SEC Power Rankings: Missouri Making a Move
By Ben Nielsen
Oct 5, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Tony Stevens (8) celebrates with fans after the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Rebels 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
8. Auburn Tigers
Record: 4-1 (2-1)
Previous Ranking: 11
Last Week: Auburn 30, Ole Miss 22
This Week: vs. Western Carolina
Next Week: at Texas A&M
So, Auburn.
Assuming Western Carolina doesn’t somehow turn into an overpowering force overnight, Auburn is going to be 5-1 heading to their matchup against Texas A&M next week. And with another easy game left against Florida Atlantic, Auburn is virtually assured they will be in a bowl game this year. This is not a position many would have put them in before the start of the season.
So what do we make of this? Well, we’re not going to find out too much after this Western Carolina game, but there next week against A&M will be interesting. Auburn hung around against LSU in Baton Rouge a few weeks ago and they are a more complete team than Manziel’s Aggies.
Auburn has a running game that is doing a lot of work for the Tigers. Quarterback Nick Marshall became the fourth different Tiger to rush for 100 yards in a game against Ole Miss, racking up 140 yards and two touchdowns. Behind Marshall, leading rusher Tre Mason, and Cameron Artis-Payne, the Tigers are able to shorten games and pound opponents into oblivion. The question remaining with whether or not Marshall can limit mistakes in the passing game to keep them close against tougher opponents.
Given A&M’s issues on defense, Auburn could make some noise next weekend. But Marshall is going to have to play a hell of a game to make that happen.