Pablo EscoBarner’s Fearless Forecast: Gig ’em? Hell nah

SEC football is upon us, Auburn fambly. Drink your alcohol. Eat your cheese dip. Go stupid. Go crazy. In the conference opener for both teams, Auburn and Texas A&M will look to set the tone for the remainder of their respective seasons. Let’s dive into some background and keys to the game.

First off, let’s address the “Yell Leaders” of Texas A&M. Do not call them cheerleaders as they take issue with this. They are an all male squad… that leads cheers… but not cheerleaders? Got it. Ok, they’re cheerleaders. I love college football traditions as much as anyone but this one is pushing the envelope. You know what it sounds like to me? A hell of a lot like misogyny. It’s 2019. Y’all never heard of Title IX in College Station? Does Texas A&M go to extreme lengths to suppress women? People are asking.

This has been a relatively entertaining series since Texas A&M joined the SEC. A few of the games have come down to the wire and ended in thrilling fashion. There have been some very memorable moments birthed from playing Texas A&M.

Keys To The Game

Gus, I’m begging you. Take off the leash and turn Bo loose. He’s quick as hell, has plenty of acceleration speed to get to the edge, and allow him to put pressure on the entire defense. And not just the traditional zone read. Utilize the RB in a sweep action to hold the LBs and allow him to run between the tackles occasionally. It’s keeps the defense honest and our offense less predictable. Also, let Joey Gatewood get some meaningful reps. Utilize that monster of a man in package situations throughout the course of the game. He’s a beast so let him eat. AND GIVE ME MORE SHAUN SHIVERS.

Bo has gradually gotten more and more comfortable in the pocket rather than darting out as pressure arrives. But I’d still rather him leave the pocket early than take numerous sacks (pour one out for Jarrett Stidham). Bo needs to throw the ball a little more accurately (take a sip for Jarrett Stidham) but he’s making good reads. That’s by far the most important thing for a true freshman QB. Auburn’s defense is elite. Lean on them, don’t turn the ball over, move the chains, win games.

The Opponent

Regarding Texas A&M, they have great skill position players as always (albeit without their starting RB), their defense is physical, and they field pure athletes at about every position. They’re a solid football team. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried about their defense. They contained one of the most powerful offenses in the country in Clemson. Travis Ettiene (Clemson RB) might be the most explosive RB in the nation and he was held to 16 carries for 53 yards. Sustaining a run game is vital to this game. Here’s to hoping.

The good news is Texas A&M only scored 10 points on Clemson. They struggled to consistently moved the ball. One thing Auburn’s defense absolutely has to do: get after Kellen Mond’s ass. He’s been shaky in the pocket and prone to turning the ball over. Kevin Steele, like Brent Venables (Clemson DC), will look to get pressure on Mond early and often. Our guys have to execute, land their blitzes, and contain the scrambles because Mond has the capability to move the chains with his feet. We haven’t forced many turnovers this year and that needs to change today.

Prediction: Auburn 23 – Texas A&M 20

I believe in our defense. I believe in Bo Nix. I believe Gus will open up the full playbook and turn him loose in the run game. I believe we can win this damn football game. Regardless, I believe I’ll be drunk after the game no matter the result. Cheers to that.

War Damn Eagle from yours truly,

Pablo Escobarner