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Kickoff: Noon EST Thursday
Auburn enters Thursday’s Outback Bowl against Wisconsin a team looking to rebound after losing two of its final three regular season games.
The Tigers limped through a program-worst six-game SEC stretch from mid-October on, and now are tasked with stopping a Heisman finalist running back.
Auburn will be without its leading receiver — junior wideout Duke Williams is suspended — but believes opportunity exists for big plays against the Badgers defense.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
- How does the Auburn offense respond after a record-setting offensive performance?
- Can the defense show signs of life under interim defensive coordinator Charlie Harbison?
- How do Nick Marshall, Cameron Artis-Payne and Sammie Coates perform in their final games?
- Can Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez — replacing the departed Gary Andersen — inject some life into the Badgers?
- Will Wisconsin be able to respond after a beatdown in the Big Ten Championship Game?
Auburn
Motivation: The Tigers feel they have unfinished business of which to resolve, and prove they’ve moved past the disappointing back half of the schedule. Reports out of Auburn’s camp have been that bowl preparations have intensified with the arrival of new defensive coordinator, and a win on Thursday would vault the Tigers to the offseason.
If You’ve Never Seen Them: Auburn got off to a 7-1 start this season behind its typical offense and what looked to be an improved defense. However, a defensive meltdown resulted in four losses in its final six games while allowing at least 31 points in each conference game.
Weakness: The front four. The Tigers registered just 20 sacks this season, ranked 11th in the league. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the defensive line. Auburn finished eighth in rush defense, an average performance from what had been considered the strength of the unit.
Wisconsin
Motivation: The Badgers are out to prove the 59-0 housing at the hands of Ohio State was an abberation, and then their 10-win season was well-earned. The head coach left prior to bowl practices beginning, leading players to call on athletic director — and longtime head coach — Barry Alvarez to return to the sidelines.
If You’ve Never Seen Them: The Badgers rode the legs of Gordon to 10 wins during the 2014 campaign. He rushed for 2,336 yards while Wisconsin ranked fourth in the FBS in rushing averaging 314.0 yards per game.
Weakness: Quarterback. The combination of Joel Stave and Tanner McEvoy tag-teamed under center this season for the Badgers with Stave operating the passing game and McEvoy serving as the running game. Neither player has the athleticism to stretch opposing defenses, leaving Gordon to carry the load.
Westgate SuperBook Line: Auburn -6.5
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
