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Auburn Football: Bo Nix must get on track vs. Kent State in Week 3

By Jake Mitchell

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 7: Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Auburn Tigers hands the ball off to running back JaTarvious Whitlow #28 of the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter of their game against the Tulane Green Wave at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 7: Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Auburn Tigers hands the ball off to running back JaTarvious Whitlow #28 of the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter of their game against the Tulane Green Wave at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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Auburn football looks to move to 3-0 in a home matchup with Kent State. Can the Tigers win in dominant fashion and use this game as a tune-up?

The Auburn Tigers are 2-0 on this young season, but in those two weeks, there have been quite a few inconsistencies. In the win over Oregon, the offense was largely ineffective for three quarters. In what should have been a blowout victory over Tulane, Gus Malzahn’s offense could only muster a 24-6 win.

On Saturday, the offense will be the focus. If the issues persist, then it becomes more likely that this is a concerning, season-long question. Kevin Steele’s defense has been elite for the Tigers, and it has bailed Auburn out of a few offensive droughts already.

On the other side, Sean Lewis’ Kent State team is 1-1 on the young season, with a loss to Arizona State in week one, followed by a 26-23 win over Kennesaw State.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s game:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 14
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Auburn, Ala.
Venue: Jordan-Hare Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: WatchESPN or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

The focus of this game will certainly be the Auburn offense. The Tigers have averaged only 192 passing yards per game, and Bo Nix, while clutch, has been inconsistent. He’s completed only 47.1 percent of his attempts, and while he’s thrown three touchdowns, he’s also been picked off twice.

It will also be imperative for the Tigers to continue to get JaTarvious Whitlow and Kam Martin carries. Whitlow is the lead back, and together, the two are capable of forming a dominant Tiger running game. Malzahn’s offense is at its most effective when that is the case.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Spread: Auburn -33.5
Over/Under: 54

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Prediction

The Tigers should exorcise some of the early offensive demons in this game. The Golden Flashes defense has allowed 211 rushing yards per game, so expect a heavy dose of Whitlow and Martin, as well as Nix running the option. After two frustrating offensive weeks, this should be a cathartic game for Malzahn and the Tigers.

Auburn 42, Kent State 7

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