Four consecutive losses are sitting on the back of the Auburn Tigers and head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] as they prepare for their final game in October. While things may be looking up in some aspects of the game, the Tigers keep finding ways to lose when they can no longer afford it.
That luck must turn around on Saturday as Auburn takes on the Kentucky Wildcats, a game that looks to be fairly even according to the metrics.
According to the ESPN Football Power Index and matchup predictor, the Tigers are not currently favored to win, having a 48.7% chance to beat the Wildcats on the road. That is their highest favorability in a while, however, trying to use it to their advantage.
The numbers have stayed the same for the most part. BetMGM shows Kentucky as a 2.5-point favorite, not having changed since the line opened. The point total has increased, though, rising from 42.5 to 43.5, keeping the narrative that neither of these offenses will score much.
The Wildcats’ offense is currently ranked No. 15 in the SEC with just an average of 319.9 yards per game, while Auburn is sitting over a full 100 yards ahead at 421.9 (No. 9). It also sits dead last in passing offense and points scored not being able to move the ball down the field on many occasions.
Kentucky’s defense, however, has kept it in many games and is strong, similar to Missouri. The Wildcats rank in the top five in the conference in total defense, passing defense, and rushing defense, containing opponents and limiting yard production consistently throughout this year.
The Tigers will meet Kentucky in their final road game of this month-long stretch, kicking off at 6:45 p.m. CST at Kroger Field on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
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