigers isn’t until later in the schedule the attrition of the college football season will play a factor as well. All in all, this team doesn’t look to be a surprise for Coach Hugh Freeze & Co. to be concerned with.

Auburn Daily Staff Thoughts:

Zac Blackerby: Zac believes that it will be entertaining to see how our defense handles both team’s mobile quarterbacks but doesn’t feel that they will pose any legitimate threat on the field against SEC talent.

Jack Singley: Jack doesn’t expect either of them to get past 10 points. Both have issues blocking and their QBs, though they are mobile will not have SEC speed to be playmakers in the game.

Lance Dawe: The Tigers will likely outmatch the Minutemen in a week given their inconsistencies in the trenches. Both teams may pose a bit of a problem with dual-threat quarterbacks, but should be shut down overall.

Our Auburn Tigers will face off against the UMass Minutemen as their season opener at Jordan-Hare on Saturday September 2^nd at 2:30 pm CT. Auburn family be sure to wear white for this matchup and WAR EAGLE!