While everyone's focus will be on the big matchup between Alabama vs. LSU on Saturday, there is another key game in the SEC West this weekend and that's the Texas A&M Aggies facing the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
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Although this game won't determine who wins the SEC West, the winner would control their own destiny in the hopes of making a New Year's Day bowl game. If Auburn wants to continue its winning ways, these might be the three keys to a much-needed victory.
1. Stop Kellen Mond
If the Tigers want to have ANY chance against A&M, they most stop Kellen Mond. He is dangerous on just about every snap. Don't believe me? Just ask Alabama how he hung 294 total yards on them, and put up big numbers against the Tide running the football. Auburn cannot afford to let Mond take over a game, his threat as a runner alone should have the Tigers shaking in their boots.
2. Do Not Give the Aggies Opportunities
One of the reasons Auburn defeated Ole Miss, was because they didn't make mistakes. The Aggies' defense thrives on mistakes. In a close contest against Kentucky a few weeks ago, the difference in the game was a Kentucky turnover. If Jarrett Stidham and the Auburn offense can play an almost flawless game like they did against Ole Miss and not turn the ball over, they have a good chance of winning.
3. Don't Let the Aggies Sit on the Ball
Little known fact is that the Aggies are second in the nation in time of possession, so don't expect them to give up the ball easily. Auburn's defense is going to have to create a lot of three-and-outs during this game. They cannot allow Mond or the rest of the Aggie's offense to make plays to keep drives going. A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher has no problem taking the air out of the ball and playing a possession type game.
If Auburn wants to win this ballgame, they cannot play into A&M's hands by turning the ball over, allowing Kellen Mond to beat them, and letting the Aggies control the tempo of the game.
In other words, they have to play Auburn-style football.
