GAME NOTES: In what appears to be an obvious mismatch, the 19th-ranked Auburn Tigers take a break from SEC play to host the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. A Division II member, Tennessee Tech is 4-5 overall this season, including 2-5 against teams from the Ohio Valley Conference. The Golden Eagles have lost four consecutive outings, including a 59-52 setback against Samford last weekend. They have now allowed at least 30 points in four straight games. As for Auburn, it has won its last 15 Homecoming games, a steak it should easily stretch to 16 on Saturday. With six victories on the season, the Tigers are bowl eligible for the eighth straight season, the second-longest streak in school history. They are fresh off a 17-3 victory over Ole Miss, and they have now held three of their last four opponents to fewer than 10 points. This game marks the first- ever meeting between Tennessee Tech and Auburn on the gridiron.

Tennessee Tech has been able to move the ball and score points this season rather effectively, as the club is averaging 33.6 ppg and 366.4 total ypg. Of the 35 touchdowns that the offense has generated, 21 have been rushing scores. Derek White is the top ground gainer, as he has run for 1,051 yards and 10 touchdowns. As for the passing game, three quarterbacks have seen significant time. Regardless of who has been under center, however, it has been obvious that Larry Shipp is the top target at receiver. Through nine games, Shipp has made 42 catches for 708 yards and eight touchdowns. Against Samford last time out, all but 75 of Tennessee Tech's 488 total yards came through the air. Lee Sweeney was the team's quarterback and completed 24-of-35 passes for 367 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. White ran for 105 yards and two scores, while Shipp exploded for seven catches, 191 yards and two touchdowns.

Because of the recent string of poor defensive play, Tennessee Tech is allowing 31.0 ppg and 377.7 ypg overall this season. With 19 rushing touchdowns allowed and 17 passing scores surrendered, the Golden Eagles have shown weakness against both means of attack. The pass defense seems to be the biggest problem, as opponents are gaining a staggering 13.5 yards per completion. It is hard to imagine the defense playing any worse than it did against Samford, as Tennessee Tech surrendered 654 total yards, including 472 yards through the air. With zero takeaways and zero sacks, the Golden Eagles allowed Samford to march up and down the field with little to no resistance.

The Auburn offense was far from explosive against Ole Miss last weekend, as the Tigers managed one touchdown in the first quarter, another in the fourth and just a field goal in between. Fortunately, not much was required of Brandon Cox and company, thanks to another stellar effort by the Auburn defense. Cox completed 16-of-26 passes for 189 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, while tailback Brad Lester rushed for a career-high 96 yards and a score. Receiver Rod Smith was outstanding, as he made eight catches for 111 yards and one touchdown. Through nine games, Auburn is averaging 24.4 ppg and 340.2 total ypg. The Tigers have 24 offensive touchdowns, 16 of which have come on the ground. Still, Smith has managed to catch five touchdown passes himself and is clearly one of the top receivers in the SEC. Cox is steady under center, and the ground attack features a number of talented runners.

Defensively, the Tigers completely shut down Ole Miss, permitting only 193 total yards to the Rebels. Auburn allowed 70 rushing yards in the clash on 2.4 ypc, and the squad surrendered just 8.8 yards per pass completion. The defense spent fewer than 24 minutes on the field. Opponents are managing 15.8 ppg against Auburn, which is allowing 292.7 total ypg. The Tigers have been tough against the run and solid against the pass as well, as the defense has no obvious area of weakness. With 17 takeaways, Auburn has made a decent number of impact plays. Keep an eye on Antonio Coleman, as he has 12.5 TFLs thus far. Also, Patrick Lee has recorded four interceptions.

Auburn is not an explosive offensive team, but the Tigers will have plenty of opportunities to pad their stats this weekend. Don't expect much opposition from the Golden Eagles.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Auburn 49, Tennessee Tech 3