Buoyvol2000
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2026
- Messages
- 591
- Likes
- 2,626
Faizon Brandon has had a solid start to his freshman season. Through four games, he has 697 passing yards, while he’s also added significant production as a runner.
But Texas exposed an issue Tennessee will need to address: pass protection. Texas recorded 10 sacks against the Vols. Tennessee’s offense didn’t score its first offensive touchdown until the final two minutes.
Auburn doesn’t necessarily have Texas’ defensive personnel, but Alex Golesh’s defense is coming off a game in which it held Vanderbilt to only 15 points.
The other major factor is DeSean Bishop. Tennessee’s rushing attack gives Brandon a way to avoid having the entire offense placed on the freshman QB’s shoulders.
Auburn offense vs. Tennessee defense
This is where I think Tennessee has the clearest advantage.
Auburn is led by Byrum Brown, who has shown he can create plays both throwing and running. Against Vanderbilt, he threw for 140 yards and a touchdown and added a rushing touchdown.
But Tennessee’s defense just had an impressive performance against Texas.
The Vols recorded:
If Tennessee can consistently pressure Brown without having to bring extra rushers, that could make Auburn’s offense considerably more difficult to sustain.
Three things I’ll be watching
1. Can Tennessee protect Brandon?
This is easily No. 1. Ten sacks against Texas can’t become a recurring issue.
2. Can Auburn run the ball?
If Auburn can establish the run, Brown becomes much more dangerous as a dual-threat quarterback.
3. How does Tennessee respond after the Texas loss?
This is an interesting psychological/competitive spot: Tennessee had a chance to knock off the No. 1 team, came within three points, and now immediately gets another SEC game at Neyland.
There’s also some history here. Auburn leads the all-time series 29–22–3, although Tennessee leads 14–10–2 in Knoxville. Auburn is returning to Neyland for the first time since 2013.
My prediction:
Tennessee 27, Auburn 20
But Texas exposed an issue Tennessee will need to address: pass protection. Texas recorded 10 sacks against the Vols. Tennessee’s offense didn’t score its first offensive touchdown until the final two minutes.
Auburn doesn’t necessarily have Texas’ defensive personnel, but Alex Golesh’s defense is coming off a game in which it held Vanderbilt to only 15 points.
The other major factor is DeSean Bishop. Tennessee’s rushing attack gives Brandon a way to avoid having the entire offense placed on the freshman QB’s shoulders.
Auburn offense vs. Tennessee defense
This is where I think Tennessee has the clearest advantage.
Auburn is led by Byrum Brown, who has shown he can create plays both throwing and running. Against Vanderbilt, he threw for 140 yards and a touchdown and added a rushing touchdown.
But Tennessee’s defense just had an impressive performance against Texas.
The Vols recorded:
- 6 sacks
- 10 tackles for loss
- Consistent pressure against Arch Manning
If Tennessee can consistently pressure Brown without having to bring extra rushers, that could make Auburn’s offense considerably more difficult to sustain.
Three things I’ll be watching
1. Can Tennessee protect Brandon?
This is easily No. 1. Ten sacks against Texas can’t become a recurring issue.
2. Can Auburn run the ball?
If Auburn can establish the run, Brown becomes much more dangerous as a dual-threat quarterback.
3. How does Tennessee respond after the Texas loss?
This is an interesting psychological/competitive spot: Tennessee had a chance to knock off the No. 1 team, came within three points, and now immediately gets another SEC game at Neyland.
There’s also some history here. Auburn leads the all-time series 29–22–3, although Tennessee leads 14–10–2 in Knoxville. Auburn is returning to Neyland for the first time since 2013.
My prediction:
Tennessee 27, Auburn 20
