Skip to main content
    Jayson Jones discusses the improvement of Auburn's pass rush

    Five reasons Auburn could struggle against the New Mexico State Aggies

    These things could cause trouble for Auburn against New Mexico State.

    In this story:

    Auburn Tigers
    Auburn Tigers
    New Mexico State Aggies
    New Mexico State Aggies

    The Auburn Tigers are bringing a three-game winning streak with them back to Jordan-Hare Stadium to take on the 8-3 New Mexico State Aggies. 

    This New Mexico State team is no joke, as they bring a six-game winning streak with them to the Plains. 

    Let's take a look at five reasons the Auburn Tigers could struggle against the New Mexico State Aggies. 

    New Mexico State has a really good quarterback

    Aggie quarterback Diego Pavia runs the ball during a NMSU football game on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at the Aggies Memorial Stadium.

    New Mexico State's quarterback Diego Pavia is really good. He is day-to-day with an injury, so his status for this game is in the air, but if he does play, watch out. The junior quarterback can do it with his legs and his arm, making him so dangerous. If Pavia is able to give it a go on Saturday, the Auburn Tigers need to be ready because if he has a big game, there could be a scare in Jordan-Hare. 

    Auburn turns the football over

    Nov 11, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) scores a touchdown and looks back at Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Lorando Johnson (1) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

    One way a team like New Mexico State could hang around in this ball game is if Auburn turns the football over. Even during Payton Thorne's success over the past few weeks, he has still been turning the football over. A mistake like the one Thorne made against Vandy could really hurt in this game if the Tigers aren't having a great offensive game. If Auburn takes care of the football, they will win this game big. 

    The Aggies spread the ball to different targets through the air

    NMSU wide receiver Eli Stowers celebrates the first touchdown of the game during the NMSU homecoming game on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at the Aggie Memorial Stadium.

    New Mexico State loves to spread the ball out through the air. The Aggies have eight players with 100 or more receiving yards and four players with 200 or more yards. This means Auburn's secondary needs to be ready for every pass catcher on the field for New Mexico State to be targeted. If the Aggies have a big day through the air, it could be a stressful day for Auburn fans. 

    Aggies run the football well

    NMSU running back Monte Watkins scores a touchdown during an Aggie football game on Saturday, August 256 2023, at the Aggie Memorial Stadium.

    New Mexico State has four players with 50 or more carries on the season, which means they like to keep their backs fresh. Also, the quarterback Pavia has carried the football 126 times this season for 703 yards and five touchdowns. The Tigers need to be ready for the Aggies to try and establish the run, and they need to have a spy watching Pavia, assuming he is healthy enough to give it a go. If the Aggies run the rock well and drain the clock, this game could be tight. 

    Auburn looks on to the next one

    Robby Ashford in the Iron Bowl.

    All Auburn fans know what football game is coming up next week. The players need to make sure that their focus is staying on this football game and not the one next week. Coach Freeze and his players have done a really good job of that this season, but this needs to continue this week against the Aggies. If you look to next week, New Mexico State might make this a football game. 

    Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!

    Join the Locked on Auburn Discord

    Follow Auburn Daily on Twitter

    Like Auburn Daily on Facebook

    Subscribe to Locked On Auburn on YouTube

    © 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.