The University of Louisiana-Monroe could make history Saturday. They could, but they won’t. The Warhawks head to the Plains dealing with a disappointing but talented man Auburn Tigers team. With a proud but very angry fan base behind them, the Tigers will handle matters in the most painful way possible. For the ULMs, confrontation simply does not suit them. Auburn wants to send a clear message and it starts at the top.

Overview

Hugh Freeze, during the press briefing, detailed what the final stage of Auburn’s football season means. For Freeze, finishing strong carries more weight than the 2024 rankings.

“It’s vital that we be competitive,” Freeze said earlier this week. “That’s the expectation, and that’s certainly the goal to give us a chance to win these football games against good football teams that we have to play against to help build momentum. And confidence in everyone that we are going in the right direction, regardless of the record And recruiting is also important, to try to finish strong and continue to make the class 25 understand that we are not far away, and we have. need their help to come in and continue to help us build this.

The message still seems to get through. Auburn canceled former USC Trojans commitment this week to help solidify himself as a top 5 recruiting class.

Run angry

As Jarquez Hunter climbs into school record bookshe faces the FBS run defense ranked 117th. The ULM can’t stop Hunter from enjoying a big day of racing. He will outrun linebackers and outplay defensive backs. If Auburn wants to send a resounding message, give Hunter 20-plus touches. Midway through the third quarter, all the fighting will leave the Warhawks. They don’t have a single defensive answer for the running game.

Prove people wrong

Keldric Faulkas the younger generation says, will eat and leave no crumbs. Somehow, voters left his name off all the major awards watch lists. Faulk plays like one of the four best linemen in college football, regardless of division or conference. Faulk has seven sacks, with the chance to get closer to a double-digit season.

He’ll be in the backfield until Hugh Freeze calls the dogs off. Watch for Faulk getting around the line and even rushing from a two-point stance. Those who ignored his season from a voting standpoint will understand.

Prediction

Whether Hank Brown or Payton Thorne starts, Auburn flattens ULM. Although this is a great underdog story, nine times out of ten Goliath crushes David. You only hear about the plucky underdogs when they win, but never about the favorite handling business.

Hunter breaks free, goes and hits the pay dirt twice more than 120 yards from the fray. Hank Brown completes at least 65 percent of his passes, with two touchdown passes. Meanwhile, the defense stifles Ahmad Hardy, limiting him to less than 80 yards. ULM quarterback Aiden Armenta runs for his life. Auburn sacked him four times while he committed at least three turnovers.

Final score

Auburn: 34
Ultralight: 13