Auburn opens as home favorite against Vanderbilt
After a comeback win on the road against Kentucky, Auburn opens as the favorite as it returns home to take on Vanderbilt. The Tigers, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, have opened as 5.5 point favorites over the Commodores.
Vanderbilt is 5-3 this season with key wins against Virginia Tech in the opener and a monster upset over Alabama. The Commodores have lost to Georgia State, Missouri in overtime, and this past weekend against Texas in a close one.
Auburn is coming off of its first conference win against Kentucky. The Tigers will return home after three games on the road.
Over the course of their history, Vanderbilt and Auburn have been evenly matched. The Tigers lead the all-time series by one victory, with their record being 22-21-1.
The Tigers have won the last two over the Commodores, including a comfortable win in 2023 where they defeated Vanderbilt 31-15. The series dates back to 1893.
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Rapid reaction to Auburn’s win over Kentucky
Stat(s) of the game: Auburn entered the game 72nd nationally in third-down conversions at only 39.47 percent. Against Kentucky, the Tigers converted 8-of-13 chances, including converting 7-of-10 chances of eight yards or less in the win. Five of those eight conversions came by the pass, with Payton Thorne going 7-for-7 for 63 yards on third down in the game.
Player(s) of the game: Jarquez Hunter. What a performance. After zero yards on one carry in the first quarter, Hunter exploded for 278 rushing yards on 23 carries over the final three quarters. Hunter’s rushing total is a new career high, his rushing attempts are a new career high, and his total yardage (297) is a new career high. Hunter also added two rushing touchdowns, one shy of tying his career high of three. THIRTEEN of Hunter’s touches resulted in first downs in the game, with two more resulting in touchdowns. Hunter’s rushing total is the most by an Auburn running back since Tre Mason rushed for 304 yards against Missouri in the 2013 SEC Championship game.
Best thing(s) that happened: Auburn’s third defensive possession of the game. Leading 10-0, Kentucky started their third drive at the Auburn 40-yard line. The Tigers were reeling. When they needed it the most, Auburn’s defense forced Kentucky backwards nine yards on three plays, forcing a critical punt. And while Auburn’s offense didn’t score on the next possession, they did gain 40 yards on nine plays, showing signs of waking up. The Auburn defense then forced another punt, followed by 10 straight points by the Tigers’ offense. That third Auburn defensive series of the game stopped the bleeding and help shift the momentum back in the right direction.
Worst thing(s) that happened: Two more special teams penalties. Once again, Auburn committed a penalty on special teams to start the game, pushing the offense back to their own 9-yard line to start their first offensive series. Later, Keionte Scott returned a punt 16 yards to the 47-yard line, but a holding call negated the return and pushed the Tigers back to their own 10-yard line. Special teams penalties are a common theme this season and they continued on Saturday.
