Samford Bulldogs (1-1) vs. Auburn Tigers (2-0)
Samford Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers 9/16/23 – Samford Bulldogs have set the stage for an intense NCAAF Week 3 matchup against Auburn Tigers of undefeated status at 2-0 standing – their season record currently standing at 1-1 overall compared to their opponent’s unblemished 2-0 status. Action will commence Saturday, September 16th, 2023 at Jordan-Hare Stadium with live coverage provided by ESP+.
Samford’s offense has been greatly enhanced by Mychael Hamilton and Ty King, two key offensive contributors. Hamilton has already amassed an impressive 98 yards on just 11 carries at an 8.9 average yard per attempt average, while Ty King has proven a major asset in passing game with eight receptions totalling 157 yards for Samford so far this season. While their season has had its share of ups and downs thus far, these key players could provide unexpected flair during tonight’s encounter
Auburn can credit much of their success this season to Damari Alston and Jay Fair, two standout performers on offense who have contributed greatly. Alston racked up 94 yards on 16 rushes while finding the end zone once. Fair added another element to Auburn’s attack with his 81 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions; his ability to make big plays could prove pivotal in this highly anticipated match-up. If you’re looking for the free expert NCAAF picks, consider their matchups carefully.
Samford Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Jordan-Hare Stadium |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Michael Hiers QB vs. Payton Thorne QB
Samford’s Michael Hiers has been on a tear this season, completing 49 of his 69 passing attempts for a staggering 690 yards. With a completion percentage of 71 and a passer rating of 183.7, Hiers is undeniably a force to be reckoned with. He’s comfortable in the pocket but has been sacked seven times. His strong arm and impressive decision-making will be key in breaking through Auburn’s defense.
Auburn’s Payton Thorne, on the other hand, has showcased his skills with 19 completions from 31 attempts, accruing 235 passing yards. Thorne possesses a completion rate of 61.3% and a passer rating of 150.5. His style of play tends to be more conservative, focusing on short to medium throws. This tactical approach could prove advantageous, especially when under pressure.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Auburn Tigers ML, Total Odds: –
As of now, the betting odds are yet to be announced. Nevertheless, considering Auburn’s current form, they will likely open as the favorites.
Samford Bulldogs Betting Trends
Samford has been an intriguing choice for bettors, covering the spread in 5 of their last 6 games. However, their 0-10 straight-up record in the last 10 games indicates they often fall just short. Their struggles are further accentuated when playing on the road or against SEC teams, with a 0-5 straight-up record in both scenarios. They have, however, covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games played in September and on Saturdays.
Auburn Tigers Betting Trends
Auburn has been relatively reliable when it comes to covering the spread, doing so in 4 of their last 5 home games and overall 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games. Interestingly, the total has gone over in 7 of their last 9 games, suggesting that their games tend to be high-scoring affairs. Their impressive 15-2 straight-up record in September games cannot be ignored. However, they are just 1-10 ATS in their last 11 Week 3 games, which might offer some food for thought.
Samford Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers 9/16/23 Betting Picks
Given the data and analysis, Auburn seems the safer bet for a straight-up win given their home advantage and stronger recent performance. However, considering Samford’s tendency to cover the spread, they might be a clever pick ATS. For those who prefer Over/Under bets, considering both teams’ scoring ability and Auburn’s recent trends, going Over could be a smart choice. Prop bets focusing on individual performances, such as rushing or receiving yards, might offer additional value. Ultimately, while Auburn may very well run away with the game, Samford has the potential to keep things tighter than many expect, making them intriguing for bettors looking for riskier, high-reward options. For more insights and potential betting opportunities, you can also explore some free sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Auburn 42, Samford 24