Week 10 Preview: Auburn Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Auburn hosts the Kentucky Wildcats this weekend, marking the first time the Tigers have been favored in SEC play this season. With both programs facing head coach uncertainty, Auburn hopes to build momentum heading into important matchups with Vanderbilt and Alabama.

How to watch:
Date: Saturday, Nov. 1 | Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn, AL)
TV: SEC Network | Live Stream: ESPN+

Auburn Quarterback Battle: Looking for a Spark

Auburn's practice this week has been an open competition at quarterback. Last week against Arkansas, Jackson Arnold was benched after a costly goal-line pick-six. Ashton Daniels stepped up and went 6-for-8 with 77 yards through the air and 35 yards on the ground.

Through two practices, there’s still no clear front-runner for Saturday. Whether that’s because both QBs have practiced well or Freeze is keeping his cards close to the vest, he is expected to announce the starter Friday. Arnold has looked sharp in Auburn’s now-iconic scripted opening drives, even if much of that success stems from Jeremiah Cobb’s impact, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets the first crack.

Freeze addressed the quarterback situation this week, saying:

“If you look how Jackson’s opened the last three games has been pretty phenomenal, and he’s played pretty flawless in those, but then in other moments, we just haven’t gotten over the hump and won games,” Freeze continued. “And ultimately we all get judged on what the win-loss deal says on the scoreboard. … We’re looking for kind of a spark, and Ashton, I think, has the capacity to play really well too. So, it’s going to be a tough call, (I’m) not quite ready to make it yet, but I have confidence in both of them.”

Although Daniels played well, it was the Jeremiah Cobb show for most of the game. No matter who starts at quarterback, Cobb should remain the focal point of the offense. With Durell Robinson ready to return, Freeze has depth again with Cobb, Mabson, and Robinson all available.

Still, Kentucky’s defense is physical up front, ranking 27th nationally in rushing defense and holding opponents to just 3.6 yards per carry. Auburn will need to find balance through the air to loosen things up, but the good news is that Cam Coleman (ankle) and Malcolm Simmons (knee) are both expected to play.

Two Offenses Searching for Answers

Kentucky ranks 94th nationally in scoring offense at 24.1 points per game and just 19.4 points per game against SEC opponents. Auburn isn’t far ahead, sitting 91st at 24.8 points per game and averaging 17.4 in conference play.

Don’t let Kentucky’s offensive ranking fool you. The Wildcats have shown signs of life in October. After benching former Auburn quarterback Zach Calzada, redshirt freshman Cutter Boley has shown real promise, throwing five touchdowns against Tennessee and keeping the game close until just before halftime. Over his last six starts, Boley is completing 66.5% of his passes (105-of-158) for 1,215 yards, ranking fifth in the SEC and 34th nationally in completion percentage.

Kentucky’s offense has put up big numbers in its last two games, but Auburn’s defense will look to halt that momentum. Running the ball won’t be the answer for the Wildcats — Auburn ranks fourth nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 2.5 yards per carry. Tennessee’s defense is porous; Auburn’s isn’t. The Tigers’ elite pass rush should be able to pressure Boley and make him uncomfortable throughout the night.

Injury Report

Final Thoughts and Predictions

Both teams are probably better than their records indicate, but Auburn is the more talented program. This is a prime opportunity for the Tigers to build momentum with back-to-back SEC wins before playing against Vanderbilt.

Hopefully, Freeze is confident in whichever quarterback he chooses to lead the offense. These are valuable reps ahead of Vanderbilt and shouldn’t be wasted.

My prediction for the "I Want My Coach Fired and Replaced With Jon Sumrall Bowl":
Auburn 27 - Kentucky 17