Auburn Daily Roundtable: Tigers Entering Final Tune-up vs NMSU Before Iron Bowl

The Auburn Tigers play their final non-conference game of the season against New Mexico State on Saturday before welcoming Alabama for the Iron Bowl.

The Aggies will enter Jordan Hare Stadium with an impressive 8-3 record and a roster that has Auburn's attention.

Here's our staff's thoughts on the matchup between the Tigers and NMSU this Saturday.

What is Auburn looking to get right in this final non-conference game?

Zac - I think staying healthy is the biggest thing. Auburn respects this NMSU team but they should be able to line up and beat them.

Daniel - My guess would be trying to stay healthy and make sure everyone is good to go for the Iron Bowl.

Jeremy - The offense. Yes Arkansas was the best offensive performance of the season so far, but the Tigers need to prove to themselves it wasn’t a one time thing.

Shel - Further develop passing efficiency and Payton Thorne strengthening connections with receivers. I feel like this is an area that has gotten increasingly better as the season as progressed.

Steve - Auburn needs to continue the improvement in the passing game. Need to see another strong showing from Payton Thorne and the receivers this week.

Does Auburn eclipse 48 points, their total vs Arkansas a week ago?

Zac - I don’t think so. NSMU’s offensive line has the attention of this team. I think NSMU will have longer drives and make the game shorter than Arkansas did.

Daniel - I’m going to say no. I think that Freeze will clear the bench which probably means less scoring.

Jeremy - I would normally say absolutely not, but I am inspired by what I saw last week, and I’ll say they come close or eclipse it.

Shel - Yes, I think Auburn will want to show recruits what this offense can be and bring explosive when it should be explosive against New Mexico State is something recruits might want to see.

Steve - Yes, I think this will be similar to the the UMass and Samford games. I look for Auburn to score in the 50s.

What are your expectations for Auburn's quarterback rotation vs NMSU?

Zac - I think Payton starts. Then we see Ashford. Then Geriner. That order is my guess.

Daniel - Thorne, then Ashford, then Geriner and then if we’re lucky, Hank Brown.

Jeremy - Only Payton Thorne should play a meaningful snap. The Robby experiment is over.

Shel - It should go exactly how it went against Arkansas

Steve - I expect Thorne to be the only QB that plays until the game is in hand. Robby and Holden will only get snaps in the fourth quarter.

If Diego Pavia doesn't play due to injury, is there any other aspect of this Aggies' squad that scares you?

Daniel - Offensive line

Jeremy - Nothing about NMSU scares me, but there is always the concern of looking ahead to the Iron Bowl.

Shel - No, especially not at Jordan-Hare

Steve - Not really.

Who leads Auburn in total yards?

Zac - Jarquez Hunter

Daniel - Jeremiah Cobb

Jeremy - Payton Thorne. Jarquez has had a good month, but this week I’ll say Payton Thorne.

Shel - Jarquez Hunter will have another monster game.

Steve - Payton Thorne will lead in total yards, but look for Jarquez to go for 150+.

Final score predictions.

Zac -Auburn 35, NMSU 10

Daniel - Auburn 45, NMSU 10

Jeremy - Auburn 48, NMSU 14

Shel - Auburn 52, NMSU 10

Steve - Auburn 56, NMSU 13