Auburn Wire Picks: Who wins Auburn vs. Kentucky?

The staff of Auburn Wire picks who will win the battle between the Tigers and Wildcats on Saturday.

College football season is finally here and Auburn will host Kentucky in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday as the Tigers look to start the 2020 season 1-0.

The Wildcats bring in a veteran offensive line and a talented team that will challenge Gus Malzahn’s side. So who wins? The staff at Auburn Wire have made their predictions.

Shea Brennaman

Auburn 27, Kentucky 17

I think Kentucky will be able to score against Auburn due to the protection they bring back with their offensive line, but Kentucky’s defense has absolutely no idea what to expect from Auburn’s offense (nobody does). Kentucky returns eight starters to a defense that finished second in the country last year in passing yards allowed, but 64th in rushing defense. I think Auburn’s secret to success here is speed. The Tigers will get their run game started early to wear out the Wildcats’ defense, this game will be close but I’m sticking to the 10 point spread here.
Breakout stars for Auburn: Anthony Schwartz, Shaun Shivers

JD McCarthy

Auburn 24, Kentucky 17

Auburn is replacing two generational talents on the defensive line in Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson and the defense will immediately be put to the test by a Kentucky offense that boost one of the top offensive lines in the country and a trio of talented backs. While Kentucky will have some success on the ground, K.J. Britt and Co. will be able to hold it in check.

Auburn fans are eager to watch Auburn’s offense under now offensive coordinator Chad Morris and a revamped passing attack. Bo Nix, Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz will have a tough matchup with a secondary that allowed the second-fewest passing yards but will make enough to pull out the victory.

Brian Stultz

Auburn 28, Kentucky 20

All that has been talked about it seems this fall has been the explosiveness of Chad Morris’ offense and how it will transform the Tigers. Well, it is time to see if that is truly the case. Kentucky brings in a talented and veteran team that should be able to give Auburn some fits but, when it comes down to it, I believe Bo Nix and the running game for Auburn will be too much for the Wildcats.