Florida Atlantic @ Auburn preview

THE STORY: With its 17-game winning streak snapped last week, defending national champion Auburn looks to begin a new run when it hosts Florida Atlantic. The Tigers fell 38-24 at Clemson last week, Auburn’s first loss since a 26-21 setback to Alabama on Nov. 27, 2009. Auburn has allowed 30-plus points in its first three games. Florida Atlantic comes in looking for its first touchdown of the season after losing 41-3 at Florida and 44-0 at Michigan State. The Owls rank near the bottom of the FBS in every major offensive category. Senior running back Alfred Morris, a 1,000-yard rusher two years ago, has 37 yards this season. Auburn, which is 16-0 against Sun Belt Conference teams, has never faced Florida Atlantic.

TV: FSN. LINE: Auburn -33.5

ABOUT FLORIDA ATLANTIC (0-2): The best news for the Owls: Things can’t get much worse. In addition to its offensive woes, Florida Atlantic has allowed 85 points and 902 yards. Florida Atlantic senior Marcus Bartels leads the Owls in tackles with 19, and needs four to set the school record for most tackles by a defensive back.

ABOUT AUBURN (2-1): Despite wins in two of the Tigers’ first three games, defense remains a concern. Auburn ranks last in the Southeastern Conference and near the bottom of FBS in rushing defense (266 yards per game allowed), pass efficiency defense (144 yards per game) and total defense (534 yards per game). Michael Dyer leads the offense, ranking 14th in the nation in rushing yards per game (119.3), and has rushed for two touchdowns in each of the Tigers’ first three games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Coach Howard Schnellenberger, who announced before the season that this will be his last at Florida Atlantic, is one of 10 active coaches with a national championship. Auburn coach Gene Chizik won a national title last season.

2. After Saturday, the Owls play back-to-back road games to open Sun Belt play (at Louisiana-Lafayette, at North Texas) before opening their new 30,000-seat stadium Oct. 15 against Western Kentucky.

3. Auburn has won 22 of its past 26 night games at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

PREDICTION: Auburn 49, Florida Atlantic 7 - The Owls score their first touchdown of the season, but the Tigers start a new winning streak in easy fashion.