Powerhouse No. 5 Auburn takes on No. 20 Kansas State in one of the featured games in Week 4 of the college football on Thursday at 7:30 PM at the Bill Snyder Family football Stadium, Manhattan, KS.
After resting a week through a bye, the Tigers start their journey to the college football playoff dream in Kansas. The Tigers ground game is expected to be the primary weapon in dismantling the host team.
Auburn (2-0) showed the importance of the ground offense by overpowering San Jose State 59-13 on September 6 and trouncing Arkansas 45-21 a week after.
Auburn’s lead rusher Tre Mason in last year’s campaign is already in the NFL but the pounding ground game still exists. Auburn accumulated 358 yards against San Jose State and 302 against Arkansas on the ground. Because of the power offense of the Tigers, they are again considered to be one of the tough teams in the SEC.
The three rushers of Auburn are Camercon Artis-Payne (293 yards), Corey Grant (176 yards) and Nick Marshall (142 yards). Quarterback Marshall is known to be a dual-threat and he can be the key to the success of the Tigers.
The Tigers had the magical season last year by winning the SEC and playing in the National Championship Game against Florida State in which they lost. Auburn has to climb another mountain to get into the promised. Auburn prepares to play LSU, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Alabama, all are in the top 15. However, the game against the Kansas State is not to be neglected, instead this could be the launching pad of what is about to come.
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn understands the importance of preparation. His team has been preparing for this match after the Spartans game.
Kansas State Wildcats are in a big test against the high-octane offense of Auburn. Coming off from a 32-28 win over Iowa State on September 6, Kansas State believes that the team has to play better after allowing 28 straight points.
Quarterback Jake Waters threw for 239 yards and rushed 138 yards, including two touchdowns over Iowa State. Absolutely, Waters would be the player to watch as he navigates through the vaunted defense of the Tigers.
Auburn vs Kansas State football tv schedule is on ESPN.
Odds / Point Spread: 9 Auburn favorite
O/U 65