Matchup Overview

The upcoming clash between the Auburn Tigers and Baylor Bears in Week 1 of the college football season sees both programs striving for a rebound towards prominence. This showdown is scheduled for Friday night at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. Notably, Auburn has celebrated victory in eight consecutive opening games. In contrast, under the leadership of Coach Dave Aranda, Baylor holds a 5-1 record in opening matchups.

The Tigers had a difficult prior season, finishing with a 5-7 record, whereas the Bears improved to 8-5 overall.

Current Betting Odds

• Spread: Auburn -1
• Over/Under: 57.5 total points
• Money Line: Auburn -116, Baylor -104

Before placing any bets, consult Bruce Marshall for expert analysis.

Players to Watch

1. Jackson Arnold: The new Auburn quarterback transferring from Oklahoma.

   • 2024 Stats: 154 completions on 246 attempts, 62.6% accuracy, 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns, 3 interceptions.

2. Damari Alston: The Tigers’ primary returning running back with solid stats.

   • 2024 Stats: 52 carries for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns.

3. Sawyer Robertson: Key player for Baylor, bringing experience and success to the field.

   • 2024 Stats: 62.2% completion rate, 3,071 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 8 interceptions.

4. Bryson Washington: Impressive performance in his freshman year.

   • 2024 Stats: 175 carries for 1,028 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Conclusion

With Auburn favorited slightly in this matchup, the analysis suggests a close game ahead. Bruce Marshall further elaborates on what crucial factors could influence the scoring outcome.