Vanderbilt still trying to break 0-fer SEC streak week after Auburn ended its skid
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Auburn (4-4, 1-4 SEC) at Vanderbilt (2-7, 0-5) , Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (SEC Network).
Line: Auburn by 12 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Tied 21-21-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
The Auburn Tigers are trying to build on their first Southeastern Conference win over Mississippi State that featured an encouraging offensive explosion in the first half. Vanderbilt and Arkansas remain the only SEC teams without a league victory. The Commodores are trying to snap a seven-game skid. Auburn is still trying to become bowl eligible, and a win Saturday would be another step toward that goal.
KEY MATCHUP
Auburn’s offense, which finally showed signs of life in a 24-point first-half surge against Mississippi State, against Vanderbilt’s defense. The Tigers produced 416 yards in that game after being held to 307 or fewer in its first six games against FBS competition. Vanderbilt had three sacks and eight tackles for loss in last week’s loss at then-No. 12 Mississippi. That’s the Commodores’ best against an SEC opponent this season. They also have 10 interceptions this season, tied with Auburn for most in the SEC and 13th in the nation.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Auburn: QB Payton Thorne is coming off his best game this season against FBS competition. Thorne, who has rotated frequently with Robby Ashford all season, passed for three first-half touchdowns against Mississippi State. He was 20-of-26 passing for 230 yards.
Vanderbilt: QB Walter Taylor. He ran for the first TD of his career in the 33-7 loss at Ole Miss. He was a four-star prospect coming to Vanderbilt after leading his Alabama high school to the state semifinals. Coach Clark Lea isn’t saying if the sophomore or senior Ken Seals will start against Auburn. The depth chart lists Seals or Taylor as the starter.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Commodores lead the series, which was first played in 1893, 12-7 in games played in Nashville. They haven’t played since 2016. But Vanderbilt has won two of the last three games in this series. … Thorne was the first Auburn quarterback to throw for three touchdowns in a game since current Oregon star Bo Nix against LSU in 2020. … Auburn had 11 different receivers catch a pass last weekend for the first time since the 2019 Samford game. … Auburn has gained 14 turnovers, best in the SEC. Vanderbilt ranks second in the league with 13. … Vanderbilt P Matthew Hayball leads the SEC and is second nationally averaging 49.4 yards per punt. He has 1,730 yards on 35 punts, putting 13 inside the 20.
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