The Aggies have been historically the better team in this contest, holding a 4-2 record over the Tigers all-time, but Auburn got the better of Texas AM in 2015. This will be the first conference clash for both teams and will help set the tone as both look to compete in SEC play.
This matchup in Week 3 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at 4 p.m. ET at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
NCAA Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Texas AM +4
Auburn -4
Over/Under 54
Odds Analysis
Texas AM has looked really impressive so far at the start of the season, beating UCLA in overtime before the romp last week, so don’t be surprised if the line moves over the week. The Aggies are ranked No. 17 in the nation right now, while Auburn has yet to crack the top 25.
Auburn is the favorite but 74 percent of the wagers are heading over to Texas AM to cover. The scoring total might be a tad high as 77 percent of bettors have chosen the “under” for this matchup.
Player to Watch
It’s still early, but sophomore wide receiver Christian Kirk is looking poised to have another big season for the Aggies. In last week’s win over Prairie View, he had five receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 21.5 yards a catch. Both scoring plays came in impressive fashion, with the underclassmen finding the end zone on a 34-yard touchdown and 68-yard touchdown. In Week 1 against UCLA, he had eight catches for 58 yards.
Kirk, who was also offered by Auburn in high school, is looking to build off a breakout freshman season where he had 80 receptions for 1,009 yards and seven touchdowns. He has also been an asset on special teams and can be a dangerous punt and kick returner, with two punt returns for touchdowns last season.
Key Stat
10.1. That’s the yards per carry that Auburn tailback Kamryn Pettway averaged last week against Arkansas State. He hadn’t played running back previously, used solely as a blocking H-back previously, but may have suddenly forced himself into the conversation for carries.
Pettway finished with 15 carries for 152 yards with a long of 64 yards in the 51-14 win. If he continues to have this kind of success, the Tigers will likely up his touches. At 6-feet and 240 pounds Pettway provides a sizable threat in the backfield for Auburn and could pair nicely with leading rusher Kerryon Johnson.
Pettway will need to prove himself against tougher competition, but he is a player to watch after such a prolific debut.
Free ATS Pick
Both teams have played well to begin the year. Even though Auburn has a loss, it came in a nail-biter against expected national championship contender Clemson. The defense has been good, slowing down the Tigers and keeping in check Arkansas State.
The Aggies have scored 98 points in their two games, so it will be interesting to see which side wins that battle.
It’s easy to see why the money is coming in on Texas AM since it is nationally ranked. However, the home field advantage is a key one in games like this, and the Tigers have that advantage. The Aggies might be the fashionable pick, but Auburn’s defense should prove to be stout enough to help grab the victory and cover the spread.
NCAA Football Odds: Auburn 31, Texas AM 25
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
