Auburn hosts unbeaten Vanderbilt after tough SEC-opening loss to Florida

AUBURN, Ala. —

Vanderbilt has won the past two meetings with Auburn, including a 17-7 victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2024. The Tigers will try to end that skid Saturday when they host the unbeaten Commodores.

Auburn (2-1, 0-1) is coming off a 44-39 loss to Florida in its SEC opener. Vanderbilt (3-0, 0-0) opens conference play after a stunning 35-31 win over NC State.

The Tigers led Vanderbilt 20-10 at halftime last season before the Commodores rallied to tie the game and win 45-38 in overtime. Four of the past six meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer.

Auburn spent the past week trying to iron out what went wrong in its loss to Florida.

“We had tough conversations yesterday as a staff, had tough conversations this morning with our kids, Golesh said. “…I think we’re all excited to go get going and get that taste out of our mouth.”

Video below: Auburn’s Joel Gordon speaks ahead of Vanderbilt

Auburn’s offense got off to a slow start against the Gators, finishing the first quarter with negative three yards while allowing seven sacks.

Golesh said Auburn also allowed its emotions to affect its play.

“We were so amped,” he said. “It’s an emotional game. You can’t play emotionally … out of whack and out of control.”

Video below: Auburn’s DJ Durkin speaks ahead of Vanderbilt game

Vanderbilt brings freshman quarterback Jared Curtis, who officially won the Commodores QB competition last week. Golesh said he has handled the opportunity well.

“He doesn’t look young on film,” Golesh said. “Does a really, really good job.”

Durkin said Auburn is preparing for either Vanderbilt quarterback and for an offense that changes from week to week.

“They do a really good job of changing what they do based on how the game is going, based on who they’re playing.”

Auburn hosts Vanderbilt at 3:15 p.m. CT Saturday at Jordan-Hare.