Florida and Auburn meet at Jordan-Hare Stadium in one of the weekend’s most compelling SEC matchups.
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7 p.m. ET — ESPN
Both teams are 2–0. Florida followed its season-opening victory over Florida Atlantic with a 52–3 rout of Campbell, while Auburn dispatched Southern Miss 43–8 last Saturday.
Neither team has faced an opponent quite like the one waiting Saturday night.
Florida has displayed considerable offensive firepower, but playing at Jordan-Hare is a different proposition. The Gators need to handle the crowd, avoid procedural mistakes and establish enough of a rushing threat to keep Auburn from attacking the quarterback.
Auburn enters with growing confidence. The Tigers were dominant against Southern Miss and now have an opportunity to establish themselves as a legitimate factor in the SEC race. A victory over Florida would dramatically raise expectations on the Plains.
This game could turn on quarterback play and turnovers. Both defenses should be capable of creating pressure, meaning the quarterback who remains patient and protects the football may ultimately determine the winner.
Florida’s speed gives the Gators opportunities for explosive plays, but Auburn’s home-field advantage is difficult to ignore. Jordan-Hare Stadium at night has produced plenty of strange moments over the years, and the Tigers should have an energized crowd behind them.
Expect momentum swings and a game that remains unsettled deep into the fourth quarter. Florida may possess a slight overall talent advantage, but Auburn’s physicality and home field make this essentially a toss-up.
The Tigers make one more play in the closing minutes.
Prediction: Auburn 28, Florida 27
