Auburn heads into Waco with one mission: prove the SEC still dominates when it counts. The talk leading up to Friday night has been loud — Baylor media calling Auburn “a turnover machine” while SEC fans argue talent will ultimately prevail. But the real question: can Jackson Arnold deliver under the lights?

The discussion around Auburn’s offense has centered on ball security, personnel packages, and whether the Tigers start aggressive or safe. Will Auburn come out slinging in 11 personnel with RPO looks, or keep it conservative to ease Arnold into the game? The first scripted drive will reveal everything — not just about Arnold’s readiness, but about Hugh Freeze’s confidence in his quarterback.

Baylor backers from Locked On Big 12 and Locked On Baylor have labeled Auburn as an overrated, middle-tier SEC team. But Auburn fans know the talent gap is real. On paper, position by position, Auburn has the stronger roster. Still, as everyone knows, games aren’t won on paper — and Baylor’s physicality, paired with a defense that improved this offseason, poses a real threat.

The bottom line: Auburn must avoid self-inflicted wounds. If turnovers pile up or the offense sputters in the red zone, hope for a big season could vanish quickly. But if Arnold steps up and the defense holds Baylor under 20, the Tigers can walk away with a season-defining win.

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