Auburn Daily Roundtable: Tigers have a huge opportunity this weekend

Outside of the Iron Bowl, this may be the biggest game on Auburn's schedule this season.

The Tigers (3-3, 0-3 SEC) take on No. 13 Ole Miss (5-1, 2-1 SEC) in what should be an incredible matchup inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn really needs a win to get back on track after a three-game skid. Ole Miss needs a victory to stay alive in the SEC West race.

Added on top of this is the Hugh Freeze, Lane Kiffin ties that are on the forefront of both fanbases' minds. There are so many storylines and beefs between these two programs over the last few years that comes to a head on Saturday night.

Here's what our staff thinks about the upcoming game.

What should Auburn do at quarterback vs Ole Miss?

Zac: I think Auburn should start Robby Ashford. If they don’t, I think Payton Thorne should be given a run heavy game plan with Jarquez Hunter and Brian Battie.

Daniel: I think Auburn should start Robby Ashford. His ability to extend plays is superior to Thorne's and I believe that is how Auburn will win this game.

Jeremy: Look it’s easy to have a contrarian opinion here. The three primary opinions I would say are Thorne, Ashford, or both. I am going to say all three are wrong because none of them will work well. I would also like to say that Auburn fans are toxic complainers with unrealistic self sabotaging expectations. Football is won with players. Hugh will get those players. He has done a lot of good recruiting the last nine months, but does not have them yet. It took Bruce Pearl years and years to turn around the dumpster fire that was Auburn Basketball. Patience please.

Alex: The fan service would be to start Robby, I think its more complicated. I think ideally you play both to see how Thorne does at home against easier competition while (hopefully) matching an easier game plan to execute...while grooming Robby with a more wide open play book (I don't think Robby has had enough first-team reps and throwing him out there right out of the gate would be doom...so I think (hope) its more of a transitional thing).

Steve: I don’t know what the coaches are seeing in practice or how they view the game film, but based on what has happened in games, I believe it’s time to ride with Robby. He’s a more dynamic playmaker and presents a multi-dimensional threat to opposing defenses.

Sheldon: The game plan against Georgia seemed to work very well. I believe we keep it the same and play how we play at home. Payton Thorne on the road and Payton Thorne at home is a different player.

Auburn and Ole Miss have two of the best turnover margins in the SEC. Will there be turnovers in this game?

Zac: I predict Auburn will win the turnover battle. It’s at home. I think Auburn runs it more. Could be the difference in the game.

Daniel: I think Auburn will win the turnover battle. Homefield advantage will be a factor and I think Jaxon Dart will be rattled.

Jeremy: Auburn could definitely use them. I would give the home team the edge here, and Jordan Hare will be rocking at night. Jaylin Simpson jumps a route for another pick Saturday.

Alex: I bet three total. One for one team, two for another....couldn't say who comes out on top there.

Steve: Yes, there will be turnovers in this game and Auburn will get two of them. Tigers need to turn one of those two into points to win. I don’t think Auburn turns it over more than once.

Sheldon: Auburn all day. Auburn gets two and protects the ball.

What is the biggest mismatch in Auburn's favor?

Zac: Auburn’s biggest mismatch is that it’s in Jordan Hare Stadium.

Daniel: I think the crowd vs Ole Miss is the mismatch.

Jeremy: The biggest mismatch is the head coach matchup. This is the Auburn coaching search bowl. We won’t pretend like Auburn didn’t flirt heavily with Lane Kiffin, but they ultimately made the right decision. Hugh is more focused, more mature, and more driven. While Lane was in Boca Raton this offseason Hugh was recruiting 16 hours days. We don’t know how year one will play out, but Hugh is a better head coach than Lane.

Alex: Home field advantage with a night crowd

Steve: Not sure there really is a mismatch anywhere with these teams, as they are similar in talent level. If there was one, I’d say it would be Auburn’s depth at running back. While Judkins is a tremendous back, he is the only dynamic runner the Rebels have. Auburn has three running backs that are capable of making big plays and tough yards when they get the ball.

Sheldon: fourth down defense and Lane Kiffin’s aggressiveness in an electric environment.

Who will lead Auburn and Ole Miss in total yards?

Zac: Auburn, Jarquez Hunter, Ole Miss, Quinshon Judkins.

Daniel: Auburn, Robby Ashford. Ole Miss Quinshon Judkins.

Jeremy: Auburn, Jarquez Hunter, Ole Miss, Quinshon Judkins.

Alex: I'm going to just roll dice and assume this may be a Jarquez coming out party... I'd also bet Judkins for Ole Miss also.

Steve: Auburn, Brian Battie, Ole Miss, Jaxson Dart.

Sheldon: Auburn, Brian Battie, Ole Miss, Quinshon Judkins.

Predict Auburn's MVP this weekend.

Zac: Jarquez Hunter

Daniel: Robby Ashford is Auburn's MVP.

Jeremy: Jaylin Simpson

Alex: I think if Auburn hopes to win it'll need to be an EDGE/DL on pass rush or a secondary player to shut out their pass game, so one of- Simp, DJ, DK, Harris, Faulk, or McLeod.

Steve: Auburn’s MVP this weekend will be Marcus Harris. I think he will continue his solid play and come up with some big plays.

Sheldon: Keionte Scott.