Arkansas State vs Auburn College Football Spread/Handicapping
I suppose it shows how far the Arkansas State program has come that they are now the one’s scheduling in state cream puffs to start the season, before they used to be the cream puff. Last week they beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 62-11, with their third head coach in as many seasons.
Arkansas State Red Wolves (1-0) vs Auburn Tigers (1-0)
Saturday September 7
Jordan-Hare Stadium – Auburn, AL
7:30PM
Moneyline: Auburn -380, Arkansas State +315
Spread: Auburn -10.5
O/U: 61
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Each of the last two have used the job as a springboard and if Bryan Harsin wants to do the same than beating Auburn is a good first step. As it so happens Auburn coach Gus Malzahn was the coach last year at Arkansas State.
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He is trying to turn around a big ship this year and got the win against Washington State but it was closer than anticipated.
Arkansas State
The Red Wolves did an absolute number on Arkansas-Pine Bluff running the ball. Not only did they roll up greater than 500 yards on the ground but 4 different players rushed more more than 100 yards which might be some sort of record.
Odds are they are going to need to rely on the pass a little more this week because I don’t think they are going to be able to run the ball like that against an SEC defense, even if it is a mediocre one. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
QB Adam Kennedy’s arm was effective but not tested last week and he is an untested commodity in general as he was a transfer making his first start.
With an experienced line in front of him and good mobility he should do OK connecting with J.D. McKissic who caught 103 balls last year. They will need balance and coach Harsin is an offensive guy so he might have a few wrinkles he didn’t want to show last week.
Auburn
Malzahn may turn around the Auburn program but their offense was outgained significantly last week against Washington State. The strongest part of their game was running the ball where their commitment paid off to the tune of more than 200 yards.
QB Nick Marshall didn’t even crack the 100 yard mark though and if the defense doesn’t intercept the Cougars 3 times they probably would have lost this game. Malzahn is all about gamesmanship so it wouldn’t surprise if he was holding a little back in week 1.
It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see if he gives QB Jonathan Wallace more of a try. He is a fantastic athlete and might be able to make some impact plays if given the chance.
On defense Auburn just has to be “SEC” and by that I mean dominate on the line. If they let the Red Wolves get even half as many yards on the ground as they did last week an ATS loss could turn into an upset.
Spread Pick: Arkansas State +10.5
O/U Pick: Under
Score Prediction: Auburn 27 – Arkansas State 24
