First glance, Auburn vs. Arkansas State: Preview, TV schedule, odds, key players and more

Arkansas State Red Wolves
at Auburn Tigers

Saturday, 6:30 p.m. CT, Jordan-Hare Stadium, FSN

Current line: Auburn -13 | Over/Under: 61.5

Tickets: From Auburn | TicketsNow

Series history: Auburn leads 2-0

Last meeting: Auburn 52, Arkansas State 26, Sept. 4, 2010, Jordan-Hare Stadium

Auburn notes | Arkansas State notes

Arkansas State Red Wolves (1-0)

Head coach: Bryan Harsin (first year: 1-0; first year overall)

Co-offensive coordinators: Eliah Drinkwitz/Bush Hamdan (multiple)

Defensive coordinator: John Thompson (multiple)

Coverage: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, ASU Herald, Sporting Life Arkansas

In 2010, Auburn eased past Arkansas State in the season opener, taking the first step toward a national title run. This year's game probably won't be as comfortable. While Auburn struggled at times last week against Washington State, the Red Wolves racked up 62 points and 672 yards, including 509 on the ground, against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. No, UAPB isn't exactly stiff competition, but do you think Auburn could have put up those numbers against any team last week?

In addition to Arkansas State's potent offense, the Red Wolves have once key intangible working for them: revenge. The players and coaches who were around last year cant help but feel burned by Malzahn, who skipped town after one season to take the Auburn job. They would love nothing more than to walk into Jordan-Hare and beat their former head coach, and that shouldn't be discounted.

KEY RED WOLVES ON OFFENSE

David Oku, RB -- You may remember Oku as a highly touted running back who picked Tennessee over Auburn in 2009. He flamed out with the Vols and landed in Jonesboro, where he compiled 1,061 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Against UAPB, he was one of four Red Wolves to eclipse 100 yards rushing, gaining 124 yards and two scores on 16 carries.

Sirgregory Thornton, RB -- Thornton was another ASU back to eclipse 100 yards last week. He carried nine times for 112 yards and two touchdowns, eclipsing his entire rushing total for the entire 2012 season.

Adam Kennedy, QB -- The leader of Arkansas State's versatile offense, Kennedy is in his first season as a starter. He only threw 12 times in Week 1, but he completed nine of those passes for 149 yards and a TD. He wasn't sacked and he didn't throw an interception.

KEY RED WOLVES ON DEFENSE

Ryan Carrethers, DT -- Carrethers was often in UAPB's backfield, compiling 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss to go with his eight tackles. He'll be the man trying to blow up Auburn's offense before it can get started.

Qushaun Lee, LB -- Lee, a 6'0, 225-pound junior who is ASU's top returning tackler, also had a good game last week. He was second on the team with seven tackles, and he added two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and one-half sack. Plus, Lee is from Prattville, so he'll have added incentive playing close to home.

Chris Stone, DE -- Stone only had three tackles against Pine Bluff, but made his mark with two tackles for loss and one forced fumble. He could be trouble for Auburn on any runs to the outside.

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