Auburn's Back Against the Wall: Can the Tigers Roar Back or Fade Away?
The Auburn Tigers find themselves in a precarious position, staring down a season that’s teetering on the edge of collapse. After three consecutive losses—games they genuinely believed were within their grasp—Hugh Freeze’s squad (3-3, 0-3 SEC) is desperate for a turnaround. But here’s where it gets even more intense: their next challenge is a primetime showdown against the No. 16 Missouri Tigers (5-1, 1-1 SEC) at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Missouri, fresh off a strong start, is hitting the road for the first time this season, and Auburn, despite being a 1.5-point home underdog, is clinging to the hope that home-field advantage might just be their saving grace. Kickoff is set for 6:45 p.m. CST on SEC Network, with streaming available on fuboTV (https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191261?irad=399332&ftvcampaign=NCAAFAuburnatBaylor).
But here’s where it gets controversial... Is this Auburn team truly capable of turning their season around, or are they destined to crumble under the pressure? Our Fearless Forecasters weigh in with their predictions—straight up, no spreads—for this critical matchup and other Week 8 games. Spoiler alert: opinions are divided, and the debate is heating up.
WEEK 8 STANDINGS
- Jason: 51-26
- Christian: 50-27
- Nathan: 49-28
- Phillip: 47-30
- Ronnie: 47-30
- Patrick: 44-33
NO. 16 MISSOURI AT AUBURN (+1.5)
Jason Caldwell: “Auburn needs to prove themselves this week. I’ve said it before—this team has the talent to beat anyone on their schedule. But talent alone isn’t enough; they need to execute. Can Jackson Arnold and the passing game deliver explosive plays? Can they contain Missouri’s ground attack? Until they show me they can, I’m not betting on the home team.”
Prediction: Missouri 24, Auburn 19
Christian Clemente: “Last week felt like Auburn’s last stand. Coming off a bye, they had a solid plan against Georgia, but once again, they fell short. Missouri’s edge rushers are a major concern, and Beau Pribula’s first road start could be a factor. Until Freeze and Arnold prove they can close out games, I can’t pick Auburn.”
Prediction: Missouri 14, Auburn 6
Nathan King: “This is as dire as it gets for Auburn. It’s not just the losses—it’s how they’re losing. Freeze said it best: Auburn is finding ways to lose instead of win. Missouri’s defensive front is fearsome, and Auburn’s offensive line is in for a long night. Even a strong Auburn defense might not be enough to carry the team.”
Prediction: Missouri 27, Auburn 17
Phillip Marshall: “Missouri is on the road for the first time, and their best win is questionable. Auburn is desperate, and Jordan-Hare Stadium under the lights has a history of magic. I’m taking Auburn to finally catch a break.”
Prediction: Auburn 28, Missouri 20
Ronnie Sanders: “Auburn’s home-field advantage and desperation could be the X-factor. If Arnold can make a few key throws and the defense forces turnovers, the crowd could propel them to victory. Jordan-Hare has flipped games before—why not this one?”
Prediction: Auburn 27, Missouri 24
Patrick Bingham: “It’s the same story: Auburn struggles to make the plays needed to win. Missouri’s defense will be too much for them to handle.”
Prediction: Missouri 27, Auburn 15
And this is the part most people miss... Could Auburn’s desperation and home-field advantage be enough to overcome Missouri’s strong defense? Or will the Tigers’ offensive struggles continue to haunt them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
GAME OF THE WEEK: No. 5 OLE MISS at No. 9 GEORGIA (-7.5)
Jason Caldwell: “Georgia isn’t dominant, but neither is Ole Miss. I’ll take the home team.”
Prediction: Georgia 27, Ole Miss 17
Christian Clemente: “Ole Miss is the better team, but Georgia at home is tough. Gunner Stockton will make the plays needed for the win.”
Prediction: Georgia 28, Ole Miss 24
Nathan King: “Georgia has shown resilience this season. Ole Miss is playoff-caliber, but I see Georgia bouncing back after a lackluster performance at Auburn.”
Prediction: Georgia 31, Ole Miss 24
Phillip Marshall: “Neither team has convinced me they’re great, but Georgia rarely loses at home.”
Prediction: Georgia 34, Ole Miss 24
Ronnie Sanders: “Georgia’s depth and home-field advantage will be decisive. Ole Miss will move the ball, but Georgia’s defense will tighten in the red zone.”
Prediction: Georgia 31, Ole Miss 24
Patrick Bingham: “I’m going against the grain. Ole Miss didn’t look sharp last week, but I think Kiffin has something up his sleeve against a beatable Georgia team.”
Prediction: Ole Miss 30, Georgia 25
SEC GAMES
No. 10 LSU at No. 17 VANDERBILT
- Jason: Vanderbilt
- Christian: Vanderbilt
- Nathan: Vanderbilt
- Phillip: LSU
- Ronnie: LSU
- Patrick: Vanderbilt
No. 14 OKLAHOMA at SOUTH CAROLINA
- Jason: Oklahoma
- Christian: Oklahoma
- Nathan: Oklahoma
- Phillip: Oklahoma
- Ronnie: Oklahoma
- Patrick: Oklahoma
No. 4 TEXAS A&M at ARKANSAS
- Jason: Texas A&M
- Christian: Texas A&M
- Nathan: Arkansas
- Phillip: Texas A&M
- Ronnie: Texas A&M
- Patrick: Texas A&M
MISSISSIPPI STATE at FLORIDA
- Jason: Florida
- Christian: Florida
- Nathan: Florida
- Phillip: Florida
- Ronnie: Mississippi State
- Patrick: Florida
No. 21 TEXAS at KENTUCKY
- Jason: Texas
- Christian: Texas
- Nathan: Texas
- Phillip: Texas
- Ronnie: Texas
- Patrick: Texas
No. 11 TENNESSEE at No. 6 ALABAMA
- Jason: Alabama
- Christian: Alabama
- Nathan: Alabama
- Phillip: Alabama
- Ronnie: Tennessee
- Patrick: Alabama
OTHER GAMES
No. 12 GEORGIA TECH at DUKE
- Jason: Duke
- Christian: Georgia Tech
- Nathan: Duke
- Phillip: Georgia Tech
- Ronnie: Georgia Tech
- Patrick: Georgia Tech
WASHINGTON at MICHIGAN
- Jason: Michigan
- Christian: Washington
- Nathan: Michigan
- Phillip: Washington
- Ronnie: Michigan
- Patrick: Michigan
SMU at CLEMSON
- Jason: Clemson
- Christian: Clemson
- Nathan: Clemson
- Phillip: SMU
- Ronnie: Clemson
- Patrick: Clemson
OLD DOMINION at JAMES MADISON
- Jason: Old Dominion
- Christian: James Madison
- Nathan: Old Dominion
- Phillip: James Madison
- Ronnie: James Madison
- Patrick: James Madison
No. 7 TEXAS TECH at ARIZONA STATE
- Jason: Texas Tech
- Christian: Texas Tech
- Nathan: Texas Tech
- Phillip: Texas Tech
- Ronnie: Texas Tech
- Patrick: Texas Tech
No. 20 USC at No. 13 NOTRE DAME
- Jason: Notre Dame
- Christian: Notre Dame
- Nathan: Notre Dame
- Phillip: Notre Dame
- Ronnie: USC
- Patrick: Notre Dame
No. 23 UTAH at No. 15 BYU
- Jason: BYU
- Christian: Utah
- Nathan: BYU
- Phillip: BYU
- Ronnie: BYU
- Patrick: BYU
Final Thought: With so many pivotal matchups this week, which game are you most excited about? And do you think Auburn can pull off the upset? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
