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The Auburn Tigers appear to have regained composure heading into the middle part of the season.
The Tigers are now 4-1 and up to No. 12 in the AP Poll. Auburn looked over powered in an early season loss to Auburn before struggling to a 24-10 win over Mercer at home.
Since that time, QB Jarrett Stidham and the offense has clicked while starting 2-0 in the SEC. Those wins came over Missouri and Mississippi State by a combined score of 100-24.
Auburn looks much improved, but the Tigers are still chasing Alabama in the SEC West. Nevertheless, ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Tigers a good chance of heading into the Iron Bowl with a strong record and high ranking.
The Tigers are favored in every game the rest of the way with the exception of the Iron Bowl. Alabama still looks like top dog in the SEC, and the Tigers are projected at just a 25.4% chance to knock off the Crimson Tide. Still, crazy things happen in rivalry games, and Auburn will benefit from playing at home against Alabama. There is also the extra added component that a trip to the SEC Championship Game may be on the line when they meet.
Auburn’s next toughest game remaining is against No. 5 Georgia. The Bulldogs are ranked ahead of the Tigers in the AP Poll, but FPI actually has Auburn at No. 8 and Georgia at No. 9. Auburn will again benefit from playing at home in another rivalry game. The Tigers are favored at 60.4% in the matchup.
The Tigers still have a ways to go this season, but two of Auburn’s last three games will decide what the team can accomplish this year. Wins over Georgia and Alabama would put the Tigers in position to play for the SEC Championship and give them a shot at the College Football Playoff.
You can see Auburn’s full FPI breakdown here.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
