Auburn football vs. South Alabama: predictions, picks, odds

The Auburn Tigers are set to play its first day game of the young season this Saturday when it faces the South Alabama Jaguars for an 11:45 a.m. CT kickoff on SEC Network live from Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The Tigers promoted a more balanced attack in last week’s 42-3 win over Ball State by passing for 271 yards and rushing for an additional 224. Jeremiah Cobb had a breakout game by rushing for 121 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns, which will forever go down as his first 100-yard, multi-touchdown performance. Through two games, he has gained 195 yards on 27 carries, which nearly exceeds his overall total from his first two season’s on the Plains.

This week, Cobb will be asked to carry a bulk of the load again as UConn transfer Durell Robinson has been ruled out due to what Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze called a “freak injury” following the Tigers win over Ball State. Robinson’s injury, along with the “game time decision” status of Damari Alston, could give Cobb another opportunity to prove that he deserves steady carries within the Tigers run game. He could also smash through the South Alabama defense that allows 211 rushing yards per game through the first two contests of the season.

Stream Auburn vs. South Alabama on Fubo (free trial)

How will this week’s action shake out? Here is a look at the latest odds and expert predictions for Auburn football’s second home test against the South Alabama Jaguars.

Auburn vs. South Alabama odds, money line, over/under

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Sept. 11

• Moneyline: Auburn (-5000) | South Alabama (1350)
• Spread: Auburn by 24.5
• Over/under: 55.5

Auburn vs. South Alabama predictions, picks for college football Week 3

Taylor Jones, Auburn Wire

“I expect South Alabama to provide Auburn with its toughest run challenge yet. The Jags average 191 yards per contest, with running back Kentrel Bullock carrying the load with 234 yards and three scores. However, Auburn’s run game could smother South’s defense that allows 211 yards per game. Expect Jeremiah Cobb and Jackson Arnold to slice up the Jags defense on Saturday, with Connor Gibbs showing off his boot with a field goal of 40+ yards.”

Auburn 45 South Alabama 13

Brian Hauch, Auburn Wire

“Auburn comes into this contest against South Alabama with 90 points scored through two weeks. South Alabama has a high powered attack of their own, although the problem is the Jaguars have given up 54 points. USA quarterback Bishop Davenport is talented enough to give the Tigers a slight scare, but the home team’s supremacy on defense will prove to be the difference.” 

Auburn 40 South Alabama 21

Phillip Jordan, Auburn Wire

“Despite the Tigers having some injuries at running back Jeremiah Cobb should have a big day against the Jaguars rush defense that is allowing 211 rushing yards per game. That will open chances for big plays in the passing game for Jackson Arnold. Auburn should have the advantage on the line of scrimmage on both sides. A big key for the defense will be not allowing South Alabama wide receiver Devin Viosin to have a big game.” 

Auburn 38 South Alabama 10

Guest expert: David Schultz, Locked On Sun Belt

“South Alabama covers (24.5) and the game goes over (55.5) South Alabama’s strength is on the offensive side of the ball with Davenport (QB), Bullock (RB) & Voisin (WR). They can move the ball & put up some points. Defensively, is another issue. They lost their top 5 DBs to the portal. So while talented, they are inexperienced. Auburn better not be looking ahead to Oklahoma or the Jaguars may just sneak up & bite them.“

Auburn 42 South Alabama 24

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions.