The home opener has come and gone for the Auburn Tigers, as Alex Golesh’s squad enters this weekend with a 2-0 record after taking down Southern Miss 43-8.
Despite the 35-point victory, Golesh was unsatisfied with the way things played out, as there were little things the Tigers did not fully execute on, as well as 10 penalties that were called on them throughout the night.
Auburn spent all week looking to work out the kinks that resulted of its Week 2 performance, trying to fix mistakes it will not be able to make against the Florida Gators in the SEC opener on Saturday.
Florida is also 2-0 on the year, coming off of a 52-3 thrashing of Campbell in Gainesville in a game that saw Vernell Brown III take back-to-back punt returns to the house.
Heading into the action, the Tigers are a 2.5-point underdog, with the over/under being set at 53.5 points for the night. The game is set for 6 p.m. CST on ESPN.
The Auburn Undercover staff is “Predicting the Script” for Week 3, providing our predictions for the game between Auburn and Florida, our game of the week and more.
Current standings:
1. Caleb (16-4)
T-2. Tyler, Ryan and Ronnie (15-5)
5. Jay (11-9)
Auburn vs. Florida (-2.5)
Tyler: Auburn
Throughout the week, I battled back and forth on who I thought was going to win what should be an instant classic between two old rivals. As is classic fashion in Jordan-Hare Stadium, I think this game will come down to the last couple of possessions in the fourth quarter.
Florida running back Jadan Baugh will be what defines the tone of this game early, with the Tigers defense having a challenge on their hands. However, Byrum Brown is also going to have to set the pace for his offense, and with the tempo, he has shown calmness in quick situations thus far.
In the end, Auburn’s ability to lead and manage time in the last two minutes of the game will make the difference. The defense will make a stop to get the ball back to the offense, and Brown will methodically lead the offense to gain first downs, cementing the Tigers’ first home SEC win since 2024.
Ryan: Auburn
The home field advantage for the Tigers is going to be what makes the difference in this game. Auburn has a legit atmosphere that will help swing things in their favor by the end of the night. On top of that, the Tigers have a better quarterback in Byrum Brown than Florida does in Aaron Philo. Auburn will win by a field goal in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Caleb: Auburn
This is one of the best matchups in college football—and one that hasn’t happened that often this century.
It’s an exciting one with Alex Golesh meeting Jon Sumrall, with both teams seeking to keep their perfect records. Florida’s offense is clicking, while Golesh said he was sick over how many points Auburn’s offense left on the table last week.
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ defense has been a strong suit of this team and will certainly be the biggest challenge for Aaron Philo and Jadan Baugh have faced this far into the season.
This one is tough, but I think the Auburn defense slows down Philo and Baugh. I think the atmosphere of Jordan-Hare generates momentum for Auburn. And I think the Tigers win this one 23-17.
Jay: Auburn
I think this will be a back and forth game. This is arguably Auburn's biggest test of the young season. The Tigers do have the luxury of having played a Power Four opponent in Baylor. Florida has not been tested as the Gators picked up convincing wins over Florida Atlantic and Campbell.
It's also the Gators first road game of the year. All of these factors make me believe Auburn will win. It's not going to be easy, but I am inspired of how the team found a way to win against Baylor and I think they'll find a way to win Saturday.
Ronnie: Auburn
This feels like a game that stays tight into the fourth quarter. Auburn has been the more consistent team defensively through the first two weeks, and that gives the Tigers a chance to control the game if they can limit Jadan Baugh and keep Florida from generating explosive plays. The biggest question for Auburn is whether Byrum Brown and the offense can produce enough against a Florida defense that should present a much different challenge than Southern Miss.
Playing at Jordan-Hare Stadium at night matters, especially in a matchup between two teams that appear fairly evenly matched. I expect Auburn to lean on its defense, run the football and try to avoid putting Brown in obvious passing situations. Florida will make some plays, but Auburn does enough late to win a close one and start SEC play with a significant victory.
GAME OF THE WEEK:
Ole Miss vs. LSU (-3)
Tyler: Ole Miss
In big games where a lot has been on the line for the Rebels, things have not gone entirely their way in the regular season. Last season, Ole Miss was finally able to break over the hump against Georgia in the College Football Playoff with Pete Golding leading the charge alongside Trinidad Chambliss. In this big game, I think Chambliss will be the one that delivers again, and the Rebels send Lane Kiffin packing in a close one on Saturday night in Oxford.
Ryan: Ole Miss
Ole Miss isn’t going to let Lane out alive. They are out for blood. This game will be a shootout. From Morgan Freeman on College Gameday to triumph at the end, it will be a historic day of redemption for the Rebels.
Caleb: LSU
All eyes will be on Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford this week. Sam Leavitt is listed as questionable for this one, but is anyone buying that the LSU quarterback won’t play? I’m not.
I’m picking LSU and Kiffin to break hearts of the Ole Miss faithful once again. Give me the Tigers.
Jay: LSU
This will be LSU's first true road game. Ole Miss had a closer game against a Power Four opponent in Louisville. I think the Rebels make it closer than some people think, but in the end, I think the Tigers will win.
Ronnie: LSU
There was already plenty at stake in this rivalry before the Lane Kiffin saga added another layer to it. LSU has the more talented roster, particularly along the line of scrimmage, while Ole Miss will have the advantage of playing in Oxford in what should be an emotional environment. The question is whether all the attention surrounding Kiffin becomes a distraction for the Rebels or something they rally around, but ultimately I think LSU's talent and depth up front will be the difference in a game that goes down to the fourth quarter.
Other games:
Texas Tech (-7.5) vs. Houston - Sept. 18
Tyler: Texas Tech
Ryan: Houston
Caleb: Texas Tech
Jay: Houston
Ronnie: Texas Tech
Clemson (-3.5) vs. North Carolina
Tyler: North Carolina
Ryan: North Carolina
Caleb: North Carolina
Jay: Clemson
Ronnie: Clemson
Vanderbilt (-3) vs. North Carolina State
Tyler: Vanderbilt
Ryan: Vanderbilt
Caleb: Vanderbilt
Jay: Vanderbilt
Ronnie: Vanderbilt
Louisville (-1.5) vs. SMU
Tyler: SMU
Ryan: SMU
Caleb: Louisville
Jay: SMU
Ronnie: SMU
South Carolina (-4) vs. Mississippi State
Tyler: Mississippi State
Ryan: Mississippi State
Caleb: Mississippi State
Jay: South Carolina
Ronnie: South Carolina
Old Dominion (-3) vs. East Carolina
Tyler: Old Dominion
Ryan: Old Dominion
Caleb: Old Dominion
Jay: East Carolina
Ronnie: Old Dominion
Northwestern (-3.5) vs. Colorado
Tyler: Colorado
Ryan: Northwestern
Caleb: Colorado
Jay: Colorado
Ronnie: Northwestern
Maryland vs. Virginia Tech (-3)
Tyler: Virginia Tech
Ryan: Virginia Tech
Caleb: Virginia Tech
Jay: Maryland
Ronnie: Virginia Tech
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
