Week 11 Preview: Auburn Tigers vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

The Tigers travel to Nashville after parting ways with Hugh Freeze, looking to rebound from their worst offensive performance of the season. Will Auburn find new life under interim head coach DJ Durkin, or will the same issues resurface after a three-point showing against Kentucky?

How to watch:
Date: Saturday, Nov. 8 | Time: 4:00 PM ET
Location: FirstBank Stadium (Nashville, TN)
TV: ESPN | Live Stream: ESPN+

A New Offense

With Hugh Freeze fired, DJ Durkin steps in as interim head coach, and so far, things are sounding positive. In a move towards stability, Auburn no longer has three different playcallers. Durkin said offensive coordinator Derrick Nix will take over all playcalling duties for the remainder of the season.

“Derrick Nix will be the play caller, he’ll be the play caller every down,” Durkin said. “He’s the sole playcaller, and I have extreme confidence in Derrick. Derrick and I have worked together at previous stops as well. Again, another great person, great coach. I think the players really responded to him, and they understand where he’s coming from. I think Derrick’s going to do a great job, and we will be aggressive in everything we do.”

That’s a sharp contrast to Auburn’s previous playcalling-by-committee system, where Nix handled first downs, Kent Austin handled third downs, and Freeze held final say. That winning recipe produced just 15 points per game in SEC play.

Despite not leading a touchdown drive this season, Ashton Daniels will start again for Auburn on Saturday at Vanderbilt. Durkin called Daniels the team’s best option to win, and said he’s had a strong week of preparation. Through two games, Daniels is 19-for-36 (52.8%) for 185 yards.

How Auburn Wins

If DJ Durkin wants to keep his name in the mix for the full-time job, it starts with beating Vanderbilt. The story hasn’t changed much all season: Vanderbilt holds the edge on offense and at quarterback, while Auburn’s advantage lies on defense. Auburn may be free from Hugh Freeze, but Diego Pavia is still at Vanderbilt.

Offense
First and foremost, Auburn's offense is going to need to find a pulse in Nashville. That starts up front, with Auburn’s offensive line keeping Daniels upright against Vanderbilt’s pressure threats in Khordae Sydnor and Miles Capers. Vanderbilt has a stout run defense ranking 20th in the nation and a passing defense of 103rd, and with nothing to lose, this might finally be the week we see deep shots to Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr.

It’s difficult to project exactly how Auburn’s offense will operate under Derrick Nix’s full control. Nix has been part of the planning all season, but this is the first time the playbook will fully reflect his vision.

Defense
Auburn’s defense is once again tasked with keeping the game close, as it has all year. The unit still hasn’t allowed more than 24 points in a game this season, but it’ll have its hands full against Vanderbilt’s efficient offense led by Diego Pavia. The Commodores are a run-first team, which plays directly into one of Auburn’s defensive strengths.

Vanderbilt’s offensive numbers look solid on paper, but they’re inflated after matchups with Charleston Southern, Georgia State, and Utah State. Against tougher competition like Alabama and Missouri, the Commodores managed just 31 combined points, and Auburn’s defense is better than both of those units.

Vanderbilt’s offensive line has also struggled in pass protection, especially against Texas last week and Missouri earlier in the season. Texas racked up six sacks on Pavia alone.

The Commodores are 0-2 when they’re held under 135 rushing yards, and only one Auburn opponent, South Alabama, has eclipsed that mark this year.

Injury Report

As a key communicator in Auburn's secondary, Champ Anthony is a big loss for Auburn's defense. He'll still be on the sidelines, so his leadership should help out back-ups Jahquez Robinson and true freshman Anquon Fagans as they try to slow down the Vanderbilt attack.

Final Thoughts

Judging from social media buzz, the firing of Hugh Freeze has galvanized this team with players coming out in full support of DJ Durkin, with Keyron Crawford calling Durkin the team's best coach.

However, I'm not sure this is going to be enough to stop Vanderbilt in Music City. Auburn's defense is going to get looks from Diego Pavia that they have not seen all year. The Tigers' defense should be able to pressure Pavia. But, when the pocket breaks down, he's at his best and Auburn's secondary may not hold long enough to contain him.

Auburn will be able to keep it close, though. The Tigers may look better under Durkin, but a road win in Nashville still feels out of reach.

My Prediction:
Vanderbilt 23, Auburn 17