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Auburn Looks for Second SEC Win Against Pavia, Vanderbilt

Auburn | Jarquez Hunter, Running Back — © Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

The Auburn Tigers (3-5, 1-4 Southeastern Conference) will host the Vanderbilt Commodores (5-3, 2-2) in Jordan-Hare Stadium at 12:45 EST on Nov. 2 in Auburn, Ala.

Auburn is coming off its first conference win of the season. The Tigers weren't certain an SEC victory was in the cards for 2024. But after Auburn unleashed running back Jarquez Hunter on the Kentucky Wildcats (3-5, 1-5) to the tune of 278 yards, spirits are high and the Auburn family is hopeful that the Tigers can run their way to a second SEC victory.

Vanderbilt is one of the hot teams in the conference. After upsetting Alabama (6-2, 3-2), the 'Dores placed themselves in the thick of the SEC conversation. Vanderbilt now has two losses after a close loss to No. 6 Texas. The Commodores would need some help, but a win against Auburn keeps Vandy in the hunt for an SEC Championship bid.

The Stakes

Auburn comes into the game with renewed vigor. Going into Kentucky, Auburn thought perhaps that would be the last opportunity for the Tigers to get an SEC victory. Now, there are whispers of a potential bowl bid. Auburn needs three wins to become bowl-eligible. A win against Vandy leaves room for Auburn to split the final two SEC games between No. 10 Texas A&M (7-1, 5-0) and No. 14 Alabama (as long as they take care of business in their final non-conference game). If Auburn can make a bowl game after a putrid start to the season, the opinion surrounding the 2024 season would swing drastically positive. It all starts with a win over Vandy.

Vanderbilt lags behind the SEC elite, but still has its sights set on a trip to Atlanta. The teams ahead of Vandy have to lose some games. With a month left in the season, there is plenty of time for the 'Dores to get all the help they need. However, a loss to Auburn essentially eliminates Vanderbilt from the conversation.

Auburn | Jarquez Hunter, RB — © Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Player to Watch: Auburn

Auburn fans have been clamoring for Hunter to get fed the ball, and feed him Auburn did. And Hunter ate. His 278 yards are the fourth-longest single-game rushing total by an Auburn running back in school history. If the Tigers are to beat Vandy, then the offense will have to run through Hunter. Auburn fans are excited for his encore.

Player to Watch: Vanderbilt

Pavia has been Vandy's version of Tim Tebow or Johnny Football. Whether it's been through the air or on the ground, Pavia has supplied plenty of wow plays and carried the Commodores through some major moments in 2024. This will be Pavia's second trip to Jordan-Hare in as many seasons. In 2023, Pavia led the New Mexico State Aggies (2-6, 1-4 Conference USA) to a 31-10 victory over the Tigers. Nobody in Auburn has forgotten that day, and Pavia will have to navigate a raucous environment if Vandy wants to remain in the SEC hunt.

What to Watch

The game could be short. Vanderbilt averages over 32 minutes in time of possession, which leads the SEC. Auburn should look to get Hunter going early and often. Don't expect an abundance of passes to be thrown by either team as they both look to keep the clock ticking.