Auburn Tigers vs Texas A&M Aggies: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Kyle Field in College Station, TX

When: Saturday, September 21st at 3:30 pm EST

How (TV): CBS

Auburn Tigers (Away)

Gatewood: ?
Whitlow: ?
Shivers: ?

Saturday was the first time an @AuburnFootball trio has rushed for 100+ in the same game since 1983. pic.twitter.com/6ZOyaSybuk

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 17, 2019

Head Coach: Gus Malzahn {All-Time: 65-30 | ARST, AUB}

Regular Season Record: 3-0

With the majority of their non-conference schedule out of the way, the Auburn Tigers will turn their attention to an always daunting SEC schedule, which kicks off with a visit to Texas A&M. The Tigers will take on an A&M defense which has shown improvement, allowing just 11.3 points per game, including just 24 against top-ranked Clemson.

In last week’s game, Auburn had little trouble with MAC opponent Kent State, taking down the Golden Flashes 55-16. The Tigers dominated the ground game with 467 rushing yards, as three players hit the century mark in that category. Top rusher JaTarvious Whitlow led the way with 135 rushing yards and two scores, while backup quarterback Joey Gatewood matched Whitlow’s two touchdown total with 102 yards.

After allowing Kent State to bring the score as close as 14-10, Auburn’s defense tightened up. Senior defensive end Marlon Davidson led a ferocious pass rush, collecting 2.5 of their five sacks on the day, with Tyrone Truesdell and Big Cat Bryant contributing the remaining sacks.

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Next up: #BTHOAuburn

Saturday | 2:30 | Kyle Field
?️ https://t.co/VdjXtXVvkb #GigEm pic.twitter.com/BagRnhpaGb

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) September 16, 2019

Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher {All-Time: 94-28 | FSU, TAMU}

Regular Season Record: 2-1

The Aggies head into this game refreshed after rebounding from their 24-10 loss to Clemson two weeks ago. Coach Fisher’s team took their frustration out on an FCS cupcake, beating Lamar 62-3. Despite the score and 633 total yards of offense, the Aggies were far from perfect, as they committed seven penalties for 53 yards. TAMU also coughed up two turnovers, with starting quarterback Kellen Mond throwing an interception.

A&M’s defense did what was expected of them, limiting the Cardinals to under 200 yards of offense. The Aggies made life difficult for Lamar quarterback Jordan Hoy, who completed just 10 of 24 pass attempts for 75 yards. Mike Elko’s unit likely left their coordinator wanting more in terms of pass rush results, as the Aggies failed to register a single sack.

Auburn vs Texas A&M All-Time Series

These two schools have met just nine times prior to this game, with Texas A&M holding a 5-4 lead. Two of those meetings have come with both teams ranked, with each side winning one game apiece. The last time such a meeting occurred was during the 2013 season when the 24th ranked Tigers pulled a 45-41 upset over the 7th ranked Aggies, who were led by Johnny Manziel.

Last year’s game in Jordan Hare Stadium saw the Tigers take down the Aggies 28-24, overcoming three touchdowns from star running back Trayveon Williams. The hosts made life miserable for Kellen Mond, sacking the A&M signal-caller five times while limiting him to 16 completions on 32 pass attempts.

Auburn Roster Notes

Sophomore receiver Seth Williams is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury that held him out against Kent State.

Redshirt senior offensive tackle Bailey Sharp is out for six weeks due to a knee injury.

Sophomore safety Smoke Monday is suspended for the first half of Saturday’s game due to a targeting penalty issued to him in the second half against Kent State.

Freshman defensive end Derick Hall is listed as questionable with a knee injury suffered against Kent State.

Sophomore receiver Shedrick Jackson is listed as questionable with an ankle injury and will practice in a limited capacity leading up to the game.

Senior defensive tackle Derrick Brown is listed as questionable due to an upper-body contusion according to coach Malzahn.

Freshman receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson is questionable due to an undisclosed personal issue that has held him out in every game this season.

Texas A&M Roster Notes

Redshirt junior receiver Quartney Davis is listed as probable with a minor back injury.

Freshman tight end Baylor Cupp is out for the season after breaking his left tibia in training camp.

Sophomore running back Vernon Jackson is out for the season with a neck injury.

Sophomore running back Jashaun Corbin is out for the season with a hamstring injury.

Head-to-Head: JaTarvious Whitlow (AUB) vs Buddy Johnson (TAMU)

The matchup to look out for in this game will be in the run game, as Texas A&M’s starting middle linebacker will be tasked with stopping Auburn’s top running threat in JaTarvious Whitlow. Even though freshman quarterback Bo Nix has proven to be able to rise to the occasion thus far, Whitlow should get enough carries to play a bigger role in this game.

JaTarvious Whitlow

Running back | 6-0, 210lb | LaFayette HS | LaFayette, AL | Redshirt Sophomore

Auburn has produced a plethora of NFL running backs over the years, with names such as Bo Jackson, Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, and Kerryon Johnson to name a few. By the time Whitlow finishes his time on campus, he could very well join that list of names. Not a speed demon by any means, the in-state product makes up for it with his elusive yet tough running style along with his reliable hands as a receiver. His versatility has also allowed him to take snaps out of the Wildcat formation, where he has been a threat with his legs and arm.

Buddy Johnson

Middle Linebacker | 6-2, 228lb | Kimball HS | Dallas, TX | Junior

After mostly coming off the bench his first two seasons in College Station, Buddy Johnson has emerged as the starting middle linebacker for coach Elko’s defense. Johnson is a very mobile athlete, as he lined up as a running back, receiver, and quarterback in high school. His closing speed and strong tackling ability allow him to neutralize even the most athletic ball carriers, a critical skill given the athletes on Auburn’s side.

Auburn at Texas A&M – Predictions and Odds

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