College Football Preview: No. 7 Auburn Tigers vs. No. 10 Florida Gators

Prediction

The irony is that this game features two head coaches who have made a name for themselves on the offensive side of the ball but it’s the defenses that will likely determine the ultimate outcome. Both programs feature athletic defenses that get after opponents and will make ballgames tougher than they should be.

On display will be the 17th (Florida) and the 33rd (Auburn) ranked defenses with both units also being top-25 in scoring defense as well. Getting a healthy Zuniga and all-conference cornerback C.J. Henderson will be tremendous boosts for the Gators defense. While the Auburn unit possesses an aggressive front seven led by defensive linemen Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson, who have combined for 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks this season.

So, ultimately, the two relatively inexperienced quarterbacks will be tasked to play as efficient as possible and make a few plays here and there when need be. Both teams will look to establish the run early and often, although the Gators have struggled all season to find consistency there. The Gators are currently 89th in the FBS in rushing offense.

As a result, the lean here is slight to the Tigers. While they do face a difficult environment which is Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, their ability to run the football at will gives them the upper hand. Will the Auburn run game likely be as dominant against the lethal Gators defense? Probably not. But it will be good enough as the Auburn defense force Trask into a few mistakes that will prove to be costly.

Score: Auburn – 23, Florida – 20