It is game week for the Auburn Tigers, their first one since falling on the road to No. 12 Ole Miss, 48-34, on Oct. 15.
Auburn used the bye week to relax, get healthy and began focusing on finishing this season strong. The bye week came at a good time. Not only due to Auburn’s recent struggles, but also due to its remaining schedule.
The most recent USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll was released on Sunday and revealed a stunning revelation… Auburn is set to face just one ranked opponent over the season’s final five weeks.
Prior to week eight’s action, there were two remaining ranked opponents on Auburn’s schedule, with two more on the cusp of earning a top 25 ranking. However, things have bounced positively for Auburn.
The No. 24 Mississippi State Bulldogs looked like a team that found a working identity in the early portion of the schedule, but they extended their losing streak to two games last Saturday by losing to No. 6 Alabama, 30-6 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The loss bounced the Bulldogs from the rankings, while Alabama found confidence after suffering an agonizing loss to No. 3 Tennessee on Oct. 15.
Despite earning the win, the Crimson Tide remains at No. 6 in the poll. The good news for Auburn is that Alabama will be the next ranked opponent that they will face.
Texas A&M has also fallen from grace since the beginning of the season. The Aggies began the season ranked No. 7 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, but a loss to Appalachian State in week two has sent them into a downward spiral, most recently losing to South Carolina on Saturday.
Then, there’s Auburn’s next opponent, the Arkansas Razorbacks. Arkansas joined Auburn by taking its bye week last week and snapped a three-game losing skid by knocking off BYU just before the break. The Razorbacks have been vulnerable in both the secondary, as well as offensive playcalling. A solid game plan could give Auburn an advantage in the game.
Obviously, Auburn will have to hold up their end of the deal. As long as they can scheme well, limit mistakes, and make the most of the opportunities that they are given, the Tigers have the chance to right the ship and end the season with a bowl bid.
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