Auburn at Tennessee Odds

Written by Jordan Haimowitz

The Auburn Tigers are the big talk of the SEC of late due to their 4-0 start. The offense has been beyond explosive, the numbers they have put up are staggering as a team and individually. In wins against Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, West Virginia and Ball State, they have combined for 181 points. That comes out to a little over 45 points per game. Amazing. Starting quarterback Chris Todd has splashed onto the scene out of nowhere and has thrown for 1,012 yards with 11 touchdowns to only one interception. The duo running back attack for Auburn is dangerous. Ben Tate has rushed for 412 yards and one touchdown this season averaging 5.7 yards per carry. His partner in crime, Onterio McCalebb has totaled 365 yards on the ground with three TDs and has posted a yards per carry average of 6.8. Their are a lot of good wide receivers on this team but the main guy they look for is star sophomore Darvin Adams who has caught 20 passes for 334 yards with five touchdowns. On defense they have not quite lived up to the billing. The points per game allowed have been a little over 24 a game while their opponents are averaging 328 yards per contest. Head coach Gene Chizik better have his defense ready, especially the his D-Line as you know Tennessee will be intent on controlling the tempo of the game by running the ball. The x-factor for the road team in this game will be their defensive line. The Volunteers are not an dynamic quick strike offense, they will try to control the time of possession and play a field position game. Whether or not they can succeed in doing that will go a long way tonight. The current college football odds put Tennessee as 2.5 point favorites against Auburn while the over/under is set for 51.5 points.

Tennessee is 2-2 on the season and what has been the Lane Kiffin soap opera continues with this SEC bash tonight vs undefeated Auburn. Coach Kiffin and his defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, which is his father, have definitely brought a resurgence in energy to Rocky Top. A couple of weeks ago they played the defending champion Florida Gators very close in the swamp, however, their only two wins this season have come against lolly pop opponents in Western Kentucky and Ohio (both of which were home games). QB Jonathan Crompton continues his struggles this season which carry over from 2008. He has thrown for 641 yards with seven touchdowns to eight interceptions. Starting running back Monterio Hardesty is listed as probable with a lingering knee, he most likely will go though looking to improve on his 485 yards rushing with four touchdowns and has posted 5.8 yards per carry. The lack of big play capability from the wide receiver position is what has plagued them in the games against UCLA and Florida. On the defensive side they have no weakness, the power starts with if not the best overall player in the nation, safety Eric Berry who is a top 10 NFL draft pick next summer for sure, he might very well go top five. The Vols also field a great linebackers core led by LaMarcus Thompson. The x-factor for the home team tonight will be none other then QB Jonathan Crompton. This kid must come out sharp against an Auburn defense which has been picked apart at times this season despite their 4-0 record. Crompton must control the game speed, not make big mistakes especially in their own end and just play with confidence. It may just be stating the obvious, but still true.

Haimo’s Hot Notes:

-AUB are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 conference games.

-Under is 19-7 in AUB last 26 games as an underdog.

-Tennessee is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games overall

-Tigers are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

This game has let down for Auburn written all over it. Tennessee has the best defense in the SEC from my eyes and if new head coach Lane Kiffin wants to set the tone with a big win, tonight is the night and is set up for him to do so. FREE PICK BELOW. Make sure to check my main cappers page for all premium play selections and current published hot streaks.

Jordan’s Pick: Tennessee -2.5

Comments

One Response to “Auburn at Tennessee Odds”

Airedale 98 on October 3rd, 2009 7:29 AM

Not much to disagree with – except the final – Auburn 38 UT 26. Auburn gives up too many points but as Coach Dye used to say “Loves to play where they hate us”. Overall series 26-21-3 and the Tigers have taken the last 5 in a row against the Vols. Including 2 in one season…Coach Kiffin likes to talk a bunch of smack, Coach Chizik likes to play a bunch of smash-mouth SEC ball.

Got something to say?