Behind Enemy Lines: Cal expert conveys his thoughts on Auburn’s week two matchup

We take a look at Auburn’s week two contest by reaching out to a Cal expert.

Author:
Joshua Collins
Publish date:
Sep 7, 2023 11:00 AM EDT

In this story:

The Auburn Tigers will travel to California for a highly anticipated SEC v PAC-12 matchup this week.

Cal was counted out by ESPN College GameDay analyst this weekend who predicted North Texas to secure the win. After pulling off a routing of the Mean Green on the road in extreme Texas heat the Golden Bears fan base are confident in their team coming into this contest against the Auburn Tigers.

We reached out to Jeff Faraudo of Cal Sports Report to answer a few questions from behind enemy lines.

How do you think Cal will prepare for this upcoming game against an SEC team?

NCAA Football: North Texas at California — Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Faraudo: Cal will view this game as it does any other. With all due respect to the SEC, clearly the best conference in the country, the Bears have actually won their past three meetings against SEC opponents. They beat Ole Miss at home in 2017 and on the road in 2019 and knocked off No. 15 Tennessee in 2007. Cal certainly won’t be overconfident after routing North Texas 58-21 but the Bears won’t be intimidated, either.

Do you think the late kickoff will play a factor in game performance for the Auburn Tigers?

Nov 12, 2022; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott (6) is tackled by Oregon State Beavers defensive back Alex Austin (5) during the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports — Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Faraudo: I don’t think so. I’m sure Hugh Freeze will figure out how to minimize what amounts to a 9:30 p.m. kickoff for the Tigers. Players like to play night games, and this is a chance for Auburn to beat a Pac-12 team on the road and send its own season in the right direction.

How do you feel that Cal’s defense will perform against the run game?

Nov 12, 2022; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Tre'Shaun Harrison (0) dives into the end zone to score a touchdown against California Golden Bears corner back Isaiah Young (41) during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports — Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Faraudo: This will be a big test for Cal, which held North Texas to 41 net rushing yards and 1.5 yards per attempt. Auburn ran for 289 yards on 6.6 per rush and freshman running back Jeremiah Cobb looks like a handful. The Bears have benefitted from the return of defensive lineman Brett Johnson, who was considered an NFL prospect before missing the past two seasons with separate injures. He had no stats vs. North Texas but the coaching staff said he impacted the game.

Do you believe this will be a close game or a blowout, and in whose favor?

Sep 17, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; California Bears running back Jadyn Ott (6) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Marist Liufau (8) attempts to tackle in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports — Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Faraudo: I expect it to be close. This Cal team looks like it will score some points and its defense will be solid if it can limit big plays. SI Sportsbook favors Auburn by 6.5 points, even on the road, but I don’t think a Cal victory over a team that was 17-19 the past three seasons would be regarded as a huge upset. Both teams are works in progress.

What will this game tell you about Cal’s team for the 2023 season?

Faraudo: Facing Auburn will be a good measuring stick for Cal. The Bears had their way at North Texas, but this is an entirely different level opponent. If Cal were to get the victory, it would greatly enhance their chances of becoming bowl eligible this season, something that has eluded the program the past three seasons.