Both teams enter at 3-1, and Tennessee is favored by approximately seven points.
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There is also an interesting coaching subplot: Auburn coach Alex Golesh returns to face Josh Heupel after previously serving on Heupel’s Tennessee staff.
Auburn’s biggest challenge will be preventing Tennessee from dictating tempo. Neyland Stadium becomes particularly difficult when the Volunteers string together explosive plays and force an opponent to abandon its original offensive plan.
The Tigers need sustained drives. Auburn doesn’t necessarily have to score 40 points, but it cannot repeatedly send its defense back onto the field after two-minute possessions.
Tennessee should hit enough big plays to create separation, although Auburn’s familiarity with some of the Volunteers’ concepts could help keep the Tigers competitive.
Prediction: Tennessee 34, Auburn 24
