Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter had the game of his life last Saturday at Kentucky, rushing for 278 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. Vanderbilt ranks 9th in the SEC in stopping the run, which could open the door for Hunter to have another successful game on the ground.

Vanderbilt also ranks in the bottom half of the SEC in pass defense, which could have big implications for Payton Thorne and Auburn's offense. According to PFF data, Vanderbilt has never had a pass rush rating above 65 this season and has reached 70 or higher in just two of its eight games. Thorne should benefit from having more time to achieve his main goals.

Will the reigning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week have another good performance? Last week, Keldric Faulk recorded two sacks in the Tigers' win over Kentucky and is poised to be in the running for the award again as Vanderbilt's pass blocking is his Achilles' heel, according to PFF. The Commodores have only posted a grade above 70 in one game this season and have only posted a grade of 33.1 in two games. Expect Faulk, Jalen McLeod and Eugene Asante to perform well against Vanderbilt's offensive line.

“I’m tired of seeing this quarterback. I've had enough of him.” Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said those words this week regarding Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who was a thorn in Freeze's side the last two seasons at New Mexico State. In two games against teams coached by Hugh Freeze, Pavia has completed 71% of his passes (35 of 49) for 415 yards and six touchdowns while adding 160 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

There is no doubt that Freeze has spent time this week perfecting the best possible plan to prevent Pavia from having another great day against the Tiger defense. If his plan works, Auburn should come away with a win.

For the first time since September 28th, the Auburn Tigers will play a game in front of their home crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Despite its struggles this season, Auburn will have unwavering support from the Auburn fan base in the stands, which will give the Tigers excellent home field advantage.