SEC conference play is in full swing. That means high-level competition is in store for college football fans. Following a tough loss last Saturday vs. Oklahoma, auburn will attempt to bounce back in Week 5. However, that could prove difficult against a #9 Texas A&M team with its eyes set on the playoffs. Below is my prediction and pick for College Football Week 5’s game between the Auburn Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies.
Texas A&M enters this contest as 6.5-point favorites (-238) over Auburn, with the over/under set at 52.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Auburn vs. Texas A&M Aggies prediction, preview
As previously mentioned, it was a difficult weekend for Auburn. The Tigers lost a 24-17 slugfest with the Sooners, hindering their hopes at a postseason run. Still, the SEC, if nothing else, always provides opportunity. Nothing would ease the pain for War Eagle like a victory over the rival Aggies.
If Auburn is going to pull off the upset, it’ll likely take a better performance on offense. Quarterback Jackson Arnold is the key in this matchup. The junior has been solid through four games, throwing for 721 yards and five touchdowns. In addition, he’s rushed for 181 more yards and four scores. The most impressive stat? Arnold has yet to turn the ball over.
This Tigers offense can’t rely solely on its QB. Running back Jeremiah Cobb has been one of the nation’s most efficient players, picking up 7.2 yards per carry. Wideouts Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr. have both recorded over 200 receiving yards. Unlike the matchup with Oklahoma, points could be easier to come by on Saturday. The Aggies managed to win despite coughing up 40 points and 429 total yards to Notre Dame in Week 3. Even middling programs such as UTSA and Utah State notched 20+ points vs. A&M.
In spite of a shaky defensive unit, the Aggies are no pushovers. It all starts under center, where Marcel Read has been phenomenal. The dual-threat passer has thrown for 869 yards, ran for 142, and compiled ten total touchdowns. His favorite target, Mario Craver, leads the SEC with 443 receiving yards. That could spell trouble for a mediocre Auburn secondary. The Tigers have surrendered a combined 690 passing yards in two games against Power 4 schools.
Auburn vs. Texas A&M pick, best bet
It’s difficult to trust either of these defenses at the moment. Even if both secondaries hold strong, Arnold and Read are gifted scramblers, as well. Following a frustrating performance in Norman, Auburn will want to make a statement on offense. As for the Aggies, all they know how to do is score. Expect plenty of points in what should be an entertaining SEC contest.
