Our interior D-Line and LBs either win or lose this one. Simple as that. Time to get a “Mean On” and get it done.
This is probably the most correct simple prediction. Of course it may be too simple because this won't be pass fail but rather a continuum. Will we shut them down enough? We'll see.
UF Run: We won't be able to run with normal plays and sweeps and reverses probably won't work either. Our running game will be replaced by the screen game (mostly bubbles, some tunnels). Not that UF won't run traditional running plays, we will. They just won't work. The backs are good, not great, but it doesn't matter until our o-line performs better. Auburns d-line is really good against the run, so this isn't the game I'd expect to see our line show great improvement.
UF Pass: UF's pass blocking has been surprisingly adequate in contrast to the run blocking. Auburn hasn't been good in pass rush. Trask has been consistently able to read defenses and deliver the ball to the right receiver at the right time. Our receivers are well above good with some noticeable and surprising weaknesses at blocking(!). This gives me confidence that we'll perform well in the pass game.
Auburn Run: AU has a solid run game and have been putting it to teams. They've got a
very veteran group - 5 RSR's across the line. If they get it rolling and begin to win the TOP, we could be in for a shellacking! Here's where we began - can our d-line & LBs stop them enough? How healthy is Zuniga? Let's hope Slaton gets a lot more pushes like the push on the pass last week. Step 1: stop the interior run game. Step 2: Keep contain on the QB and sweeps (esp. with Schwartz). Step 3: Win.
Auburn Pass: Auburn isn't scaring anyone with their pass game unless the run game is rolling. I don't think Nix is ready to carry the team with his passing. He'll be serviceable and will hit WR's if we blow coverages, but he won't be able to "Trask" us without the run game succeeding.
Special Teams: I don't know anything about Auburns, but our specialists are special. This should be an area of advantage for us.
Prediction: I don't feel like I have much confidence making a prediction. I think either team could win by 2 TD's or it could be a tight game. I'm concerned about our ability to slow or stop their run game. I'm confident in our passing game. I'll go with the better QB, home-field advantage, and choose to be a homer. ...and avoid an Oxban.
UF: 30
AU: 24
