Preview: #5 Auburn @ #20 Kansas State
Date: 9/18/2014
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Television: ESPN
Spread: Auburn (-8.5)
Players to Watch
Nick Marshall, quarterback (AUB): Marshall is still to find his rhythm this season after missing the first half of week one through suspension. Nevertheless, his style of play means he could have an astonishing game at any moment. However, on the ground he is averaging just under 6.5 yards per carry.
D’haquille Williams, wide receiver (AUB): The junior has emerged as Marshall’s number one target through three contests. His 13 receptions lead the team by some margin, while his 214 receiving yards and lone touchdown are impressive for the top junior college recruit from a year ago.
Jake Waters, quarterback (KS): Waters is achieving the impressive feat of leading his team in both passing and rushing. The senior dual-threat quarterback takes good care of the football thanks to a wise head on his shoulders. Auburn need to treat him with respect or he will punish them.
Tyler Lockett, wide receiver (KS): Lockett is one of the nation’s best receivers and is coming off a six-catch, 136-yard performance against Iowa State. Despite being undersized, he excels going down the field and making plays behind the defense.
Tigers’ Offense Vs Wildcats’ Defense
Auburn’s offense has fumbled the ball four times already this season and they must do a better job of holding onto the rock before somebody punishes them. What is more, if Marshall continues to struggle passing this could compound the problem with the coaches not able to invest trust in either the run or the pass.
The Wildcats must constrain the opposing offense and force Marshall into those mistakes when he tries to do something he can’t. The defense returns just one linebacker and one defensive back from last year so the unit is still finding its feet. However, a game with Auburn is no time to be second guessing your assignments.
Tigers’ Defense Vs Wildcats’ Offense
Waters gains his yards on the ground through designed runs and not the read-option alone. If the Tigers can slow down the opposing running game which is their primary weapon, they should be able to turn up the pressure and become aggressive in their pass defense.
Lockett will be Kansas State’s key to victory. He is a game-changer and will be a match-up nightmare for a defense that is known for giving up big plays. Furthermore, this is the visitors’ first true test on pass defense meaning any wrinkles are yet to be found.
Lockett will be Kansas State’s key to victory. He is a game-changer and will be a match-up nightmare for a defense that is known for giving up big plays. Furthermore, this is the visitors’ first true test on pass defense meaning any wrinkles are yet to be found.
Game Preview
Kansas State looked less than convincing against Iowa State but it is not uncommon for standards to slip against a lesser opposition. With home-field advantage and the thought of beating last year’s national championship losing finalists, they should find it easy to get motivated for this one.
Auburn has put points on the board with ease all be it against lesser opponents. This match should give both sides a strong indication of what they are working with.
Implications
For the home team this will be a chance to jump into the mix with the best of them. With such a tough schedule it will not define their season but would give them one huge jolt in the right direction. With Auburn playing in the SEC they are plagued by tough match-ups right the way through the season. A loss to the Wildcats would mean they must be near perfect from here until the end of the season if they are to reach the play-offs, which is almost impossible.
Prediction
Auburn, in theory, have too much talent throughout their team and coaching staff to be bamboozled by Waters for 60 minutes. AUB 31-20 KS
Prediction
Auburn, in theory, have too much talent throughout their team and coaching staff to be bamboozled by Waters for 60 minutes. AUB 31-20 KS