Week 4 has arrived, and the Auburn Tigers are looking for a bounceback after their 42-39 loss to the Florida Gators. It’s Homecoming on the Plains, and the Vanderbilt Commodores are in town, who have had the Tigers’ number over the past few seasons.
Will Auburn be able to return to their winning ways, or will this week be a preview of what it to come later in the season?
This week, the crew is joined by Darrell Dapprich, Montgomery radio legend and member of the Locked on Auburn and Auburn Daily teams!
On a scale of 1-10, how much should Auburn fans be panicking after the first loss of the season to Florida?
CREDIT: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZAC BLACKERBY: 6. We got time to see if this was a bad night for the defense or if this is who this team is.
CHRISTIAN RAUH: 6. Its the first loss of the Golesh era, but the defense showed significant problems.
TREY LEE: I'd say somewhere between 4 and 5. It was by no means a good game against the Gators, but the season is young and there are a lot of games ahead for the Tigers to turn things around.
DARRELL DAPPRICH: 5
What is your biggest takeaway from Auburn's 42-39 loss to Florida this past weekend?
CREDIT: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZAC: Auburn’s defense must get better. Sadly, third and Durkin is becoming a thing.
CHRISTIAN: The defense is not where we need it to be. 24 missed tackles is completely unacceptable.
TREY: I was shocked at the lack of willingness to run the ball with the running backs over the course of the game. Cobb and Washington combined for 12 carries and 40 rushing yards, with Brown getting 18 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. I would expect to see more carries for Cobb, Washington, and Mabson this week.
DARRELL: 3rd and long for Durkin is still a problem after three years.
Looking at Vanderbilt - who is a player on the Commodores' side of things that Auburn fans should keep an eye on heading into this weekend's game?
CREDIT: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZAC: I think everything about Vanderbilt has to do with their quarterback. Curious to see how he does against Auburn’s defense.
CHRISTIAN: Has to be Jared Curtis. He had a good game vs. NC State.
TREY: Junior Sherrill has been a go-to target for Vanderbilt this season, with last week's game against NC State being his best game to date (6 receptions, 108 yards, 2 TDs). Vandy may move him around to find weak spots in Auburn's secondary to give Jared Curtis a security blanket.
DARRELL: Jared Curtis QB
Who will have more rushing yards this week - Byrum Brown or Jared Curtis?
CREDIT: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZAC: Byrum Brown
CHRISTIAN: Byrum Brown
TREY: I think it will be Jared Curtis only because I see Auburn giving more intentional carries to their trio of running backs, which will cut into Brown's rushing totals.
DARRELL: Byrum Brown
What Auburn player needs to have a standout performance this week against Vanderbilt?
CREDIT: USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectZAC: Give me any defensive back that wants to step up and make some plays.
CHRISTIAN: Xavier Atkins. He had 5 missed tackles on Saturday
TREY: I think Auburn's Edge Rushers need to create more pressure to make Jared Curtis force some throws to lead to turnovers.
DARRELL: Jeremiah Cobb
Vanderbilt has had Auburn's number the past 2 meetings - what does Auburn need to do this week to flip the script and get a win?
CREDIT: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZAC: Get off the field on third down defensively. Stay on the field on third down offensively.
CHRISTIAN: Have rhythm. Get off the field on 3rd downs.
TREY: Run. The. Ball.
Establish the run early and be patient with it. Let the run game aid with the play action pass, and if it doesn't work early, keep pushing until it does.
DARRELL: Not self destruct, run the ball effectively, and no more missed tackles.
Bold Prediction for Auburn vs. Vanderbilt
CREDIT: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZAC: Auburn turns the ball over zero times.
CHRISTIAN: Auburn scores on first three possessions
TREY: I think we see 2 receivers eclipse the 100 yard mark. Vandy gave up almost 300 yards through the air to NC State, and I think Brown can make some deep throws that will pad the stats of his wide outs.
DARRELL: 500 yards of total offense for Auburn
Who is your Winner of the Week?
Pick a former Auburn Tiger in any sport that has had a great week
CREDIT: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZAC: Jackson Koivun went -6 and tied for fifth at the Biltmore Championship.
CHRISTIAN: Jackson Koivun had a great weekend. Excited to see him play this weekend in the Presidents Cup as well. Huge for Auburn.
TREY: Bo Nix had a great day in the Broncos home opener, passing for 288 yards and a TD in their 20-13 win over the Jaguars.
DARRELL: Jackson Koivun
Predictions & Final Score for Auburn vs. Vanderbilt
CREDIT: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZAC: 27-24 Auburn
CHRISTIAN: Auburn 34, Vanderbilt 27
TREY: Vanderbilt has had Auburn's number over the past few years, and in order to get where Alex Golesh wants this team to be, you have to win your home games against similar level of competition. If Auburn can force Curtis to be one dimensional and make bad decisions, I think the Tigers will win big. Close game at half leads to a second half surge by Cobb, Mabson, and Washington that leads Auburn to their first SEC win at home since 2024.
Auburn 31 Vanderbilt 17
DARRELL: 35-17 Auburn
Join us Friday as we break down more across the college football landscape!
