Five reasons why Auburn beats Western Kentucky

Here are five reasons why the Tigers beat the Hilltoppers.

Author:
Cooper Posey
Publish date:
Nov 19, 2022 9:37 AM EST

In this story:

Auburn faces off against the Hilltoppers this weekend looking to add another W to the win column. Here are a few reasons the Tigers are capable of beating Western Kentucky.

A new chapter

Enyce Sledge (90) walking out into the fourth quarter during the football game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Nov 12, 2022. Austin/Auburn Tigers generic — Austin/Auburn Tigers

The Tigers finally pulled out a long anticipated win this past weekend against Texas A&M. Auburn has turned the page since hiring Cadillac Williams as the Interim Head Coach. Auburn is showing signs that they are starting to find a groove as a team.

Auburn's running game

Tank Bigsby — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Western Kentucky has only allowed an average of 144.82 yards per game on the ground. Auburn's offense averages a total of 190.60 yards per game, as long as the Tigers run the ball like they do, Western Kentucky will have a hard time stopping them.

Special Teams

Nov 27, 2021; Huntington, West Virginia, USA; A Western Kentucky Hilltoppers helmet at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports — Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn's ability to hold the Hilltoppers offense to field goal attempts is going to be important. Western Kentucky's kicker makes field goals only 70% of the time. Putting Western Kentucky in the situation to not capitalize on scoring opportunities is going to be a factor in the outcome of this game.

Western Kentucky is turnover prone

Dec 20, 2016; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers mascot Big Red performs in the game between the Memphis Tigers and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the first half at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports — Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Hilltoppers offense has had a combined 16 turnovers this season. Their offense has thrown eight interceptions and fumbled the ball eight times. Auburn has to win the turnover battle if they want to win.

Auburn's secondary

DJ James tackles Ladd McConkey — Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Western Kentucky's offense relies heavily on their passing game but I think Auburn's secondary is going to be to much for the Hilltoppers to handle. Auburn's defensive secondary has improved greatly as the season has progressed. The Tigers only allow an average of 202.8 yards per game through the air.