San Jose State at Auburn
Data: SJSU (1-0, 0-0 Mountain West); Auburn (1-0, 0-0 SEC)
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m., Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
Tv: ESPNU
Radio: KTRB (860 AM)
Sequence historical past: The Spartans are winless in two visits to Auburn. SJSU, underneath Ron Caragher, misplaced 59-13 in 2014 when the Tigers had been ranked No. 5 within the nation, and 35-21 the next season.
Storylines: The Spartans are three-touchdown underdogs in opposition to the Tigers, however SJSU received the final time Brent Brennan took them to SEC nation: 31-24 at Arkansas in 2019. … SJSU followers ought to be accustomed to Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin, who was a quarterback at Boise State within the late Nineties, was an assistant from 2001-10, and was the Broncos head coach from 2014–20. Harsin went 3-1 in opposition to the Spartans, however his ultimate recreation at his alma mater was a loss to San Jose State within the 2020 Mountain West Championship Recreation. He was employed by Auburn three days later. … Auburn wasn’t ranked within the preseason Prime 25 for the second straight season, however the Spartans must make a major across-the-board enchancment after having to rally within the ultimate minute to get previous Portland State 21-17 within the opener.
Matchup to observe: San Jose State’s protection vs. RB Tank Bigsby. The Spartans’ veteran protection actually didn’t dominate Portland State within the opener, however pressured three turnovers and made massive performs when it mattered. The largest problem Saturday is a junior tailback who rushed for over 1,000 yards final season and ran for 147 yards on simply 16 carries in Auburn’s opener. If the Spartans can decelerate Bigsby, they’d in all probability take their possibilities with Auburn relying extra closely on its quarterbacks. TJ Finley is the starter and was efficient early in opposition to Mercer, however later threw two unhealthy interceptions and a number of the Auburn fan base already is looking for a change. Backup Robby Ashford will see important time if the Tigers alternate at QB. Ashford has a powerful arm however is extra of a runner, speeding for 68 yards on six carries.
Stats that matter: San Jose State’s win over Portland State within the opener was the five hundredth in program historical past. … Junior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro threw one landing go and rushed for 2 extra in his SJSU debut, however the Spartans offense was held to 288 yards and the Hawaii switch was sacked seven occasions. … SJSU transformed 4 of 12 third-down performs within the opener. … Auburn has received 16 straight residence video games in opposition to non-conference opponents relationship to the 2016 season. … Auburn backup operating again Jarquez Hunter scored on three of his eight carries within the opener. … Nevada switch Elijah Cooks led the Spartans in receiving within the opener, catching six passes for 123 yards.
— LAURENCE MIEDEMA