No. 25 Auburn hosts FCS Alabama State

Posted September 09, 2021 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Auburn coach Bryan Harsin signals to players during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Akron on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press

Alabama State (1-0) at No. 25 Auburn (1-0), Saturday at noon EDT (SEC Network).

Line: No line, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: Auburn leads 1-0.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Bryan Harsin's new team gets to see how Auburn handles the ranking after a 60-10 win over Akron and how the Tigers deal with a matchup against an FCS team. Alabama State gets a sizable payday for the 55-mile trip down Interstate 85 and the chance for players to see how they stack up against a Southeastern Conference roster. Auburn's next game is at No. 11 Penn State.

KEY MATCHUP

Auburn's defense, which took a shutout into the fourth quarter against Akron, against an Alabama State offense led by quarterback Ryan Nettles and tailback Ezra Gray. The Tigers are led by linebackers Owen Pappoe and Zakoby McClain.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alabama St: Nettles was the freshman of the year last season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. He passed for 186 yards against Miles while running for 42 and a touchdown.

Auburn: Backup QB T.J. Finley could get his most significant action if this game goes as expected. The LSU transfer attempted five passes against Akron, completing two for 22 yards.

FACTS & FIGURES

Auburn's 60 points in Harsin's debut were the most by a Tigers coach in his first game. It tops the 37 points in Gene Chizik's 2009 opener against Louisiana Tech. ... The 613 yards of total offense were the second most in a season opener for Auburn, behind the 695 yards against Southwest Louisiana in 1985. ... Auburn beat Alabama State 63-9 in 2018, their only other meeting. The Tigers are 3-0 against SWAC teams. ... Auburn, Florida International, Nebraska and Texas A&M are the only FBS teams to open with at least 275 yards both in passing and rushing.

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Akron quarterback Kato Nelson (1) escapes the pressure from Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a pass against Akron during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press

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