Five reasons why Auburn will beat Vanderbilt in Week 4

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Earlier this week, we explored the five factors that could lead Auburn football to lose to Vanderbilt on Saturday. Today, we will take a more positive route and show why Auburn could pick up its first SEC win of the season.

Auburn football dropped its first game of the season last Saturday, falling to Florida, 44-39. Despite the loss and sloppy play at times, Auburn fought back from multiple 17-point deficits to cut Florida's lead to five points in the final seconds of the game. This week, Vanderbilt comes to town, and Auburn wants nothing more than to walk off the field Saturday with a win. Not only to bounce back from its Week 4 loss, but to snap a two-game losing skid to the Commodoresand to even the series at 23-23-1.

After careful examination, there are several things Auburn will need to do well to take down Vanderbilt on Saturday. Here are five factors that, if done well, will lead the Tigers to another victory on Saturday.

Auburn's run game must take it to another level

One of the downfalls from last week's game was Auburn's inability to establish a strong running game. The Tigers ran for just 102 yards in Week 3's loss to Florida, but have a stable of players who can gain yards on the ground. Vanderbilt allows 108 yards per game in three nonconference games, so a great game from Jeremiah Cobb, Omar Mabson, and Bryson Washington could lead to a win.

Byrum Brown must become two-dimensional

Byrum Brown has taken his share of licks this season. He has been sacked 16 times through three games, which has altered his ability to run. However, he recorded four runs of 15+ yards (three of those runs happened in the 4th quarter) against Florida and two runs of 10+ yards against Baylor, including an 11-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter.

If Brown's legs get warmed up before the 4th quarter, Auburn could gain an edge.

Auburn needs to keep the top on the coverage

Baylor and Florida had zero issues passing on Auburn's defense, which has led the Tigers to own the SEC's worst pass defense, allowing 252 yards per game through the air. Vanderbilt has a pair of receivers, Junior Sherill and Tristen Brown, who could cause trouble for Auburn's secondary. But if Auburn's defense keeps them contained, it will open the door for Auburn to be successful.

Alex Golesh needs to respond in a big way

Auburn football lost last Saturday; how will Alex Golesh respond? That is something we have not seen yet early in the Golesh tenure.

Golesh has exhibited a mentally tough demeanor so far this season, which can be seen in his "humble yourself enough to allow yourself to get coached" speech after Auburn's win over Baylor in Week 1. How will he respond? How will the team respond? A positive response could lead to a bounce-back win.

Auburn's defense must rattle Jared Curtis

Vanderbilt freshman quarterback Jared Curtis will make his first career road start on Saturday when he visits Jordan-Hare Stadium to face the Auburn Tigers. Curtis made his first start last Saturday against NC State, completing 20 passes for 237 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

One way Auburn can rattle Curtis is to send pressure his way. Vanderbilt has not graded well in pass blocking the last two games, according to Pro Football Focus, and it could haunt them on Saturday if it is not corrected.

Xavier Atkins, Elijah Melendez, and Cody Sigler will be key players to watch as Auburn's defense works to limit Curtis' five-star ability.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Five reasons why Auburn will beat Vanderbilt in Week 4

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