I hate Auburn. I am a die-hard UGA fan, but when it all comes down to it, I LOVE BETTING. And this is a game to win some serious money, no flukes in this game.
Just some things to think about going into Thursday's game:
It will be Auburn's first non-conference road game since 2003 (at Georgia Tech). This is
Auburn's appearance at West Virginia will mark the eighth time the Tigers have played on a Thursday night. Auburn is 6-1 in games played on Thursday evening with three straight wins.
Auburn has played only eight previous games against the eight schools that currently comprise the Big East Conference for football, posting a 5-2-1 record in those games.
Auburn has not lost on Oct. 23 since a 3-0 loss to Southern Miss in 1965.
The Tigers are 23-8 in their last 31 games in October.
Over the past five seasons, the Tigers are now 9-2 in their first game played after a loss, one of those losses was last week against a tough played game(Arkansas).
Auburn has won 16 of its last 18 games when wearing all white uniforms. (Dont let this fool you, since UGA loss when they "Blacked Out"...but its still something to think about)
Over the past five seasons, Auburn has the nation's third-best record in games played away from home (road or neutral site games). The Tigers are 18-5 (.783) since the start of the 2004 season outside of Jordan-Hare Stadium, trailing only Texas (26-4, .867) and USC (24-5, 828). This tells me that Auburn is strong on the road, even stronger when GETTING POINTS!!!
Auburn has played only eight previous games against the eight schools that currently comprise the Big East Conference for football, posting a 5-2-1 record in those games. I can definitely see that record getting better this season.
Auburn defensive coordinator
Paul Rhoads is familiar with West Virginia, having spent eight seasons as the defensive coordinator at Pitt from 2000-07.
So he's seen UWV, and He knows what he's dealing with, just now, HE HAS BETTER ATHLETES TO PLAY WITH RATHER THAN PLAY AGAINST.
Personal Opinions:
When the day is over, we all know SEC is a power house. And yes, the Big East is getting better with UWV, USF, RUTG, and LOUISVILLE... and they have shown that is the past bowl games when Big East beat SEC 5 times in 2006.(I think?)...The same year UWV beat UGA in the Sugar Bowl. Also, Pat White was second runner up from Alabama. And I'm sure he is wanting a little revenge since Auburn didn't want him. But, with the Defense that Auburn brings (Auburn ranks 14th nationally in total defense (272.7) and pass defense (164.9) and ranks 25th in rushing defense (107.9). Also, allowing just 13.1 points per game.) With new head coach, Bill Stewart, it looks like UWV has almost gotten everything together, with this little winning streak. BUT THEY HAVENT PLAYED ANYBODY WITH THE CALIBUR OF AUBURN OR ANYBODY IN THE SEC!! They barely beat Rutgers or Suracuse. Theyre not gonna come close to Auburn. Auburn end this streak of not winning a spread...My final Prediction:
AUB 24
UWV 9
One big thing to ponder about:
When losing this season, Auburn only loses by an average of 2.66... so take the 3 points as one of the safest bets this year and win some serious $$$. Go Auburn!(Never thought I'd say that in my life!!)