welcome to the party: auburn vs vanderbilt game preview

freshman Jared Curtis had a roller-coaster of a first two weeks as a starter. Despite playing well, it looked like Curtis had led his Commodores' into a close loss against NC State. However, a play that I have never seen before, and will likely never see again occurred. NC State QB CJ Bailey fumbled with 0:02 on the clock, practically handing Vanderbilt a 3-0 start to the year. Emotions rode high and Curtis did lead his team to a victory. However, after a tough loss against Florida a week ago, Auburn is coming.

The numbers from a week ago truthfully do not tell the story of how elite this Auburn defense is. Led by S Eric Winters, LB Elijah Melendez, DE Da'Shawn Womack, and more, this Auburn defense is one of the best groups in the country.

Despite struggling in the teams SEC opener against Florida, the Tigers come into this game allowing just 23 points a game, and ranking as a top 30 rushing defense in the country even after letting Florida star RB Javan Baugh run all over them a week ago. New HC Alex Golesh always had extremely elite rushing defenses at South Florida, famously limiting Alabama to less than 20 first half rushing yards just three seasons ago, and he has brought the same philosophy to the Plains.

The Commodore's offense comes into this matchup ranked at an abysmal #100 in total rushing offense, and with a freshman QB that has no SEC starts under his belt, I expect the Tigers to completely disrespect Vanderbilt's rushing attack and make Jared Curtis beat them through the air by stacking the box and keeing in on the run. RB Sedrick Alexander will likely have his touches limited on Saturday for the Commodores offense.

Circle the WR duo of Junior Sherrill and Ja'cory Thomas as key players for this Vanderbilt offense against Auburn. Sherill returns for his third year as a starter on the outside in Nashville while Thomas transferred in from Old Dominion over the offseason, where he tallied 700+ yards a year ago. While Auburns run defense has been elite, the secondary has struggled to start the year. If Sherrill and Thomas can take the top off, expect Curtis to settle in.

On offense for the Tigers, this a strength on strength matchup. The two-headed monster of Jeremiah Cobb and Byrum Brown basically gives the Tigers two running-backs, and they use each often. Despite Brown and Cobb's rushing success though, they have a tall task ahead. Vanderbilt comes in with one of the countries best rush defenses. The Commodores have only allowed 3.8 yards per carry to start the year and quietly have one of the countries strongest front seven's.

Before the season, Auburn HC Alex Golesh stated that his team was going to "run the piss out of the ball" and against like Vanderbilt, this is his offenses first real test to do. Byrum Brown and Jeremiah Cobb will get their carries and fans should expect the duo to combine for at least 30 touches. However, as it will be the whole year for a team with 9/11 starters being transfers, this Auburn team will live and die by the run on Saturday. The magic number for this Auburn rushing attack is 200 yards. If the Tigers can run for 200+, I trust the Tigers defense to reign in a true freshman QB.

However, if Auburn cannot establish the run early, they simply are not built to come back. This game will come down to Vanderbilt's defensive line and Auburn's secondary. Whichever position group plays better will win

Writer's Prediction: The experience and defense of Auburn will be too much for a Vanderbilt team that was lucky to escape NC States with a win. Expect lots of pressure and stacked boxes accross from Jared Curtis, and for a heavy dose of stacked boxes from this Auburn defense. Expect the Tigers to get back on track and win this football game.