The Auburn Tigers earned a quality win last Saturday by taking down Baylor in its season opener, 17-16, in Atlanta.
This Saturday, Auburn will host Southern Miss for its home opener and the first inside Jordan-Hare Stadium of the Alex Golesh era. Those factors, mixed with Auburn being a nearly five-touchdown favorite, should give the Tigers confidence to pick up another victory in 2026 and to carry a 2-0 record into SEC play. However, as is the case with every game, Auburn must show respect to its opponent.
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles, like Auburn, also have a first-year head coach in Blake Anderson, who has won 75 games at the Group of Six level. Anderson and the Golden Eagles won their first game of the 2026 season last Saturday, 49-3, over
in-state foe Alcorn State. Southern Miss used a strong rushing attack and patrolled Alcorn State's passing game by creating multiple turnovers.
Although it seems Auburn will cruise to a win over Southern Miss, a victory is never guaranteed. Here are five reasons why Auburn could struggle with Southern Miss on Saturday.
If the offensive line's issues are not resolved
It seems Auburn's offensive line has taken accountability for allowing five sacks on Saturday and for grading low on pass blocking from PFF. Still, the offensive line will be a major factor for the Tigers on Saturday. If pass blocking improves, Byrum Brown will be set up to make multiple touchdown throws. If the problems remain, it could be another long day for the Tigers' quarterback.
If Byrum Brown still is not comfortable
Byrum Brown threw three interceptions in his Auburn debut last Saturday, with zero touchdown passes. He was also hesitant on several throws and did not have as many lanes to scramble in, limiting his dual-threat ability. Getting one game under his belt and playing a lesser opponent in front of your home crowd should supply Brown with enough confidence to play at a high level on Saturday. However, if he is still struggling to find comfort, Southern Miss could take advantage of several miscues.
If Auburn's run game does not set the tone
Auburn football has a stable of running backs, including Jeremiah Cobb, Omar Mabson, and Bryson Washington, who failed to break out in Week 1, combining for just 87 rushing yards and a score against Baylor. The Tigers' running back unit is capable of having a great day, but will need to break through Southern Miss' rush defense, which collectively graded 91.1 in the category, according to PFF, in Week 1's win over Alcorn State.
If Southern Miss' rushing attack is too much to handle
Outside of doing a phenomenal job of stopping the run, Southern Miss also excelled at running the football in Week 1. The Golden Eagles rushed for 317 yards in Week 1's 49-3 win over Alcorn State, with Steven Robinson leading the way with 123 yards and three touchdowns. Auburn held Baylor's run game in check last week, but Southern Miss could give the Tigers a challenge on Saturday.
If Byrum Brown fails to identify Kobi Albert
Southern Miss cornerback Kobi Albert won Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week after snagging three interceptions for the Golden Eagles in its win over Alcorn State last Saturday. Brown, who threw three interceptions last week, needs to identify Albert and keep him from becoming a problem for the second week in a row.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Five reasons why Auburn could struggle with Southern Miss in Week 2
