College Sports

Auburn's Harsin sees familiar foe as San Jose State visits

Posted September 08, 2022 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Auburn quarterback T.J. Finley (1) throws a pass as Mercer linebacker Ken Standley (15) applies pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press

San Jose St. (1-0) at Auburn (1-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPU)

Line: Auburn by 23 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: Auburn leads 2-0.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Auburn is trying for a successful five-game home stand to open the season. That means avoiding a misstep against San Jose State, especially with Penn State looming next. The Spartans are hoping to pull off the upset against a Southeastern Conference team.

KEY MATCHUP

Auburn's running game vs. San Jose State's defense. The Tigers racked up 285 yards on the ground against Mercer. Tank Bigsby ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns, Jarquez Hunter scored on three of his eight carries and backup quarterback Robby Ashford ran for 68 yards. San Jose State's defense is led by preseason Mountain West Conference co-defensive player of the year Cade Hall.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose St.: QB Chevan Cordeiro ran for two touchdowns and passed for a third in his debut with the Spartans. The Hawaii transfer passed for 239 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:11 left in the season-opening win over Portland State.

Auburn: QBs T.J. Finley and Robby Ashford both saw significant action in the opener. But Finley was intercepted twice while Ashford flashed his dual-threat capabilities with a 49-yard run. Harsin said Finley remained the starter after the game, but playing time and roles will be something to watch.

FACTS & FIGURES

Auburn has won 16 straight nonconference home games dating back to the 2016 season. ... The Spartans last game against an SEC team resulted in a 31-24 victory at Arkansas in 2019. ... Harsin went 3-1 against San Jose State while at Boise State, where he won three Mountain West Conference titles and six division championships. ... Auburn had an 87-minute weather delay against Mercer, the team's first interrupted game since 2018 against Southern Miss. ... The Tigers have held their last six opponents without a rushing touchdown, the longest streak in six years. ... San Jose State's 21-17 win over Portland State was the program's 500th.

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Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford carries the ball against Mercer during the first half an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press

Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin, right, watches quarterback Robby Ashford, left, as he warms up before an NCAA college football game against Mercer Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press

San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro (2) runs the ball against Portland State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. VÃ¡squez) The Associated Press

San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro (2) throws a pass as Portland State defensive end Jake Porter (54) is blocked during the first half of an NCAA college football game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. VÃ¡squez) The Associated Press

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