Vanderbilt-Auburn: Commodores Will Shine Under ESPN Spotlight

Auburn Tigers (4-1) @ Vanderbilt Commodores (4-0)

Line: Auburn -4

ESPN GameDay will visit Vanderbilt for the first time ever as the Commodores look to inch closer to ending a bowl drought that extends back to the early '80s. However, Auburn comes in as the favorite after dispatching Tennessee at home last week 14-12.

Auburn Offense vs. Vanderbilt Defense

Auburn's new spread offense under OC Tony Franklin has failed to deliver thus far. The Tigers managed just three points earlier this season against Miss State and needed a defensive touchdown to beat Tennessee last week.

QB Chris Todd has split time with backup Kodi Burns, but it has not been enough to spark Auburn on offense. The running game has done pretty well, though, led by Ben Tate.

Right now, Auburn's O-line is struggling with the new blocking schemes, and they do not have the receivers or quarterback to run this offense.

Vanderbilt's defense has always been solid under Bobby Johnson, keeping them in many of those close games they have lost over the years. This season, Vandy has been giving up yards but has done a really good job of forcing turnovers and keeping their opponents off the scoreboard.

However, the 124 YPG allowed on the ground is concerning against an Auburn team rushing for 155 YPG this season.

Key: Can Vanderbilt's defense continue to generate turnovers?

Vanderbilt Offense vs. Auburn Defense

Bobby Johnson has turned to more of an option-based attack with Chris Nickson under center. The 'Dores are averaging over 200 YPG on the ground this season, but a measly 80 through the air each game.

Vandy's offense has done an excellent job of turning opponents' turnovers into points, averaging close to 30 PPG on under 300 YPG of offense.

While the Auburn offense struggles, the defense has not missed a beat under new DC Paul Rhoads, scoring touchdowns in each of the last two games. This defense has done an exceptional job against the pass, allowing just 155 YPG. This defense also leads the nation in third down conversion percentage.

Key: Can Vanderbilt open up the offense when Auburn stacks the box?

Prediction

Vanderbilt is sky high with their top 25 ranking and ESPN GameDay coming to Nashville. Still, Vegas is not giving Vandy much respect as a home underdog to an Auburn team that has not been overly impressive this year.

Vandy has had really good starts before under Bobby Johnson, but has choked in the big games. Auburn’s offense is not making significant improvement and now has two QBs running their offense, which means they don’t have any good ones.

If Vanderbilt can keep their turnovers in their favor, like they have all year, they have a good chance in this one. But if they give the ball up and Auburn gets points off them, then the Commodore ship could sink under the spotlight.

I just cannot trust Auburn's offense enough to go and win on the road right now.

Vanderbilt 20, Auburn 17

Vanderbilt Covers

Last Week: 2-1 ATS, 1-2 SU

Season: 13-5-1 ATS, 12-7 SU

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