Auburn vs. Ball State Pregame: Opportunity, Expectations, and a Look Toward the Future
Tonight at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn will host Ball State in a game that’s not expected to be close. The Tigers come in as a 43.5-point favorite, and for good reason. But for Hugh Freeze and his staff, this isn’t about covering a spread—it’s about execution, development, and laying more bricks in what they hope is a long-term foundation
Auburn is coming off a convincing win over Baylor, built on a punishing ground game and a breakout performance by quarterback Jackson Arnold. But as the Tigers settle into their home opener, the goals shift: clean up last week’s mistakes, find rhythm in the passing game, and give young players meaningful reps. It’s an opportunity to develop—and to impress.
The most immediate storyline is in the backfield. Sophomore running back Damari Alston is out with a minor shoulder injury, leaving Auburn without one of its most dependable ball carriers. Jeremiah Cobb will take over as the lead back after a solid showing against Baylor, where he rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown. But this is more than just Cobb’s moment—it’s a chance for two true freshmen, Omar Mabson II and Durell Robinson, to step into the spotlight. Mabson, in particular, is a name to watch. A reclassified recruit from Auburn High who set records in high school and surprised the staff with his fall camp performance, he’s expected to get his first college carries tonight. Head coach Hugh Freeze singled him out as one of the most impressive young players on the roster—this is his opportunity to show why.
The passing game, by design, played a secondary role last week. Arnold attempted just 17 passes against Baylor, with Auburn leaning heavily on the run. That won’t be the case tonight. Ball State’s defense surrendered over 300 yards through the air in its season opener, and Auburn’s offensive staff is looking to take advantage. Freeze and offensive coordinator Derrick Nix are expected to open up the playbook, giving Arnold more chances to stretch the field vertically. Star receivers Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr will be the primary targets, and the expectation is that Auburn will look to sharpen its timing and build confidence in the air before SEC play begins in a few weeks.
This game also offers a real possibility for fans to see the future of the quarterback position. If the Tigers take care of business early, true freshman Deuce Knight is expected to make his college debut. Knight, a five-star recruit who flipped from Notre Dame, is considered one of the most important pieces of Auburn’s future. At 6'4", 217 pounds, Knight brings elite athleticism and arm talent to the table. Freeze has been clear—he wants to get Knight reps this season. Tonight may be the first chance. If it happens, expect the staff to give him real snaps, not just handoffs. Auburn wants to find out what they have.
On defense, the goal is simple: clean up the missed tackles. Auburn gave up 419 yards through the air last week and allowed too many yards after contact. The defensive line, led by Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford, dominated at times and should once again have a clear advantage against a Ball State offensive line that surrendered four sacks in its opener. But with starting safety Champ Anthony out due to a broken thumb, the focus will shift to the young players in the secondary—Eric Winters and Anquon Fegans are among those expected to step up. Auburn's defense doesn't need to dominate—though it likely will—but it does need to clean up the details.
Special teams had a headline moment last week with Rayshawn Pleasant’s 98-yard kickoff return. Tonight, the spotlight may shift to placekicker Alex McPherson, who missed most of last season. In a game that could offer a few long field goal opportunities, Freeze may use this time to test McPherson’s range and consistency.
And then there’s recruiting. This game is more than just a win—it’s a showcase. The sidelines tonight will be full of elite talent from the 2026 and 2027 classes. The biggest name is 2027 five-star quarterback Elijah Haven, the No. 1 QB in his class. This visit is crucial for Auburn’s future. Also in attendance are four-star receiver Jase Mathews, edge rusher Jaquez Wilkes, and safety Bralan Womack—key pieces of Auburn’s 2026 class. For Freeze, tonight is about performance, energy, and presentation. A dominant, disciplined win is the best recruiting pitch they can make.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPNU. The outcome may not be in doubt, but how Auburn plays—and who gets their first taste of college football—will matter long after the final whistle.
Prediction:
Barn 52 | Ball 16
Elsewhere in the SEC
San Jose State at #7 Texas
Arch Manning gets his second shot after a rocky season debut, and the Longhorns are out to reset the tone. The talent gap is massive, and this is the kind of game where Texas needs to flex. Expect a sharper offense and some deep shots to get the confidence back.
Projection: Texas 45 | San Jose State 10
Utah State at #19 Texas A&M
A&M aims to maintain momentum after a strong 2024. The defense is expected to feast, but Utah State showed some fight last week and could keep it closer than the line suggests. Just don’t let it get sloppy.
Projection: Texas A&M 41 | Utah State 24
#20 Ole Miss at Kentucky
Circle this one. After Kentucky embarrassed Ole Miss last year, Lane Kiffin’s crew has had this circled. Two new-look backfields, two teams that can score, and a game that might swing late. Revenge tour starts now.
Projection: Ole Miss 41 | Kentucky 34
Austin Peay at #4 Georgia
This is a tune-up for Georgia before a massive road trip next week. Gunner Stockton gets another chance to grow in Mike Bobo’s system. Don’t expect drama—do expect early dominance and a quick hook for the starters.
Projection: Georgia 55 | Austin Peay 7
Kansas at Missouri
The Border War is back, and it matters. Missouri’s a bit shorthanded, but Beau Pribula is good enough to get them through. Kansas has firepower, but this one likely comes down to a key stop in the fourth.
Projection: Missouri 27 | Kansas 23
ETSU at #22 Tennessee
This one’s about reps. Joey Aguilar and the Vols offense will come out flying. ETSU has some talent, but this should be a showcase for Tennessee’s speed, depth, and ability to pile it on.
Projection: Tennessee 63 | ETSU 10
USF at #13 Florida
This one has sneaky intrigue. Florida should win, but Byrum Brown at QB for USF is no joke. DJ Lagway needs to be sharp, and the Gators’ offensive line needs to handle business. Not a gimme—it will be closer than you think, though.
Projection: Florida 34 | USF 28
Arkansas State at Arkansas
Arkansas doesn’t lose these games—but they have made some of them weird. This year, with Taylen Green at QB and a confident offense, expect the Hogs to take care of business early and ride it out.
Projection: Arkansas 37 | Arkansas State 20
SC State at #10 South Carolina
Time to clean it up. South Carolina needs this one to reset after last week’s loss. Expect the Gamecocks to pound the rock, hit a few explosives, and get in and out of this one healthy.
Projection: South Carolina 46 | SC State 7
#15 Michigan at #18 Oklahoma
This is the main event. Bryce Underwood makes his first road start in a hostile environment, but John Mateer’s got something to prove, too. This one will be physical, tight, and probably decided by who wins the turnover battle.
Projection: Oklahoma 24 | Michigan 20
LA Tech at #3 LSU
It’s LSU’s home opener and a chance to drop the hammer. Garrett Nussmeier should carve up the Tech defense early, and if the LSU front seven shows up, this could get ugly in a hurry.
Projection: LSU 42 | LA Tech 6
Vanderbilt at Virginia Tech
Hokies looking for revenge after last year’s loss to Vandy. I don’t think they get it, though. Neither team is lighting it up right now, but this one has slugfest written all over it. One big turnover might be the difference.
Projection: Vanderbilt 28 | Virginia Tech 24
#12 Arizona State at Mississippi State
Both teams are trying to figure out who they are. Arizona State has talent, but their execution has been shaky. Mississippi State can win this if they keep it messy and physical. Close one coming.
Projection: Mississippi State 27 | Arizona State 21
ULM at #21 Alabama
Alabama needs to send a message after last week’s loss. This game is about finding answers—especially on offense. Expect the Tide to dominate, but all eyes will be on how they do it.
Projection: Alabama 41 | ULM 10