Auburn (4-1) travels to Nashville to take on Bobby Johnson's undefeated (4-0) Vanderbilt Commodores. Vanderbilt hasn't beaten Auburn since the 1955 Gator Bowl and hasn't started the season 5-0 since 1943, but that is all about to change.
Vanderbilt has many factors in its favor. To begin with, Vandy has averaged +2.25 turnovers a game. Through four games this year Vanderbilt has nine more takeaways than giveaways, and in a conference like the SEC that is unimaginable.
The Commodores' ability to force turnovers, and then turn them into points, gives them an edge in this matchup.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Not only does Vandy force turnovers, they commit little if any turnovers. So far this season, Commodore quarterback Chris Nickson has thrown no interceptions, and phenom running back Jared Hawkins has not fumbled either. It is apparent that Bobby Johnson has taught his team the importance of securing the football.
They are playing mistake free football in Nashville as they have been penalized just 11 times so far this season. Vanderbilt's 11 penalties are less than Auburn's 12 penalties in one game, on their way to averaging almost seven penalties a game.
The lingering question on so many minds is whether Vandy's defense stops Auburn's anemic offense. The Tigers are back to their War Eagle Offense after being plagued with offensive struggles. Is Vanderbilt up to the challenge of shutting down Auburn's offense? I believe they are.
There is no doubt this will be a typical SEC defensive game—a game that will have fans sitting nervously, filled with anticipation down to the final seconds. Vanderbilt will get a historic win, 17-14 over the Auburn Tigers.
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2 months ago
Great article, I too feel an upset a-comin!
Auburn still is undecided at QB, kind of an important position to be set at! Don't think AUB will be able to move the ball enough to contend with Vandys solid offense.
from 2 months ago
Yeah I agree. I just hope I'm writing with my head and not my heart. Who do you think Auburn will start Todd or Burns
from 2 months ago
I think you have been drinking some of the Tide's Crimson Kool-Aide. Have you seen Auburn's Defense? Obviously not.
from 2 months ago
Jeff-
"Have you seen Auburn's Defense? Obviously not."
Actually it's totally the contrast, I have the full comcast sports package and I watch every single college game, in it's entirety in "sparkling HD" haha. I also said nothing to downplay AUB strong defense, whatsoever.
One of my best friends walked on at AUB and made the team his freshman year as a TE, broke his foot, and remained on the sideline---but he does sit in on meetings, and he is very close with the coaches/players who keep him much informed.
I speak with him often, and he lets me in on the "inside" news, I assure you I know much more about current AUB football than MOST.
AUB has looked incredibly lethargic on offense Jeff, and according to my source, they still don't have much confidence in their QBs.
Todd is small and his arm is accurate but weak, he is very smart and always has his head in the playbook, he lacks the athletic ability that is almost a requirement among SEC QBs(tebow,stafford, JPW)
Burns, on the other hand, is very quick and athletic, and is def the crowd favorite(obvious when he comes into the game, the student section erupts) but he seems to lack confidence in his passing ability, and has yet put together a solid drive(granted, he hasn't had many chances).
If it was my choice, I would use the dual QB system, with some creativity thrown in(similar to Leak and Tebow in 06') their situations are similar, and I feel it would be successful.
from 2 months ago
Wow Cody I guess we were right!
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