Auburn fans, get ready for a thrilling start to the 2025 season as AL.com launches a new weekly feature, Man vs. Machine, where our Auburn beat writers team up with a third predictor—the computer. Each week, the trio will predict the upcoming Tigers game and then simulate it using EA Sports College Football 26 to see how the match might unfold.
Week 1 opponent: Baylor
EA Sports College Football 26 Simulation
– Result: Auburn 44, Baylor 41 (OT)
– The sim paints a high-octane shootout, with 85 combined points and 1,240 total yards. Baylor’s Jackson Arnold threads for 385 yards, but Auburn pulls it out in overtime on a walk-off five-yard touchdown by Damari Alston, who finishes with 58 rushing yards on 16 carries.
– Auburn’s Cam Coleman stands out as the top receiver, snagging nine catches for 150 yards. Baylor’s top target is Josh Cameron, who hauls in 15 receptions for 163 yards and a score.
Week 1 human predictor picks
– Peter Rauterkus: Baylor 24, Auburn 21
– Analysis: It’s a tossup in Week 1. Auburn is a narrow favorite by 1.5 points, and ESPN’s predictor gives Baylor the edge at 51.8%. Both teams return strong contributors on offense, and it could come down to a late mistake or a crucial special teams moment. Auburn’s defense has looked reliable, but Baylor’s offense brings back much of its production from last season. With kicker Alex McPherson questionable to play, special teams could swing the result.
– Jerry Humphrey III: Auburn 24, Baylor 21
– Analysis: Another tight finish with overtime possible. The sim shows one turnover by Auburn in the game, a reminder of last season’s turnover issues the Tigers have been trying to curb. In the matchup preview, Humphrey notes AU’s backfield versatility and the potential impact of Eric Singleton Jr. in the rushing game. Singleton tops the Tigers in rushing in the simulation, with 80 yards and a score, followed by Jeremiah Cobb and Damari Alston in the mix.
What to watch in Week 1
– Arnold’s first game as Auburn’s quarterback: Will he settle in quickly and drive efficient drives against a Baylor defense that figures to be stout?
– Turnovers and ball security: Last season’s turnover woes are a familiar talking point. Auburn’s ball control and decision-making will be crucial, especially if McPherson’s availability adds a layer of uncertainty on kick returns and field goals.
– The ground game and playmakers: Damari Alston, Jeremiah Cobb, and Ericsson Singleton Jr. (as a versatile contributor) could shape the offense, while Cam Coleman provides a big-play threat in the receiving corps.
– Special teams: With McPherson’s status up in the air, field-position battles and kick coverage may influence late-game decisions.
Summary and outlook
– The three predictors present a mixed but intriguing outlook for Auburn’s opening game: a high-scoring, dramatic overtime possibility from the EA Sports simulation, balanced, close-case verdicts from the human analysts, and new-season optimism for a team returning core producers on both sides of the ball. The clash at Baylor should offer plenty to watch as Auburn aims to start the season with momentum.
Additional note
– The Man vs. Machine series will continue weekly, blending human insight with computer simulations to give Auburn fans a deeper, entertaining preview of each upcoming matchup.
Overall sentiment
– The preview leans positive about Auburn’s potential but remains grounded in realism, highlighting the key health and turnover questions that could influence the opener. If you’re looking for a hopeful takeaway, the combination of a potent receiving corps, a versatile backfield, and a high-upside quarterback room suggests exciting times ahead for the Tigers.