Texas A&M Football: Auburn preview, predictions, and players to watch

Three Tigers to watch

1. Jarrett Stidham, QB

We could ask a lot of what-ifs when it comes to Jarrett Stidham. The most important what if of all though, is “what if the Aggies had brought him in when he transferred from Baylor?” At this point we’ll never know.

This season at Auburn Stidham has thrown for 1728 yards and eight interceptions. He is averaging an incredible nine yards per completion. He isn’t as big of a threat with his feet as Nick Fitzgerald was, but he still needs to be watched. Limiting Stidham’s passing game will be key in giving the Aggies a chance on Saturday.

2. Kerryon Johnson, RB

This has already been said, but it bears repeating: just because the Tigers won’t have Kamryn Pettway doesn’t mean they wont be dangerous on the ground.

The last time a Power 5 team came in without their star running back was LSU in 2016. Derrius Guice was no slouch as a back up, and wound up running for 285 yards and four touchdowns against the Aggies.

Kerryon Jonson has rushed for 14 touchdowns and 723 yards on the season. He’s averaging 5.3 yards per carry  and the Aggies are going to have to find a way to slow him down. Stopping Johnson behind the line of scrimmage as often as possible will be very important. One missed tackle could be the difference in a loss of one or a touchdown with this back.

3. Jeff Holland, LB

The Auburn defense is filled with studs, and just about all of them would be worth mentioning right now. Jeff Holland leads the SEC in sacks with eight, though multiple players are right behind him with seven, including Aggie Landis Durham.

Last week against Arkansas Holland had 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss on three tackles. You can’t put all of your focus on Holland, however, because Nick Coe, Jeremiah Dinson, and a host of other Tigers are just as good at their job.