The Auburn Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies both have a shot to make a huge statement with a critical SEC win on Saturday. The Tigers need a bounce back badly following a game they could (or should) have won against Oklahoma, but Jackson Arnold’s 10 sacks and penalties ruined their chances. The Aggies are off to a red hot start, but their defense has been a major problem so far.

This game likely comes down to the problems that both teams are trying to overcome. For Auburn it’s foolish mistakes–in blocking, handling pressure, and the penalties. For Texas A&M it’s finding a way to add layers to their defense so they aren’t so predictable. Given how much this game might mean for both teams and the race for the SEC Championship, media members from A to Z Sports who cover both teams decided to weigh in and predict the winner. The picks are in. Enjoy!

Auburn 27, Texas A&M 26

Most likely don’t know this, but Auburn’s run defense is the best in the entire country. They rank first in rush success rate, second in yards per carry, second in EPA per rush, and they’ve surrendered just one rushing play over 20 yards on the season. That alone is going to keep them in it all game long against Texas A&M. If Keldric Faulk and company continue their elite run defense and force more pressure on Aggies QB Marcel Reed than he’s seen all year then this might turn into a defensive slug fest.

Jackson Arnold must play game manager, smart distributor, and trust his weapons like future first round pick and wide receiver Cam Coleman. If he hits him on a couple more deep shots this week that might just be enough to push them over the top in a game that Vegas believes they lose by a touchdown. Auburn sneaks by Texas A&M here, despite Arnold still likely not figuring out his sack issues. – Travis May, A to Z Sports CFB & NFL Draft Managing Editor

Texas A&M 28, Auburn 20

The Auburn Tigers could have beaten the Oklahoma Sooners last week, but it just wasn’t in the cards. The parity is so alive right now that games like Auburn’s last week could happen every week, and this one could be similar, with just a bit more scoring. Marcel Reed is going to give the Tigers’ talented but mistake-prone defense some trouble. The biggest question here will be whether Auburn can get the passing game going efficiently. If so, they will have a chance, but in this game I don’t see it happening effectively enough. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Texas A&M 27, Auburn 20

The Texas A&M Aggies head into a big week against the Auburn Tigers following a bye week. On offense, this team looks worlds better than a year ago. Quarterback Marcel Reed is a talented dual threat signal caller who has a crazy amount of talent to utilize, including running back Le’Veon Moss, and wide receivers Kevin Concepcion and Mario Craver. Add in a really good offensive line, and this is the most complete offense we have seen in some time in College Station. If the Aggies improve some defensively under head coach Mike Elko, this has a chance to be a really rough out in the SEC. This is a very talented team that looks very confident early on in 2025. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Texas A&M 34, Auburn 28

Texas A&M faces Auburn this weekend in a matchup that could swing momentum in the SEC. All eyes will be on Auburn sophomore wideout Cam Coleman, who burst onto the national stage with a breakout performance against Oklahoma last week. Coleman’s combination of size and speed gave the Sooners’ secondary fits, and he’ll look to replicate that success against an Aggies defense that has been solid but not impenetrable.

For Texas A&M, the edge may come from the comforts of Kyle Field. The Aggies’ home-field advantage is among the best in college football, and quarterback Marcel Reed’s steady play has given their offense a calming presence. Reed hasn’t been flashy, but his decision-making and efficiency have kept A&M in rhythm.

Auburn, powered by Coleman’s emergence, won’t go quietly, but the Aggies’ balance and crowd energy push them to a win—though Auburn covers the 6.5-point spread. – Brentley Weissman, A to Z Sports Oregon

Final Score Predictions for Auburn vs. Texas A&M

The A to Z Sports staff sees this game going to the home team in Texas A&M, but Auburn covering the 6.5-point point spread. On average, our team members picked this game to finish 29-24, which is almost right on the money in terms of total expected points, but don’t be surprised if the defenses own the day given the Aggies are coming off a bye and Auburn boasting the FBS-best run defense.

We’ll be back with more Auburn Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!