The Auburn Tigers take on the Kansas State Wildcats Thursday night in one of the best matchups of the young season.
The Tigers rolled over San Jose State, while K-State needed a big comeback to avoid the upset against Iowa State.
Each team comes in well-rested after a bye last weekend.
Records:
Auburn: 2-0 (1-0)
Kansas State: 2-0 (1-0)
Last Meeting: Auburn won 23-13 in 2007
Key Stat: Auburn is averaging 330 yards rushing per game, placing them seventh in the nation.
Auburn Outlook: The Tigers put up another huge offensive showing against San Jose State last week, moving to 2-0 in advance of a big game against K-State.
With Nick Marshall back and starting, the Tigers offense is finding all kinds of room to run. Marshall ran for over 100 yards last week while Cameron Artis-Payne led the way with 112 rushing yards.
Auburn is outscoring their opponents on average of 52-17.
Kansas State Outlook: The Wildcats face their biggest test of the season so far, hosting the Tigers after games against SF Austin and Iowa State.
While Auburn has based their offensive attack on the ground game, Kansas State has been more balanced, averaging an almost identical pass/rush yardage output of 238/236 per game.
The defense has been solid as well, albeit against weaker competition than the Tigers, allowing just 22 points per game.
What to watch for: How will Auburn's fast-paced offense fare against the toughest competition it's seen all year? While both teams have put up points in bunches this year, expect each offense to slow down a bit in this game.
How well the Wildcats can contain Marshall and the Auburn run game will go a long way towards pulling off the upset. Kansas State's offense has been solid, but if Auburn gets rolling, they don't have the same talent to keep pace into the high 30 point range.
What they're saying - Auburn:
Auburn using Kansas State game as measuring stick (Ledger-Enquirer)
Key matchups, players to watch in Auburn-Kansas State (AL.com)
What they're saying - Kansas State:
K-State, Auburn have similar offensive traits (Topeka Capital Journal)
Waters, Marshall meet for first time after JC success (The Collegian)
Prediction:
Auburn - 34, Kansas State, 24
Auburn will have its first real test of the year against K-State, but their offense is in enough of a rhythm to get the job done.
The Wildcats will need to catch a few breaks to pull of the upset, but they should hang around long enough that it's not out of the question.
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