Nobody is giving Kentucky enough credit. I sure as hell gave Auburn way more credit with my bank roll this season, and Iâm not just jumping off them, because believe me I wanted to on the surface back Auburn. Youâd think you would have value with Auburn, but they have not proved that they have improved at all and now Malzahn is going back to Jeremy Johnson at QB on the road in what will be a great environment. Kentucky plays so much better at home and I just canât see Auburn pulling this one out.
Even in Auburnâs last game at home against San Jose State they won 35-21, but they had 4 turnovers and were -64 yards in the game. So after looking better against Miss State, but losing they looked bad again but were fortunate to beat a San Jose State, a team that is just not as good as in years past. Auburn will be able to run the ball in this game just fine, and Kentucky wonât care they actually give up more rushing yards per carry in losses than they do in wins dating back to last year, and they are fine with that as they are able to avoid the big plays, and Auburn has not been explosive this year ranking 74th in that category.
The keys to Kentucky absolutely reside on the offensive side of the ball although they do have the advantage defensively. In wins they are able to run and pass, but more importantly run the ball. Boom Williams is a stud and arguably the best known secret in the SEC. Auburn is 115th in run defense and has allowed all of their opponents more rushing yards per carry than their averages with the exception of Miss State, and that was at home. Boom Williams should have a big day and I see Patrick Towles making some big plays in this game as well. Towles should have time as Auburn is 106th in sack % and 103rd in havoc rate which should cut down the turnover numbers as well for Towles which is a big key.
At the end of the day Auburn has more talent level, and Malzahn has been able to coach around that, but we are finding out that he just does not have the QB play that he has had in the past and thatâs probably the biggest key to his offense. Kentucky is very good at home and holds the advantages in the red zone, 3rd down, and special teams. Kentucky could have beaten Florida, and I donât see any signature wins for Auburn that are really that impressive or even games where they have played a full game.
