Game-day preview: Tennessee at Auburn

TENNESSEE (2-3, 0-2 SEC) at No. 21 AUBURN (4-2, 1-2)

Noon EDT at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama

VIDEO & RADIO

SEC Network & 106.5 FM

THE MATCHUP

A game viewed by most pundits before the season as unwinnable for Tennessee now offers some intrigue for college football junkies looking for a bold upset prediction. Auburn’s roster attrition and surprising struggles on both offense and defense have tainted a squad once viewed as a playoff contender. Coach Gus Malzahn signed a seven-year, $49 million contract extension during the offseason, and with that comes pressure to avoid ugly losses such as last week’s 23-9 defeat at Mississippi State. A loss at home to Tennessee likely would cause an uproar within the fan base. There is little evidence to suggest the Volunteers are capable of upsetting a ranked conference foe on the road, but they did keep No. 2 Georgia on its toes into the fourth quarter in Athens two weeks ago. A couple of lengthy scoring drives by the Vols in the first half would be extremely helpful to their bid.

ONE TO WATCH

If Tennessee is going to score points, it must receive standout play from sophomore left tackle Trey Smith, who is charged with protecting the blind side of battered quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. A preseason All-Southeastern Conference selection, Smith is still working back to prime football shape after an uncertain offseason in which he was treated for blood clots in his lungs. It would be a tremendous boost for the Vols if Smith can begin to thrive as he starts his sixth consecutive game at the position after playing guard most of his freshman season. Spotty line play has handicapped offensive coordinator Tyson Helton’s play calls so far this year. Against a defense tied for second in the SEC with eight interceptions this season, Smith and his cohorts up front will have to be able to fend off a veteran Auburn front looking for redemption. Auburn ranks sixth in the league with 15 sacks.

IN THE END

If the Vols can replicate the effort their defense gave in a 38-12 loss to Georgia and receive even a serviceable performance from their offense, they will keep this game close. Coach Jeremy Pruitt’s familiarity with Malzahn’s offense and Auburn’s struggles on that side of the ball suggest the Tigers’ breakout offensive game may have to wait another week. The question, then, circles back to Tennessee’s offense. The Vols won’t be able to use the formula of a running quarterback who helped Mississippi State beat Auburn. Instead, the Vols will have to show a level of offensive potency seen only in rare flashes this season. Playmakers such as Marquez Callaway, Ty Chandler and Jauan Jennings will need big days if Tennessee is going to end its 11-game SEC losing streak on the Plains against an Auburn squad desperate for a return to the win column.

PREDICTION

Auburn 27, Tennessee 16