Welcome to the Auburn Roundtable! Each week, the team will break down the biggest stories and matchups heading into game week.
Welcome to the Auburn Roundtable! Each week, the team will break down the biggest stories and matchups heading into game week.
Speaking of game week, we are officially in the homestretch to kickoff for Alex Golesh and the Tigers, as they square off against the Baylor Bears in the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta at 2:30pm on ABC.
This week, the team is joined by Kyle Rush, AKA Charlie5!
Who scores the first touchdown of the season for the Auburn Tigers?
ZAC BLACKERBY: I think it’s Jeremiah Cobb. I think we see the star back early and often. I’ll predict he does it from 20 out.
CHRISTIAN RAUH: I think Jeremiah Cobb gets the first crack at a touchdown for Auburn. He stayed through the coaching regime, I think he will get rewarded for it.
TREY LEE: Let's go with Jeremiah Cobb here.
I wouldn't be shocked to see a Byrum scramble here but with the emphasis on the run game I think Cobb is a safe bet.
KYLE RUSH: Jeremiah Cobb
Which new Auburn player/transfer are you most interested in making their debut this Saturday?
ZAC: Byrum Brown. I know it’s the simple answer. But I can’t wait to see him go full speed in an Auburn jersey.
CHRISTIAN: Cody Sigler. I believe he truly has the opportunity to be one of the best defensive linemen in the conference and he can start by showing that right away against DJ Lagway and this Baylor offensive line.
TREY: Offensively, I am super excited to see how the Tigers utilize the speed and agility of DeShawn Spencer.
Defensively, I think Da'Shawn Womack is due for a big season as a pass rusher.
KYLE: Byrum Brown
Which Baylor player should Auburn fans keep their eyes on?
ZAC: The game will be decided by which version of DJ Lagway we see. I know there are some other names for Baylor, including some key defensive returners but it’ll come down to the play of Lagway.
CHRISTIAN: I guess I have to go with DJ Lagway because, to be honest, I'm not very impressed with Baylor's roster this season.
TREY: Transfer linebacker Garrick Ponder joins the squad after a stellar year at Southern Miss in 2025, accounting for 11.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks for the Golden Eagles.
KYLE: DJ Lagway
What position matchup are you most excited to see this week against the Bears?
ZAC: I’ll go Auburn’s defensive line vs Baylor offensive line.
CHRISTIAN: I'm going to go with Auburn's running game versus Baylor's defensive front. Last season Baylor was 0-7 when they allowed more than 165 rushing yards. Auburn's running game has improved this season and I think Baylor took a step back in talent. It could be a big day for the Tigers in the running department.
TREY: Auburn's defensive backfield against Baylor's receivers. Auburn should have the advantage here - with size and experience on their side. Baylor's most experienced receiver coming into this season is Gavin Freeman, an Oklahoma State transfer who accounted for just under 500 yards receiving in 2025 for the Pokes. With DJ Lagway's history of turnovers, look for the secondary to be aggressive in this contest.
KYLE: Auburn’s OL vs Baylor DL
What is your biggest question heading into this first game for Alex Golesh and the Auburn Tigers?
ZAC: Does it translate? We won’t get all of that answer this weekend. But we will get some of it against the Bears.
CHRISTIAN: I want to see if this defensive line can consistently pressure the quarterback. This is a good indication of finding the floor of this unit before heading into conference play.
TREY: Can the offense be consistent?
With the amount of depth and experience across the board, I feel good about the offense being light years better than last year. Now, can it be consistent and be relied upon during important moments in the game where the lights are the brightest?
KYLE: Offensive Line
Predictions and Score for Auburn/Baylor
ZAC: 34-17 Auburn
CHRISTIAN: Auburn 41, Baylor 14
TREY: A little rust to start off for both teams, but after halftime Auburn settles in defensively and keeps Baylor out of the endzone the entire second half.
Auburn 34, Baylor 13
KYLE: 38-14 Auburn
Join us Friday as we break down more across the college football landscape!
