For the second straight week, Auburn plays a non-conference opponent with Arkansas State coming to Jordan-Hare Stadium. The only conference game this week features South Carolina at Georgia.

(Last week: 10-3)

Arkansas State at Auburn, 6:30 p.m. CT, FSN

The first game for Auburn under head coach Gus Malzahn was a little bumpy but the Tigers held on to beat Washington State 31-24. Thanks to a much improved defense and a reliable running game, Auburn enters the second week of the season 1-0 as it prepares for Arkansas State to visit Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT on FSN. The Tigers won the previous two meetings against the Red Wolves.

Offensively, Auburn struggled at times against WSU under new quarterback Nick Marshall. Marshall never seemed to get into a rhythm and was probably a little nervous in his first start under center in front of a huge crowd at Jordan-Hare. The junior college transfer was 10-of-19 passing for 99 yards and also ran for 27 yards. Marshall missed a few open targets but several catchable passes were also dropped by his receivers. Sammie Coates showed signs of being a big-play threat but it looks like the receivers haven't made many strides after a dismal season last year.

Marshall should improve with more time to learn the offense. He only had preseason camp to take in Malzahn's complicated offense. Hopefully several receivers will step up this week and become go-to guys to take some pressure off of Marshall and the running game. Even though the Tigers ran the ball well against the Cougars, being one-dimensional won't cut it against stout SEC defenses.

Corey Grant led the tailbacks with 149 yards on nine carries and also had a 75-yard touchdown run. Pretty impressive after he gained just 29 yards on seven carries last season. Tre Mason added 73 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown as Auburn's ground game racked up 297 yards on the night.

Defensively, the Tigers looked much improved under the new 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Tackling wasn't an issue and the unit recorded three interceptions after picking off just two a year ago. They could have easily picked off a few more Saturday night, too. Even though the unit allowed 464 yards of total offense, it made plays when the game was on the line, something that was definitely missing last year.

It looks like special teams will be solid again this year after playing a role in the victory over WSU. Mason had a 100-yard kickoff return, Cody Parkey had three field goals and five touchbacks, and the Tigers didn’t have a punt return against them. If special teams continues to be solid for the rest of the season, it could help Auburn escape with more victories.

While Auburn was in a battle with WSU, Arkansas State cruised to a 62-11 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Red Wolves should be a bigger test this week for the Tigers with a solid defensive line and an offense capable of lighting up the scoreboard. ASU had 509 rushing yards last Saturday with four tailbacks rushing for more than 100 yards.

Auburn's secondary will be tested once again this week after allowing 344 yards through the air against the Cougars. ASU's wide receiver J.D. McKissic will be the main focus for the unit after winning the Sun Belt Conference’s Freshman of the Year award last year with 103 catches for 1,022 yards and five touchdowns.

Prediction: Arkansas State 30-27.



Florida at Miami

Prediction: Florida 17-13.



Miami (Ohio) at Kentucky

Prediction: Kentucky 24-10.



WKU at Tennessee

Prediction: Tennessee 30-17.



Alcorn State at Mississippi St.

Prediction: MSU 38-7.



Toledo at Missouri

Prediction: Missouri 28-14.



South Carolina at Georgia

Prediction: Georgia 24-21.



UAB at LSU

Prediction: 45-10.



Sam Houston State at Texas A&M

Prediction: Texas A&M 50-6.



Samford at Arkansas

Prediction: Arkansas 54-17.



SE Missouri St. at Ole Miss

Prediction: Ole Miss 56-7.



Austin Peay at Vanderbilt

Prediction: Vandy 31-3.