Auburn football faces a massive test this week against Texas A&M, and the stakes could not be higher. Coming off tough battles against Oklahoma, the Tigers now face another pivotal SEC matchup that may very well determine the trajectory of their season.

The running back rotation remains a key storyline. Damari Alston should be back to full speed after being limited last week, while Jeremiah Cobb continues to impress despite battling nagging injuries. With Alston’s pass-blocking advantage and Cobb’s explosiveness, Auburn has a true 1A/1B situation in the backfield.

But this game isn’t just about the ground game. Freshman quarterback Jackson Arnold will need to deliver against a Texas A&M defense that hasn’t shown the same dominance up front as expected. Auburn’s offensive line held up surprisingly well versus Oklahoma, giving Arnold opportunities to attack downfield. With Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton, and Malcolm Simmons stretching defenses, Auburn has matchup advantages across the board.

The loss of Horacio Fields hurts, but Perry Thompson has the physical tools to step up as a reliable option. If defenses focus too much on Coleman, Thompson and Simmons could be game-changers.

This is the definition of a must-win game. Dropping to 0-3 in SEC play would erase the momentum Auburn built early in the season. Beating Texas A&M not only keeps Auburn’s SEC hopes alive but also reshapes the national conversation around Hugh Freeze’s Tigers.

War Eagle fans, this one is huge.

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