After a well-deserved 2-week hiatus following their impressive victory over Notre Dame, Mike Elko and the No. 9 Texas A&M Aggies are ready to dive back into SEC action. With upcoming matchups against Mississippi State and Florida, the Aggies have a golden opportunity to solidify their standing but lurking in the shadows is Auburn.
The Tigers are looking to shake off a recent loss to the Sooners and are determined to challenge a strong Aggie squad. FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt previewed the game during his podcast on Thursday.
He said A&M should have an edge coming off a bye while Auburn is coming off an emotional loss to Oklahoma, wherein the Tigers felt like they were slighted by the officiating crew. He said focus could be an issue.
“A&M’s passing game was elite against Notre Dame. Elite,” Klatt said. “I thought Marcel Reed was fantastic. I thought (Mario Craver) was the fastest guy on the field and, in a lot of ways, played as explosive as any player in college football on the outside.”
Despite their struggles in Norman, Auburn’s defense has been nothing short of stellar. Their run defense has proven impenetrable, allowing just 1.9 yards per carry, and their pass rush has created significant disruptions behind opposing lines.
And yet, Klatt cautions that Auburn’s lack of focus could jeopardize their chances for another SEC road win.
“This is an Auburn team that gave up 400 yards to Baylor through the air. I think A&M wins this game and I dont think 6.5 (points) is enough,” Klatt said. “Back-to-back road games, this environment, a clear weakness in the pass defense for Auburn — as we saw against Baylor in the opening game of the season. Marcel Reed, with the confidence he is getting. Off a bye, they get healthy, they get energized, and they can focus. Craver on the outside. (KC) Concepcion on the outside. Yes. Yes. Give me A&M. They win this game. I’ll take them by a score, 31-24.”
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. from Kyle Field in College Station.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
