AUBURN, Ala. - The New Mexico Lobos (0-2) enter Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday to face an Auburn team (1-1) looking to retaliate after a loss against California. The Tigers open as 28-point favorites.
In week two, Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza started 20-22 through the air and an array of backs put up 100 yards on the ground. However, the main frustration for the Tigers was a turnover-prone offense that saw four interceptions from Payton Thorne and a lost fumble.
Despite this performance, a bounce-back is realistic against a struggling New Mexico team that allowed 61 points against Arizona and suffered an upset in week zero against FCS Montana State. Sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier proposes a different challenge to the Auburn defense though, as a true dual-threat, Dampier accumulated over 400 yards passing and 164 yards rushing through two games.
The Lobos' defense has allowed 567 rushing yards across two games, with over half of those yards coming from Montana State. The Tigers will look to get preseason all-SEC running back Jarquez Hunter the ball early and often, as he is set for a prolific day against the Lobos’ front seven.
Another key to the game will be freshman quarterback Hank Brown who was announced the starter Friday afternoon. Brown completed 3-5 passes for 96 yards against Alabama A&M and will rely on Penn State transfer Keandre Lambert-Smith, especially with Cam Coleman’s doubtful status. Lambert-Smith currently leads the Tigers in receiving touchdowns and receptions and is second in receiving yards.
With one week until SEC play, this could be a pivotal game for the Tigers to pick up momentum and build chemistry with their new signal-caller.
Auburn will kick off against the Lobos at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, September 14. Listen on the Auburn Sports Network or watch on ESPN2.
