AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn Tigers (1-0) welcome the California Golden Bears (1-0) to Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday, looking to build off their impressive win a week ago against Alabama A&M. The Tigers dominated that matchup, winning 73-3, but Cal looks to be a much tougher test.
The Golden Bears are coming off an unconvincing win over UC Davis, a game they won 31-13 but were outgained and looked less than stellar offensively. Star running back Jaydn Ott was limited to just 49 yards, although he did find paydirt twice. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza passed for 158 yards with 15 completions on 22 attempts.
Cal’s defense allowed 304 total yards, 221 of which were through the air. The special teams made a big difference, kickstarting the offense with a Nohl Williams 80-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Auburn will certainly look to exploit a struggling passing defense after demonstrating aerial dominance last Saturday, but don’t expect everything to come through the air. The Tigers split carries between four backs in their win over Cal in Berkeley last season. Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alston, and Payton Thorne all punched it on the ground against Alabama A&M, and that production will likely be leaned on a little more versus a stronger opponent.
Defensively, the Tigers know their keys. Jaydn Ott is the obvious one, but Nyziah Hunter is another to watch out for. Cal’s leading receiver, he recorded their only touchdown through the air in their win over the Aggies.
Keeping the ball rolling, especially on offense, is important for the Tigers this week. It can be easy against an FCS opponent, but can they keep it up against Power Five competition.
The Tigers take on the Golden Bears at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 7. Listen on the Auburn Sports Network or watch on ESPN2.
