Auburn football (1-0) is set to leave for its first road trip of the season which is all the way to Berkeley to take on the Cal Golden Bears on Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN.
Interestingly enough is the fact that Cal has won its last three games against SEC opponents, beating Ole Miss in 2017 and 2019 and Tennessee in 2007. Auburn is seeking its first win in four tries in California.
It seems as if Auburn has an explosive offense under Hugh Freeze, but will The Tigers be able to erupt and get their first win in California and stop the Golden Bears’ SEC winning streak in Week 2?
Let’s get bold.
3. Auburn defense will shut down the Golden Bears’ offense
This week, Cal running back Jaydn Ott was quoted as saying how Auburn is a shell of its old self and encouraged his team to not be intimidated by the name. This is a great chance for the Auburn defense to show up and show out.
To win this game, Auburn does not even need to keep Ott from touching the ball, it just needs to ensure it’s tackling him whenever he has it.
Expect the speed of the defense to take advantage of the Golden Bear offense and shut them down. Cal will have to cycle quarterbacks in the game and the Tiger defense could ensure this matchup is over by halftime.
2. Payton Thorne throws for 300 yards and two-plus touchdowns
While Payton Thorne had to share playing time with two others in Week 1, he will be able to play most of this game until it gets out of hand in the fourth quarter.
Expect Thorne to go through a California defense like it is Swiss cheese. While the Golden Bears’ offense will be surprised by the speed of the Auburn defense, the surprise to the Auburn football faithful will be the way Payton can lead the offense against Cal, hitting several big pass plays.
Do not expect this to be a close game, Auburn should win by at least two scores.
1. Jarquez Hunter makes his season debut and gains 100 yards
The junior running back who rushed for 668 yards a season ago to go along with seven touchdowns will make his debut as the starter. Jarquez Hunter is one of the best running backs in the SEC, so having him running the rock makes this Auburn offense a lot better and Thorne’s job easier.
Expect the offensive line to bully the Golden Bears’ front seven as Hunter shows the nationwide audience why he is the lead back for the Tigers.
While Hunter averaged 6.4 yards a carry last year, do not be surprised if Hunter averages more like 9.0 yards per carry against the Cal defense. The only real question becomes will Thorne throw more touchdowns than Hunter rushes for in this road win?