After escaping on the road at Ole Miss, Texas A&M is back home to take on an Auburn team that is, somewhat surprisingly, ranked. The Tigers lost at LSU in September, but they have otherwise taken care of a manageable schedule, leaving them one win shy of bowl eligibility.
How to watch Auburn vs. Texas A&M 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Here’s everything you need in order to catch the game between Auburn and Texas A&M on Saturday.
They’ll have to figure out how to contain Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M’s offense if they’re going to pick up win number six, though. Manziel has been every bit as dynamic as he was last season, and the Aggies are still piling on the points. A&M is averaging more points per game and yards per play than it did a year ago.
It’s a tough task for an Auburn team that ranks just 68th in total defense.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Texas A&M and Auburn are both 5-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC games. The Aggies are ranked seventh in both major polls, while Auburn in No. 24 in the AP Top 25 and unranked in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll. Texas A&M has won all three prior meetings between the schools.
Vegas: Texas A&M opened as a 12-point favorite.
Weather: The high in College Station is expected to reach 71 degrees. There is a 70 percent chance of rain.
Three names to know
Johnny Manziel -- The reigning Heisman winner has actually improved in several categories. His completion percentage is an impressive 73.2 percent, and he is averaging 10.3 yards per attempt -- both numbers represent significant improvements over last season. In addition to throwing for 305.8 yards per game, he also averages 71.2 rushing yards per game.
Nick Marshall -- Like Manziel, Marshall is a threat both with his arm and his legs. An injury forced him to miss the team’s last game, but he’ll be ready to go for against Texas A&M. His passing numbers are modest, completing 59.4 percent of his throws.
Mike Evans -- Manziel has connected with Evans on a lot of big plays this season. Evans ranks third nationally with 737 receiving yards, and that’s on just 32 receptions. His incredible average of 23 yards per catch ranks fourth nationally.
Two things at stake
Texas A&M’s loss to Alabama earlier this season didn’t completely rule the Aggies out of the SEC West race, but a loss to Auburn might. The Aggies are also playing for BCS positioning, and they’re going to need to stay perfect from here on out to have any shot at getting back into the national title picture.
Auburn would become bowl eligible with a victory, and that would be a solid milestone after a 3-9 season in 2012. A win would also keep the Tigers in the SEC West conversation, for the time being, at least.
How to witness
TV: CBS, 3:30 p.m. ET. (Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Tracy Wolfson)
Online streaming: SEC Live
Further reading
For comprehensive coverage of the game, visit Texas A&M blog Good Bull Hunting and Auburn blog College and Magnolia.
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