Auburn-Tennesee: Gene Chizik and Lane Kiffin to Square Off In Knoxville

Auburn has managed to go undefeated for the first four games under new management and a high octane offense by Gus Malzahn.

Tennesee has won two games against non-conference opponents with an impressive showing against the Florida Gators two weeks ago.

Saturday, these two teams will match strength vs. strength.

Auburn's Offense vs. Tennessee's Defense.

While that matchup is garnering the most attention, there a few additional points that need to be made in choosing the winner of this SEC battle:

1.  Johnathan Crompton

He has shown he can lead the Volunteers down the field for scores.  But at other times, he's shown he can give the game away with one toss of his arm.

In the Vols' two losses on the season, Crompton has thrown for 194 yards and six interceptions. 

Not very flattering numbers if you want to take your team to their first conference win of the season.  On the hot seat, will Crompton finally showcase his skill against the Auburn defense?

Auburn's defense, though susceptible at times to big plays, has made the plays when they have counted.  They lead the league with eight interceptions, and have routinely  given the Tiger offense opportunities to score.

If Tennesee has any opportunity to win, it either needs Crompton play better, or bench him so he doesn't lose the game for the Volunteers.

2. Auburn Must Improve on Special Teams

Speaking of improving, Auburn's special teams are the glaring problem in the four weeks the Tigers have played. 

Last week vs. Ball State, the first punt by the Cardinals was muffed by Auburn, and led to an easy touchdown by a less than impressive football team.  Auburn's kickoff coverage must improve as well, giving teams decent to great field position as the opponent's offense takes the field. 

A turnover by the special teams will keep the Volunteers in the game, and with home field advantage, that could be enough for a Vol victory.

3.  How Bout That Auburn Offense?

Auburn's offense has exceeded all early expectations.  With essentially the same group of players, the Tigers are only 28 points away from MATCHING last year's total for points scored.

Props go to Malzahn and the coaching staff for bringing the Tigers this far, but the competition ramps up against the Volunteers' defense.

Vol defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin impressed many people with their performance against the Florida Gators.  Eric Berry could be a major factor in how Auburn's passing attack is implemented in Knoxville. 

4.  Auburn's First Test on the Road

It's hard winning games in the SEC.  Winning them on the road almost takes an act of God to accomplish.

Auburn's young squad will go into their first hostile environment of the 2009 season, and it will be interesting to see how the team responds. 

For Auburn to be successful, quieting the crowd early and often will aid in their possible second conference win.

Final Analysis:

The biggest factor in this game will be how Crompton plays.  If he manages to hit his receivers and open up the playbook, they will have a great shot at beating the Tigers.

However, if Crompton turns the ball over to the Tiger defense, Auburn will be able to capitalize on the Vols' miscues. 

Auburn must not kill themselves with bad special teams play and penalties.  Any negative impact against the Tigers will only fuel the Vols.

In short, I see Crompton giving up at least two interceptions to the Tiger defense, allowing short field situations in which the Tigers should score.  Tennessee's defense will hold Auburn from a huge offensive game, but they won't be able to stop both Chris Todd and the Tiger rushing attack led by Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb.

Auburn will walk out of Knoxville 5-0, with the Hogs on the horizon.

Auburn 31, Tennessee 21