Two disappointing SEC teams return to action on Saturday, November 21, 2020, when the Tennessee Volunteers (2-4) visit the #23 Auburn Tigers (4-2). The SEC was ravaged by the coronavirus last season as most of their games were postponed, including both team’s games. Auburn is third in the SEC West and Tennessee is fifth in the SEC – East. This game will air live on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Through six games, the Tennessee offense is averaging just 20.7 points per game and 318.5 yards per game, 174.7 through the air and 143.8 on the ground. Eric Gray leads the team with 478 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Josh Palmer had a team high 21 receptions for 323 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Volunteers are allowing 31.5 points and 408.0 yards, 247.5 passing and 160.5 rushing.
The Auburn offense is averaging 28.3 points per game and 405.8 yards per game, 234.5 through the air and 171.3 on the ground. Tank Bigsby leads the team with 53 rushing yards and five touchdowns, and Seth Williams has a team high 28 receptions for 511 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Tigers are allowing 22.8 points and 391.8 yards, 236.2 passing and 155.7 rushing.
Below is my pick for the Tennessee Volunteers at #23 Auburn Tigers. All odds are from William Hill.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/auburn” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Tennessee Volunteers at #23 Auburn Tigers (-10.5): O/U 51.5 (-110/-110)
Last time out, Tennessee visited the Arkansas Razorbacks and left with a poor 24-13 defeat. Tennessee jumped out to a 13-0 halftime lead but could not get anything going in the second half and ultimately lost the game. The Volunteers used three different quarterbacks and they combined to go 11/21 for just 107 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Eric Gray was the lone bright spot for the Tennessee offense as he rushed the ball 31 times for 123 yards and one touchdown. The Tennessee defense gave up 413 total yards and did not force any Arkansas turnovers.
Auburn has not played since Halloween night when they hosted the LSU Tigers and came away with a dominant 48-11 win. The Tigers jumped out to a 21-3 halftime lead over LSU and kept the momentum going in the second half by scoring the first 27 points of the half. QB Bo Nix went 18/24 for 300 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Nix also rushed the ball 11 times for 81 yards and one touchdown. The Auburn defense held LSU to 347 yards and forced three turnovers, two interceptions and one recovered fumble.
Series History: Tennessee won the most recent meeting, but Auburn leads the all-time series 28-22-3.
Football Pick: Give me Auburn -10.5 to get the cover late.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 34-23