MORE ASK FARRELL: Will Michigan bounce back against Iowa? | Does Clemson deserve to slide in rankings?
The best game of the weekend features two undefeated SEC teams that some are still questioning whether either deserves to be ranked in the top 10.
Auburn is 5-0 with wins over Oregon, Tulane, Kent State, Texas A&M and Mississippi State and looked especially good this past weekend in a 56-23 win after looking just OK against the Ducks and the Aggies earlier in the season.
Freshman quarterback Bo Nix, a former five-star recruit, has proven he can win on the road, but The Swamp will be a different test altogether, especially since Florida’s defense has been so good so far this season, albeit against questionable competition.
The Gators are allowing just 8.8 points per game, 2.7 yards per rush and they’ve given up just two rushing touchdowns. Running the ball has been Auburn’s strength so far this season.
Coming into the season, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn was at least on the warm seat as he has turned in some disappointing seasons on The Plains. But with a star quarterback and a knockout defense, the Tigers find themselves seventh in the country and right in the thick of the national title hunt.
Florida is No. 10 overall but largely untested against an average Miami team, along with wins over Tennessee-Martin, Kentucky, Tennessee and Towson. Like Florida, Auburn’s defense is stellar against the run but has been just OK against the pass at times this season.
Saturday, either Auburn or Florida will remain undefeated.
FARRELL'S TAKE
We ask Rivals National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell who he thinks will win the game, and whether either is a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
“I don’t think either will last through the schedule to remain a playoff contender, but these are two solid teams. Who will win? I think Auburn takes this one on the road, mainly because of the defensive line and the running game. It will avoid mistakes, control the clock and wear down a talented Florida defense.
"The only concern I would have is Nix and if he makes some freshman errors, but he hasn’t done that so far and Auburn looks like the more balanced team.”
