Texas A&M @ Auburn preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 7, 2015 ) Auburn 26, Texas A&M 10

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin sees a lot of similarities between his No. 20 Aggies and host Auburn heading into Saturday's SEC opener. Both teams have recorded big offensive games, have shown improving defenses and have fan bases expecting more wins.

"I think, a little bit like us, people have been down on them a little bit for not winning double-digit games," Sumlin said. "(Auburn) is hungry, just like us. I think they've got something to prove just like we do, and they're at home." The Tigers have been solid against the run, allowing 108.5 yards on the ground after allowing 182.7 yards last year, and the Aggies have also improved their rushing-defense numbers, allowing 78.5 rushing yards after holding Prairie View A&M to 32. Texas A&M features some of the league's top receivers while Auburn has built a balanced attack behind sophomore quarterback Sean White. The teams have split their four meetings since the Aggies joined SEC with the road team winning each time.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Auburn -3.5

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (2-0): Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight (583 passing yards, four touchdowns) is second in the SEC in passing and is tied for the league lead with three rushing TDs. Oklahoma transfer Keith Ford (team-high 63.5 yards) also has three rushing TDs for Texas A&M, which is averaging 49 points. Christian Kirk (team-high 13 catches for 164 yards, two TDs) needs seven receptions to join teammates Josh Reynolds (six catches, 131 yards, TD) and Ricky Seals-Jones (six catches, 90 yards) with 100 career catches.

ABOUT AUBURN (1-1): White went 17-of-23 for 244 yards and three scores last week after rotating with two other quarterbacks in a Week 1 loss to Clemson. Sophomore tailbacks Kerryon Johnson (218 yards, three TDs) and Kamryn Pettway (152 yards) each recorded their first 100-yard games last week, helping the Tigers to a SEC-leading 274.5-yard rushing average. Marcus Davis (seven receptions, 60 yards) is one of three Tiger receivers with at least five catches while Tony Stevens (five catches, 91 yards) has two scoring receptions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Auburn allowed Arkansas State to complete passes for 34, 38, 42 and 68 yards in last week's 51-14 win.

2. The Aggies are trying to start 3-0 for the third straight year, something they haven't done since 1939-41.

3. Kirk passed 2,000 career all-purpose yards last week while teammates Speedy Noil (53) and Reynolds (120) are closing in on that mark.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 28, Auburn 24