Stopping Jake Waters will be a major key for Auburn on defense. (Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports)
College football action resumes Thursday night game when No. 5 Auburn plays at No. 20 Kansas State in a monster matchup between the SEC and Big 12. The game will be televised by ESPN and is set to kick at 6:30 p.m. CT.
“We have a big test on the road against a Top 20 team,” said Auburn coach Gus Malzahn. “It will be good as a team to see where we’re at.”
This will be the first time Auburn has faced a non-conference ranked team on their home field since the Tigers played at Southern California in 2002, and Malzahn knows the Tigers will have their have their hands full with Bill Snyder’s Wildcats.
“It’s a measuring stick to go on the road against a top 20 team in a hostile environment. It will be a huge test. We will have to play well to win,” the Auburn coach said.
“Offensively, they are very balanced. Their quarterback (Jake Waters) is a dual threat guy,” said Malzahn. “He runs the ball really well. They do some unique things with the play action game. What stands out to me is they only have one turnover. They do a great job of protecting the football.
“Defensively they are good against the run. They are very disciplined. They are very good at what they do. They make you earn it. They’ve got a scrappy defense that flies around. They don’t give up a lot of big plays.
“Also they are one of the best teams in college football in time of possession. I think controlling the tempo will be a big factor in the game,” said Malzahn.
While this is a big game for the Tigers, it is also big for the Wildcats.
“We’re all excited. We know it’s such a big game,” said Waters. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere and a great time to play. That’s what you kind of grow up wanting; you want to play in these big time games. Both teams are going to be ready. Both teams are going to be well-coached. So we just have to prepare the best way we can and go out and execute.”
Waters is coming off a huge game against Iowa State. He became the first Big 12 quarterback since 2011 to throw for more than 200 yards and rush for more than 100 yards in the same game. His 8-yard touchdown run with 1:30 left provided the winning margin.
“They’re a great team, obviously,” said Waters. “They’re the national runner up, and they were only a series away from winning the National Championship last year, so it’s definitely a great team. They’re fast, physical and well-coached. So we have to bring our ‘A’ game and execute our game plan if we want to have a chance to win.”
The Wildcats’ players have had to be careful to not overlook anybody knowing that Auburn, a power from the Southeastern Conference, was lurking on their schedule.
“People have been in our ears saying ‘Oh, you guys are going to play Auburn, you guys are going to play Auburn,’” said junior defensive back Morgan Burns “It kind of feels good that we can finally give into it and start preparing for Auburn and put our emotions and energy into that game. I am excited.”
“It is a great opportunity, but we are approaching it the same way we would every game,” said senior offensive lineman Drew Liddle. “We are trying to get better every day and go out there and improve. We are trying to make it about ourselves and not our opponent.”
The game will match strength against strength. Auburn rushes for 300 yards per game and Kansas State holds opponents to 87 yards rushing. The Wildcats have been vulnerable through the air, which has to excite Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, especially with the expected return of outstanding wide receiver Sammie Coates, who missed last week’s game with an undisclosed injury.
After a 7-1 mark last week the SEC Crystal Ball will stay in the SEC and pick Auburn to notch a big road victory to start the weekend.
