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    TJ Finley's dad gives an update on his son's shoulder

    Five reasons Auburn wins their conference opener against Missouri

    Here is why the Auburn Tigers will walk away from week four with a win

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    Auburn Tigers
    Auburn Tigers

    The Auburn Tigers are set to face off with Missouri this weekend in their conference opener. Auburn is 2-1 heading into week four hoping to turn things around after an ugly loss at home to Penn State. 

    Missouri's offense

    Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) overlooks the MU offensive line during the Tigers' 34-17 win over Abilene Christian on Sept. 17, 2022.

    Missouri is 2-1 this season with their only loss coming from Kansas State. Missouri’s offense relies more on their passing game rather than their running game. Their offense averages 7.2 yards per play through the air. 

    Missouri is also turnover prone with starting quarterback Brady Cook and backup quarterback Jack Abraham combining for five INT’s this season. If Auburn can win the turnover battle this week they will also win the game. 

    Auburn will adjust from last week

    Auburn Tigers head coach Bryan Harsin reacts after the game during the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Auburn Tigers 24-22 in 4OT.

    With Auburn coming off a loss in week three and head coach Bryan Harsin’s job being in question, you can bet that Auburn will be a completely different team than last weekend. With this being the first conference game of the season Auburn must forget about the Penn State game and move forward. The adjustments they have made in practice this week will show and set them apart from Missouri.

    Missouri's defense

    Jul 18, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers helmet shown on the stage during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

    Missouri’s defense has allowed an average of 212 yards through the air per game. The Tigers also allow an average of 117.3 yards on the ground. With Missouri giving up these kinds of numbers, expect Auburn to take advantage of Missouri’s defense and put up numbers above the average of Missouri’s allowed yardage. This gives Auburn’s offense the opportunity to have big plays and put up a lot of points. 

    Missouri has not beaten Auburn since joining the SEC

    Owen Pappoe and Derick Hall leading the Auburn football team on the field vs Penn State.

    Auburn has not lost to the Missouri Tigers since Missouri joined the SEC in 2012. The last time Missouri knocked off Auburn was in 1973. Auburn has outscored Missouri 127-90 through three games in school history. This is not the year Missouri claims their first conference game win against Auburn. 

    Tank Bigsby

    Tank Bigsby in warmups vs Penn State.

    I know we already touched on Missouri’s defense, but Tank Bigsby alone will be the difference maker in this game. Bigsby is tied for second among FBS running backs in forced missed tackles. Bigsby has 283 yards through 38 carries and averages 6.26 yards per carry. They do not compare because Auburn's running abilities matched against Missouri’s rush defense, they do not compare. Bigsby is going to be too much for Missouri to stop. 

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