In preparation for Saturday’s season-opener between San Jose State and Auburn, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Spartans and Tigers.

Auburn offense vs. San Jose State defense

San Jose State is led by first-year defensive coordinator Greg Robinson who previously coached at Michigan and Texas.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, however, Robinson has transformed a defense that underperformed in 2013. The Spartans are improved in the basics: tackling, alignment and Robinson’s system makes best use of the Spartans’ talent.

San Jose State shut down their week 1 opponent, FCS North Dakota, holding them to just 10 points. North Dakota managed just 244 yards of total offense, and Robinson’s defense forced two turnovers. They also got off the field on 3rd down, holding North Dakota to 33 percent on 3rd down conversions.

They’re facing a different beast this week, though. Gus Malzahn’s Auburn offense is one of the most innovative in college football. Oh, and they’re an SEC team.

Expect the Tigers just get plenty of young guys in the game late with Auburn up big. Malzahn has stated they’re approaching this game like any other week, but there is a noticeable gap in the level of talent. This game provides Rhett Lashlee’s offense a chance to get firmed up in execution, while also figuring out the balance of playcalling with Nick Marshall expected to play the entirety of the game.

Cameron Artis-Payne, Corey Grant and even true freshman Roc Thomas should get plenty of carries, and look for Auburn to show us Marshall’s improvement in the passing game. A big night against Robinson’s Spartans secondary would be a great boost of confidence as the Tigers will head into a bye week before a big road test on Thursday, September 18 against Kansas State.