The UMass Minutemen and Auburn Tigers meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

UMass Minutemen Betting Preview

The UMass Minutemen look for a 2-0 start after beating New Mexico State in their season opener. It was UMass’ first road win since October 2018. UMass hasn’t started a season 2-0 since 2011. Taisun Phommachanh is completing 58.8 percent of his passes for 192 yards, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Christian Wells and Anthony Simpson have combined for 133 receiving yards on 4 catches, while George Johnson III has 1 reception. The UMass Minutemen ground game is averaging 197 yards per contest, and Phommachanh leads the way with 96 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, UMass is allowing 30 points and 458 yards per game. Tyler Rudolph leads the UMass Minutemen with 8 tackles, Zukudo Igwenagu has 1 sack and Michael Oppong has 1 interception.

Auburn Tigers Betting Preview

Auburn is coming off a 5-win season that resulted in its first missed bowl appearance since 2012. Auburn now begins the Hugh Freeze era, and he has first time coordinators in Philip Montgomery and Ron Roberts. Auburn hasn’t missed bowl trips in back to back years since 1998-99. Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne takeovers at quarterback, a guy with 6,400 yards and 49 touchdowns under his belt. Jarquez Hunter should get more carries after averaging 6.4 yards per touch, while Ja’Varrius Johnson and Koy Moore are a returning receiving duo that combined for 800 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Cam Riley returns after 64 tackles, Marcus Harris had 2 sacks and D.J. James led Auburn with 8 pass deflections. Auburn has a proven quarterback, playmakers on offense and a good enough defense to be a much improved team in the SEC. The questions surround a new coaching staff that doesn’t have a lot of time to make things work. Still, Auburn should have a bounce back season and has the ability to put a scare in the rest of a loaded SEC West. 

Randy’s Pick

Auburn has the talent to blow a game open like this, but it’s the first game of the season. Auburn is breaking in a new quarterback, has a new coaching staff, and we usually see sluggish performances in spots like this. UMass is coming off a big upset win last week and has the benefit of getting a game under its belt. This is just the fifth time since 2019 Auburn has been a favorite of 35 or more points. There’s also a possible look ahead spot here with a trip to Cal on deck next week. Lots of points. Give me UMass.