Auburn Football vs Purdue: 5 bold predictions for Music City Bowl

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 24: Malik Miller #32 of the Auburn Tigers reacts after diving for a touchdown over Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 24: Malik Miller #32 of the Auburn Tigers reacts after diving for a touchdown over Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Auburn football and Purdue are set to square off in the Music City Bowl. Here 5 bold predictions for the last contest in their respective seasons.

Auburn began the season on a promising high note, defeating Washington in a top-10 matchup in the opening week of the year. While the win spelled out the beginnings of a playoff-chasing season, it quickly regressed into a struggle to compete in the SEC.

By season’s end, the Tigers sat at 7-5 and fifth in the SEC West division. Their second half of the season didn’t go as well as the first half, but Auburn still did enough to qualify for a bowl game.

Purdue, on the other hand, wasn’t expected to necessarily compete among the top of the Big Ten. The Boilermakers finished with an even 6-6 record and was in the mix in the up-for-grabs Big Ten West division.

After beginning the season on a three-game losing skid, the Boilermakers responded by capturing three top-25 victories by seasons end: against No. 23 Boston College, No. 16 Iowa and a signature win against No. 2 Ohio State in a blowout.

With the Music City Bowl on tap next week, here are five bold predictions that could play out.