WHERE TO WATCH
Kickoff – 1:00 PM CST, February 4, 2023
Watch – ESPN
Listen – Auburn Website
Gamecast – ESPN
After bouncing back against Georgia, the Tigers will head to Knoxville to face their toughest test so far. The Tennessee Volunteers are ranked #2 in the nation and are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Florida Gators. So hopefully they are not too angry Saturday. The Volunteers have been to the NCAA Tournament a whopping 24 times with their furthest run being the Elite Eight in 2010. They are coached by 7th year coach Rick Barnes.
SERIES HISTORY
This has not been the kindest series in Auburn’s history. The Volunteers command the series 78-41. Like other series, this is one where most of the losses come from long ago in darker times. Head coach Bruce Pearl has won 6 of the last 8 in the series and will be looking to extend his dominance.
WHAT TO WATCH
One thing that needs to happen Saturday is Auburn needs to keep its momentum going. Last game was the team moving on all cylinders, which needs to happen to beat Tennessee at home. I would not pay too much attention to their loss to Florida. The Volunteers will be a much better team at home.
Johni Broome will need to have another big game as the Vols are not a small team. Broome producing will open the rest of the offense. If there are struggles to score down low this game could get ugly fast. Look for this to be a game where Flanigan can show off his versatility and athleticism at multiple points on the court.
The final angle to keep an eye on is which defense will smother who. Both Auburn and Tennessee enter this game with very stout defenses, not allowing a ton of points. While Auburn shot a hefty 55% from the field against Georgia, you cannot imagine they will shoot the same here. A tough task lies ahead for the Tigers.
PREDICTION
Auburn has its hands full Saturday, to say the least. A lot will have to go in their favor to win this game but what would an Auburn team be if they could not do the unimaginable? I do not have a reasonable reason backed up by stats to prove to you why Auburn will win but I have a feeling. Give me the upset barely for Auburn.
Auburn 71, Tennessee 69
