Five reasons why Auburn could struggle with Florida on Saturday

The Auburn Tigers will face their first SEC test on Saturday when it hosts the Florida Gators for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn has plenty of buzz surrounding them after their exciting 17-16 win over Baylor in Week 1 and their convincing 43-8 win over Southern Miss, when Auburn gained over 600 yards of total offense. This week, they entertain the Florida Gators on the Plains for the first time since 2011.

Florida is also 2-0 and has produced high offensive numbers. The Gators average 569 yards per game and will take their first test of the season on Saturday when it faces its first Power Four defense in Auburn.

The game will be played on Auburn's home field, which should give the Tigers an advantage. However, there are several

factors they must watch for in order to avoid an early-season loss.

Here are five reasons why the Auburn Tigers could struggle with Florida on Saturday.

If Jon Sumrall really has Alex Golesh's number

Alex Golesh and Jon Sumrall have met only once on the field as head coaches, and it was not a contest.

Sumrall's Tulane Green Wave defeated Golesh's USF Bulls in New Orleans on Sept. 28, 2024, 45-10. Byrum Brown passed for 134 yards in the win, but fractured his fibula in the game, resulting in a season-ending injury.

Some coaches just have other coaches' numbers. It is too early to tell, but it is something to watch for.

If Florida's passing game finds rhythm

Another advantage Florida has is passing. Gators' quarterback Aaron Philo has passed for 517 yards through two games against non-power conference opponents. Still, Auburn allowed Baylor's DJ Lagway to throw for 333 yards in the season-opener in Atlanta.

Defending the pass has been Auburn's defensive weakness so far and could be an issue if it's not limited promptly on Saturday.

If Jadan Baugh breaks through Auburn's tough run defense

Auburn's defense has been elite at stopping the run this season, allowing just 76.5 yards per game through two weeks. But Florida's run game has been dominant so far and could threaten the Tigers' defense.

Gators' running back Jadan Baugh has 296 rushing yards and five scores already this season and is the driving force behind Florida's run game that produces 247.5 yards per game. If he gets hot, Auburn's defense will have a tough time stopping him.

If Florida's defense forces Auburn to be one-dimensional

Auburn's offense has been balanced through two games. Auburn is passing for 264 yards per game while adding 236 yards on the ground. The attack has led to two wins, and Alex Golesh hopes the 1-2 punch will continue its successful run on Saturday.

If Florida's defense, which allows 91 rushing yards per game, plays a typical game, it could force Byrum Brown to show off his passing skill. He could succeed by producing another 200-yard passing day, but if Florida disrupts Auburn's aerial attack, it could be a long day.

If Jordan-Hare's lights are too bright

Auburn football prides itself on its home-field advantage, but has not produced the necessary results in recent years. The last notable game Auburn won in front of its home crowd, at night, was in 2024 when it defeated Texas A&M in four overtimes.

Since then, Auburn has lost key night games to Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri, and is looking to avoid another disappointing loss in front of a rowdy nighttime crowd.

However, this is a new era. A night win over Florida would boost morale and be the first step toward a successful tenure for Alex Golesh on the Plains.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Five reasons why Auburn could struggle with Florida on Saturday