A reunion of former colleagues
The upcoming Week 5 SEC matchup will mark the first time Auburn and Tennessee have met in six years, with the game scheduled for Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
Auburn’s first‑year head coach Alex Golesh will step onto the same field where he once helped shape the Volunteers’ offense, now facing his former boss, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, adding a personal storyline to the contest.
Tennessee enters the game with a 4–4 record in SEC play and a reputation for an explosive offense, ranking sixth nationally in points per game and leading the FBS in rushing touchdowns.
The Volunteers’ attack is anchored by wide receiver Braylon Staley, who tops the team with 68 catches for 837 yards and six scores, while the defense features linebacker Arion Carter and safety Qua Moss, both among the team’s top tacklers.
The last encounter in November 2020 ended with Auburn pulling ahead 30–17, but early predictions now favor Tennessee by a comfortable margin, with analysts projecting a 42–31 final score.
Adding to the defensive intrigue, veteran coordinator Jim Knowles has taken charge of Tennessee’s defense, bringing an all‑star pedigree that could tighten the unit against the Tigers’ offense.