Auburn vs Louisiana Tech: Game Day Prediction

Sep 6, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) looks to pass during the second half against the San Jose State Spartans at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Spartans 59-13. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn vs Louisiana Tech: a homecoming non-conference matchup.

The Bulldogs lost last week to an FCS opponent.

The Tigers are a 33-point favorite and have never lost to LA Tech in the previous 12 meetings between the schools.

It’s got all the makings of a blowout.

However, this Louisiana Tech team is much better than they showed last week. They’re good enough to compete in Conference USA and could still end the season in a bowl game. The Bulldogs have some weapons on offense, specifically running back Kenneth Dixon, and the defense has a few playmakers as well, including defensive end Houston Bates and safety Xavier Woods.

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Of course, Auburn is the superior team. In fact, the Tigers have more talent at each and every position than LA Tech and Auburn will get back to their high-scoring ways this week. The Tigers were held to only 20 points against Kansas State in their last game, due primarily to an inability to run the football effectively. Expect Cameron Artis-Payne to once again reach the century mark in rushing yardage, and for Nick Marshall and Corey Grant to come close to 100 yards on the ground as well.

Speaking of Marshall, he probably won’t have a huge offensive day from a statistical standpoint. With the LSU Tigers looming next week, it would not be a shock to see the first team Auburn offense out of the game by the third quarter. We’ll see Marshall throw in the first quarter, but the running game will take over and carry the load today against the Bulldogs.

Reserves should see plenty of action. Jeremy Johnson is likely to play in the game, if not early, at least in the fourth quarter once the win is well in hand. We may also get to see Roc Thomas carry the rock and some young linebackers as well in order to build depth for the rest of the season.

On defense, the Auburn defensive line should have a very good day. Louisiana Tech has allowed ten sacks despite possessing a quality running game and attempting to operate with a quick passing attack. The pass rush – specifically among the defensive line – should gain some confidence moving forward into the meat of the SEC schedule. LA Tech head coach Skip Holtz wouldn’t expect anything less.

“They are all over 300 pounds. It is not so much the weight as it is the athleticism and strength,” Holtz said this week. “They are penetrators. They try and push you into the backfield and they do a great job. It is not hard to see why so many people have them in the championship game or in the top four, because of how good they are defensively with their front four.”

With Bulldogs quarterback Cody Sokol coming off a three interception performance, the Auburn secondary should be licking their chops. Through three games, the Tigers have forced six interceptions and they could pick up two or three more today.

This game should be pretty similar to the Week 2 matchup against San Jose State. Auburn may allow a big play or two, and the Bulldogs will put up an early fight, but Auburn’s talent will be too much. It will be a blowout, but expect the Bulldogs to cover.

Auburn vs Louisiana Tech Game Day Prediction: Auburn 45, Louisiana Tech 14