Photo by Vasha Hunt | For The Corner News

Auburn celebrates after recovering a UT fumble for a TD Saturday. Look for Auburn to end Vanderbilt’s winning season this week.

While upsets were occurring all across the nation last weekend, our Auburn Tigers held on to keep that from happening. The defense had another stellar performance, even when our offense and special teams gave up valuable field position. With Tray Blackmon out of action this week, Josh Bynes filled the void and played excellent. When Blackmon returns this week, it would be nice if our coaches could find a way to keep both of these players on the field at the same time. 
Offensively, things still were not clicking the way they should. QB Chris Todd had a few good plays, but still struggled to be effective in the second half. Kodi Burns finally saw some limited action and impressed the fans. Burns made some athletic plays, and converted a critical third down late in the fourth quarter.  If not for a couple of dropped passes, Burns would have been perfect through the air. 

OC Tony Franklin has got to get Burns more involved in this offense. His ability to run can only help make this offense work more efficiently, and the more playing experience he gets will only make Burns a better quarterback. Franklin has given Todd his chance for the majority of the season so far, and his performance has been average or below. It is time to give the reigns of this offense to Kodi Burns. The running game will evolve if a defense is kept honest by a dual threat quarterback.

The wide receivers must improve on catching the ball, and the offensive line has got to stop making penalties.
This week’s game against Vanderbilt will not be an easy task for the Tigers, especially after two tough games. If Auburn can improve on offense, the Tigers should win this game. On to the picks:

Oct. 4
Kentucky at Alabama -The luck stops here. The Wildcats storm into Tuscaloosa and knock off the overrated Tide. The thoughts of a bronze statue of Nick Saban vanish. 
Prediction: Kentucky 3, Bama 0

Florida at Arkansas - The Gators dropped a heartbreaker to Ole Miss last Saturday, but will be ready to get back on track. The Piglets stand no chance, and probably will not win another game.
Prediction: Florida 35, Arkansas 3

South Carolina at Ole Miss -  The Rebels are hot, and will continue their winning ways against USC. Spurrier will keep his Cocks in the game, which should be a shoot out. Houston Nutt rides the Wild Rebel for another big SEC win.
Prediction: Ole Miss 24, South Carolina 21

Northern Illinois at Tennessee - Fat Phil’s is getting a little upset after dropping his third game of the season. He’s lucky to have a practice game this week. Look for a lot of changes on offense, even at QB.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Northern Illinois 10
Auburn at Vanderbilt - If you would have told me that this would be one of the bigger games of the season back in August, I would have laughed in your face. But this happens to be the ESPN primetime game … not to mention the location for the ESPN Gameday broadcast. Expect to see a good battle for about three quarters. Auburn clearly has better talent, but Vandy will keep this game close playing on pure heart. The presence of Kodi Burns and a great defense make the difference in this game, as Auburn holds on for another solid win.
Prediction: Auburn 24, Vandy14