In preparation for Saturday’s matchup between Samford and Auburn, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Bulldogs and Tigers.

Auburn offense vs. Samford defense

Coming off a game in which Auburn totaled the fewest points scored, fewest total yards gained and suffered the largest margin of defeat under Gus Malzahn, the Tigers return home to face Samford on Senior Day.

After Saturday night, however, it’s not just the defense that’s struggling; the offense looked just as bad against Jeremy Pruitt’s Georgia defense.

Samford enters Jordan-Hare Stadium with a defense that ranks second in the FCS in pass defense, and No. 14 in scoring defense. Make no mistake, there will be a huge talent gap on Saturday evening, but the Tigers’ confidence is shot coming off a loss in which players and coaches have admitted the Texas A&M defeat carried over.

Auburn desperately needs a strong performance this week ahead of the showdown with cross-state rival Alabama on Thanksgiving weekend.