Auburn vs Cal
When: Saturday, September 7 2:30 PM (Central)
Where: Jordan-Hare
TV: ESPN 2
For the season, I am 1-0 (Last week I picked Auburn 48-0.)
Auburn is rolling out the welcome mat for the *Checks Notes* Commiefornia.... (wait, California cubs...eh?) Scratch that, the Cal “Bears” this week. I don’t expect there to be a lot of sweet tea and southern charm as we are still pretty salty about having to travel to the land of bamboo and avocados last year for one of the blandest and latest games in Auburn history. A win is a win, and we got one last year, even if it was about as exciting as a 50-hour cricket match. How about this season?
If you read much, watch any television, or listen to sports podcasts, you will get a lot of “experts” pontificating about how great the Cal defense is and how tricky it will be for Auburn. It is notable that a lot of the same people also said FSU is a top ten football team with the nation's best defensive line. (update?). Much of this fabulation revolves around the Cal defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon. He apparently is the best defensive coordinator in all the land that you have never heard of. I am of the opinion that most of the best college D-coordinators on this planet are in the SEC, and he had very quick stops here at Tennessee and Mississippi State for a reason. At least until Florida hires him as a head coach. Only because Florida is going to do Florida things. (Too soon?)
That said, Cal is a better defense than some and Sirmon can dial up some crazy blitzes out of the 4-2-5 defense that he has turned into a hybrid 2-4-5. They do create some turnovers and can cause some chaos. We saw it in person last year, if you were awake. Of course that was Auburn with a new coach, new QB, new system, wide receivers that are no longer with the program, and a late-night miserable road trip. How good is the Cal defense this year? Glad you asked-
This vaunted defense couldn’t manage a sack last week against FCS UC-Davis despite them dropping back to pass nearly fifty times. Yes, they picked the ball off three times, I get it. Still, you let an FCS team throw for more yards and nearly rush the same amount as yards as your offense. That equals out to a mediocre (at best) Cal defense, and a poor Cal offense. If you are saying Auburn shouldn’t overreact to dropping 70+ on an FCS team, imagine what you would be saying if your team was in a close game with one. It was not the performance of a team that is going to make a massive leap between week one and week two. It was a team with some serious issues in execution, coaching, game plan, and a lack of talent. Cal looked lost and slow other than a few easy DB plays.
So, what can we make of all of this. We beat this team when it had a better defense and offense last year with a team much less talented than we have now. A year later, the Cal starting quarterback from last season is now a wide receiver for Auburn. Well down the depth chart , but he did catch a touchdown last week. Everyone did. I may have caught one.
Cal’s offense now basically hinges on one person. Running back Jaydn Ott. He left their game last week in the third quarter with a bad right ankle. He is probable against Auburn, but that is just blood in the water for a defense ready to get after it. Cal’s passing offense looks about like Auburn’s has looked for the past...forever long... and managed only 158 yards against an FCS team. This is just one of the many reasons why Auburn is the two-touchdown favorite going in.
Back to what Cal does have a little of, the defense, I think the oddsmakers are concerned with Thorne throwing interceptions while under pressure to keep it within 14. I am saying the two-touchdown spread has interceptions cooked in. I don’t buy it. After watching how well the Auburn running backs picked up blitzes and seeing Thorne putting people into the proper scheme, I think he will play a clean game this week. Add in the fact that tailbacks Hunter and Alston are going to absolutely eat this week if they get a chance... it gets nasty quickly.
In all three phases, those being special teams, offense, and defense, Auburn has much more talent, better depth, better coaching, and speed. Wait, what was that other thing.... Oh, yes. It is at Jordan-Hare. The Bears are making the three thousand mile trip this time and get to see what it's like to play at our house. That all adds up to another win for the Tigers, and another second half to get the young guys in.
Auburn 42 – Cal 6
- Matthew
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Matthew Jacobs is an experienced sports writer who has joined Barner Supply as the managing editor, bringing with him a rich background in sports journalism. With a career spanning major outlets like Sports Illustrated and ESPN, Matthew has built a reputation for insightful coverage of teams across the Southeast. His deep dives into the Auburn Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Memphis Grizzlies, and Tennessee Titans have earned him a loyal following, known for his sharp analysis and engaging storytelling. At Barner Supply, Matthew looks forward to continuing his tradition of excellence, delivering compelling stories and expert commentary to a more focused audience. He can be found on 𝕏 @Mindful_Legacy
