Five reasons Louisiana Monroe pulls off a major upset on Saturday

Oct 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) throws a pass during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Auburn Tigers (3-6) enter the final stretch of their season needing three consecutive victories to qualify for a bowl game. Despite averaging well over 6 yards per play on the offensive side of the ball and holding opponents to under 20 points per contest, turnovers and suspect second half play calling have derailed what at times has looked like a promising second season under Hugh Freeze on the Plains. The Tigers still have the opportunity to finish the season strong, and it would start with a win over Sun Belt bottom feeder Louisiana Monroe (5-4) on Saturday.

Auburn, as expected, is a large favorite coming into the contest. The Tigers are currently 23.5-point favorites to earn their fourth win of the season this week according to BetMGM, but Hugh Freeze’s squad has lost as large favorites before. Here are five ways the Warhawks can shock the football world and secure a second straight losing season for the Tigers.

Auburn does not run the football

Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) celebrates his touchdown against Vanderbilt during the first quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.

Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter is second in the SEC with 913 rushing yards this season. He is also the only running back in the top 5 without more than 10 rushing touchdowns on the year. The senior has managed over 150 more yards than the third place back, Le’Veon Moss, despite receiving just 11 more carries. That is a major problem, and one of the main reasons the Tigers have struggled to rack up wins in 2024. Hugh Freeze and his staff have shown a hesistancy to lean on…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/five-reasons-louisiana-monroe-pulls-200000227.html

Author : Auburn Wire

Publish date : 2024-11-14 20:00:00

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