Week 5: Tennessee at Auburn

Tennessee and Auburn are coming off disappointing home losses last week, but have a chance to quickly right the ship in a key SEC game. The Volunteers are hoping for a repeat of last season, when they were throttled by Florida in September, but rallied to win the SEC East. The Tigers can still win the SEC West, but will need a couple of breaks along the way to top LSU.

Expect points to be at a premium on Saturday. The Tigers enter this game 10th in the SEC in scoring offense while the Volunteers sit just one spot ahead in ninth. Both defenses have played well this season, with the Tigers allowing 10.3 points per game and the Volunteers giving up 20.

Auburn quarterback Chris Todd has been inconsistent and is coming off a one touchdown, two-interception performance against LSU. Implementing the spread offense has taken longer than expected in Auburn and the offense has yet to really get going. With the passing game sputtering at times, the play of running back Ben Tate has been overlooked. Tate has 323 yards and two touchdowns through four games this season and his success against a defense that ranks 26th against the run will help take some of the pressure off of Todd.

Considering the Volunteers have one of the best offensive lines in the country and a developing quarterback, this team should lean heavily on the run. However, some of the early criticism about new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson has revolved around this offense not sticking to the ground attack. Senior back Arian Foster has yet to top 15 carries in a game, but teammates Montario Hardesty and Lennon Creer have been solid when called upon. The Tigers rank 19th in the NCAA against the run, making it a tough match-up for the Volunteers, especially with concerns about their passing game. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton has struggled, but could redeem his Florida performance with a win on the road.

Notes:

Auburn owns a 25-21-3 series edge over Tennessee. The Volunteers have not won in Auburn since 1998 and have dropped the last three games in this series.

Eight of the last 11 games in this series have been decided by 10 points or less.

Chris Todd had offseason shoulder surgery and Tommy Tuberville indicated this week it may not be 100 percent. However, Todd will continue to be the starter with Kodi Burns likely to play in some situations as the season progresses.

Gerald Jones has caught both of Tennessee’s passing touchdowns this season. The sophomore receiver has his own package at quarterback – the G-Gun – and is one of the x-factors to watch in this game.

Key Player (Volunteers) –Jonathan Crompton, QB

The Volunteers have a chance to get back in the SEC East race, but Crompton has to improve upon his first three outings. The junior has thrown two touchdowns to four interceptions and has struggled to move the ball through the air. The Auburn defense is one of the best in the country against the run, which means Crompton needs to have a big game to give the Volunteers a shot at the victory.

Key Player (Tigers) – Robert Dunn, WR

The Volunteers had a poor special teams showing against Florida and although Dunn is no Brandon James, he’s more than capable of taking a return for a touchdown. Dunn ranks eighth in the NCAA with a 21.4 yards per return average. Dunn is also a valuable weapon on offense, as he has recorded nine receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown.

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