Auburn Tigers Football: 3 bold predictions for Tigers vs. Ole Miss

1. The defense will stack up well with one of the best of the west

The defense is matching up with the No. 7 offense in the nation. The Rebels are 11th in points per game, 6th in yards per game, and 5th in rushing yards per game. They are going to need to have zero quit and no room for backing down against the No. 10th ranked team in football in the Nation.

It’s a defense that has been plagued by some key injuries. Largely Owen Pappoe. However, Bryan Harsin has hinted they he may be good to go on Saturday.

“I hope he’s ready to go. We need him. I think this is a good time, at least for him, with this bye week to really give us a chance to get him healthy.” Stated Head Coach Bryan Harsin on Pappoe’s possible return. 

We all hope so because they are going to need this guy to win. He has been the man since he stepped onto campus in 2019. We have not seen him since the loss at Penn State, but when we do, expect the stadium to erupt.

With 15 tackles on the season, it is high time he’s finally back to add to that. He won’t be alone in this quest with Zakoby McClain and Chandler Wooten who did an amazing job filling the void of his absence. They have really stepped up in a sensational way this season.

More words on Pappoe from HC Bryan Harsin:

"“I know Owen wants to be out there, there’s no question about that. Owen wants to play. He wants to be with his team. He’s done everything he can just standing on the sideline to help his teammates out, and when he’s on the practice field, when he’s out there, he’s coaching guys up. He’s into it, and I know he wants to play. So, hopefully this week is the week where we can get him to the point where he can play at the level he needs to play at.”"

We all really hope so, and adding him to the mix with Chandler and McClain they are going to be the Holy Trinity of defense and a very hard defense to get past. Auburn’s offense will need these guys the most to secure a win to get them one step closer to another SEC West title.

Unfortunately, it has been reported that T.D. Moultry has been sidelined for compliance issues over driving a car registered to an Auburn booster. His status for this game is still questionable.

I predict Zakoby McClain will have eight tackles. Chandler Wooten will come close to matching it with seven tackles of his own, and Owen Pappoe will finally get to share in the success of returning for the first time since week 3 adding 8 tackles and one forced fumble. They will pressure the quarterback early and stop the run.

Whatever you do this weekend do not miss another huge game where Auburn once again has a chance to prove to the nation just how good they are. It seems like a never-ending pattern this season where they have to keep proving doubters, and each game feels more crucial to win than the game before. Come see who will take this superb showdown in the battle in the plains.