College Football Week 2 Preview: Auburn vs. Cal
Saturday, September 7th, 2024 | 3:30 PM EST | Jordan-Hare Stadium
The Auburn Tigers host the California Golden Bears in a Week 2 matchup at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kick-off is set for 3:30 PM EST.
Betting Lines:
- Auburn -13
- Total: 53.5
- MyBookie Sportsbook
Season Openers:
Both teams enter this game on the heels of dominant victories in their season openers. Cal showcased their offensive firepower in a 31-13 win over UC Davis, while Auburn made a resounding statement with a 73-3 blowout against Alabama A&M. While these wins offer a glimpse of each team’s potential, they come with the caveat of facing weaker opponents. The true test begins this Saturday.
Last Year’s Encounter:
This matchup evokes memories of last season’s nail-biter at Cal, where Auburn narrowly escaped with a 14-10 victory. That close contest hints at the competitive potential both teams bring to the field.
Season Recap & Outlook:
Auburn (6-7 last season) experienced a roller-coaster ride in Hugh Freeze’s debut year as head coach. The Tigers showcased their ability to compete with the nation’s elite, pushing powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia to the brink. However, they also suffered humbling defeats against LSU and New Mexico State, highlighting their inconsistency. With 9 returning starters on offense and 8 on defense, Auburn possesses the talent to reach greater heights. The key will be finding the consistency that eluded them last year.
Cal (6-7 last season) mirrored Auburn’s struggles with inconsistency. They experienced both thrilling highs, like their 50-49 shootout against USC, and crushing lows, such as their 63-19 defeat against Oregon. Despite the ups and downs, they rallied to win their final 3 games and secure bowl eligibility. The Golden Bears have a history of playing tough against SEC opponents, as evidenced by last year’s close game with Auburn and their 2019 upset of Ole Miss on the road.
Prediction:
Our model forecasts a close game with Auburn prevailing 31-24. However, we’re inclined to disagree. We believe Auburn’s superior talent, combined with the home-field advantage and a week of preparation without travel distractions, will propel them to a more convincing win.
Pick: Auburn -13
Expect Auburn to assert their dominance and cover the spread comfortably. While Cal is capable of putting up a fight, the Tigers’ offensive firepower and defensive prowess should prove too much to handle. We anticipate a statement win for Auburn as they strive for consistency and a successful season under Coach Freeze.