Overview
- Auburn enters 1-0 after a 38-24 road win at Baylor built on 307 rushing yards and quarterback Jackson Arnold’s 137 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
- Coach Hugh Freeze said starting running back Damari Alston is not expected to play due to a shoulder injury, with Jeremiah Cobb set to start and Durell Robinson and freshman Omar Mabson candidates for carries.
- Addressing pass-defense issues is a priority after Auburn allowed 419 passing yards to Baylor, and starting nickel safety Champ Anthony is out with a broken thumb as personnel rotations shift.
- Ball State opened with a 31-0 loss at Purdue in coach Mike Uremovich’s debut, underscoring the wide spread that lists Auburn as a 43.5-point favorite.
- Kickoff at Jordan-Hare Stadium is 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU, and both an EA Sports simulation and local picks forecast a comfortable Auburn win.