Auburn vs. New Mexico Game Info
The New Mexico Lobos (0-2) visit the Auburn Tigers (1-1) at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Auburn vs. New Mexico Game Info
- Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN2, Sling TV, Fubo, Peacock, Hulu+ Live TV
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Sling (Regional restrictions may apply)
- City: Auburn, Alabama
- Venue: Jordan-Hare Stadium
Auburn Tigers Eye Quarterback Change as New Mexico Clash Approaches
The Auburn Tigers find themselves at a crossroads following a tough 21-14 loss to the California Golden Bears.
Quarterback Payton Thorne, who transferred from Michigan State with high expectations, struggled in the defeat, completing just 14 of 27 passes for 165 yards, throwing four costly interceptions.
While Thorne has shown flashes of brilliance this season with 487 passing yards and five touchdowns, his inconsistency has prompted head coach Hugh Freeze to reconsider his quarterback strategy.
Thorne’s turnovers were pivotal in Auburn’s defeat, as the offense stalled repeatedly.
New Mexico’s head coach Bronco Mendenhall’s presser this week commented:
“Watching from afar, (they’re) talented, well-coached, and capable,” Mendenhall said. “The game on Saturday, really, the difference was the turnover margin. Low-scoring game, and without the turnovers, certainly more scoring could’ve happened for Auburn.
“Give Cal credit for going on the road and making enough plays to win the game. And it’s hard to do in that environment, on the road in college football. So, really well-played game right to the end.”
Though Auburn QB Thorne added a rushing touchdown to his stat sheet, the mounting interceptions have raised questions about his future ability to lead the team.
Auburn was projected to finish 10th in the 16-team SEC during the offseason.
Tiger head coach Freeze acknowledged the dilemma, noting Thorne’s strong practice performances but admitting that those successes haven’t translated to game day.
Auburn’s Payton Thorne is currently the starting quarterback. Still, his status might be in question following his recent struggles, particularly in the loss to California, where he threw four interceptions.
Head coach Hugh Freeze has hinted at possibly giving backup Hank Brown more practice reps, indicating there could be a change if Thorne’s performance doesn’t improve.
Hank Brown, a promising three-star recruit from the Class of 2023, is waiting in the wings. Though inexperienced, Brown flashed potential in the season opener, throwing for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
With the Tigers now 1-1, Freeze hinted that Brown could see more action soon, saying, “He’ll get his share of reps this week.”
Auburn’s next challenge comes against the New Mexico Lobos, who also seek redemption after a 61-39 loss to Arizona.
Despite their 6-7 record last season (3-5 in SEC play), Auburn enters the matchup as a 28-point favorite over New Mexico, bolstered by a roster stacked with SEC-level talent.
The Tigers returned their leading rusher from last year, Jarquez Hunter, who totaled 909 yards, and strengthened their receiving corps by adding standout wide receivers Cam Coleman and KeAndre Lambert-Smith.
For New Mexico, Devon Dampier remains the starting quarterback. Despite the Lobos’ losses, Dampier has been a dual threat, performing well in the air and on the ground.
Lobos quarterback Devon Dampier impressed with 260 passing yards, 130 yards rushing, three touchdowns, and two rushing scores.
Both teams are hunting for stability at quarterback as they prepare for critical matchups.
For Auburn, securing a solid performance under center is crucial as SEC play looms on the horizon.
Whether Thorne can regain his form or Brown steps up to seize the moment remains the question for the Tigers heading into their showdown with the Lobos.
New Mexico Lobos Betting Preview
The New Mexico Lobos kicked off their season against Montana State on August 24, suffering a heartbreaking 35-31 loss after allowing 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Devon Dampier threw for 172 yards and one touchdown, while Luke Wysong led the receiving corps with six catches for 95 yards.
In their second game, the Lobos faced Arizona and endured a 61-39 defeat. Despite the scoreline, the offense performed well.
Dampier passed for 260 yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions.
He also led the rushing attack, amassing 130 yards and two more scores on the ground.
Auburn Tigers Betting Preview
Auburn opened their season with a commanding 73-3 victory over Alabama A&M. The Tigers stormed out with 28 points in the first quarter and never looked back.
Payton Thorne threw for 322 yards and four touchdowns, while Malcolm Simmons was the top receiver with 91 yards and a score on just three catches.
However, in their second game against California, the Tigers struggled offensively in a 21-14 loss.
Thorne had a rough outing, passing for only 165 yards, one touchdown, and throwing four interceptions.
Running back Jarquez Hunter contributed with 68 rushing yards on 12 carries, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Auburn vs. New Mexico Prediction
New Mexico might be worth considering for a cover. Although the Lobos have endured two tough losses, their offense showed promise against a strong Arizona team, racking up 471 total yards (211 rushing) and 30 first downs.
However, their defense allowed 627 yards, including 422 through the air, which remains a concern.
On the other hand, Auburn’s offense sputtered in their loss to California, managing only 286 total yards, 165 through the air, and turning the ball five times.
While the Tigers will likely improve, New Mexico’s ability to move the ball could help them keep this game competitive and potentially cover the spread.
New Mexico’s game plan will likely focus on maximizing their dual-threat quarterback, Devon Dampier, and capitalizing on his ability to create plays through the air and on the ground. Given Auburn’s SEC-level talent, the Lobos will aim to control the tempo, keep the Tigers’ defense on its heels, and avoid turnovers.
- Balanced Offense: New Mexico will look to mix the run and pass effectively. Dampier, who threw for 260 yards and ran for 130 against Arizona, will need to establish both facets early. Running back Eli Sanders could also be key in helping the Lobos control the clock and keep Auburn’s offense off the field.
- Limit Mistakes: Turnovers have hurt New Mexico this season, so they must focus on ball security and avoid giving Auburn extra possessions. Dampier must minimize risky throws, and the offensive line must protect him from pressure.
- Quick Passing & Play Action: Auburn’s defense is physical, so the Lobos could incorporate quick, short passes to receivers like Luke Wysong to move the chains and keep drives alive. Play-action could also open up big plays downfield if the run game is effective.
- Defensive Discipline: Auburn will look to exploit New Mexico’s defense with their talented playmakers like Jarquez Hunter, so the Lobos must stay disciplined in gap assignments and contain the run. Limiting big plays from Auburn’s receivers will also be critical.
In summary, New Mexico’s game plan will hinge on efficient offense, ball control, and strong defensive execution to keep the game within reach.
In any college football game, if you are not as big, fast, and talented on paper, you must execute and limit the big plays and explore your opponent’s weaknesses.
So, for the Lobos to hope to pull the upset, they must maximize their strengths, play brilliant football, and not turn the ball over.
So much of college football is about momentum runs and getting excellent field positions to put your team in the most favorable position to get a win.
Bronco Mendenhall has this team looking pretty competitive despite their 0-2 record, so this should be a very entertaining game for the viewers.
