College Football Picks: SEC predictions against the spread for Week 5
Sep 26, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Peyton Barber (25) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday October 3, 2015
- Time: 4PM Eastern
- Location: Auburn, AL
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Spread: Auburn -20.5
- Over/Under Total: 56
The Auburn Tigers were disappointing again Saturday in a 17-9 loss to Mississippi State. Redshirt freshman Sean White was solid but far from spectacular (20-for-28 passing for 188 yards and an interception) in his first career start, and Auburn failed to score a touchdown for the first time in the Gus Malzahn era. With 50 rushing attempts and 201 yards on the ground (including 137 from Peyton Barber), the Tigers actually looked more like the team we expected them to be this season, but the main issue was red zone inefficiency as White’s interception put an end to a promising first drive and the Tigers settled for three field goals later in the game.
On the bright side, Auburn held a high-powered Mississippi State squad to just 326 total yards, and limited the Bulldogs to just 56 rushing yards on 21 carries. Those are numbers the Tigers can build upon this week against San Jose State.
The Spartans are making their second consecutive trip to Jordan-Hare Stadium, having lost there 59-13 last season, and this year come with the momentum of a 49-23 victory over rival Fresno State. San Jose State got 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Tyler Ervin, and quarterback Joe Gray was very efficient with 252 yards and three scores on 20-for-23 passing. Don’t expect them to be nearly as good this week on the Plains.
Like Missouri, Auburn has yet to cover this season. But, like Mizzou, expect them to get it done this week.
Next: Eastern Michigan at LSU