Florida-Auburn scouting report

By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer
Published September 29, 2007

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No. 4 Florida (4-0, 2-0) vs. Auburn (2-2, 0-1), 8 p.m.

The good news for Florida is that it is at home and this isn't the caliber of Auburn team that has broken its heart so many times in the past. The bad news is playing against Auburn is never easy. In their last three meetings, the game was decided in the final minute, with Auburn winning two. The Tigers enter the game unranked after losing two of their first four games. Florida's young secondary has been inconsistent, but Auburn senior quarterback Brandon Cox has struggled with his own inconsistency. He was benched in the Mississippi State game and replaced by freshman Kodi Burns. He returned last week to pass for 135 yards in a victory over New Mexico State. The Gators have been stellar against the run, holding opponents to 54.5 yards per game. They'll be tested again this week. Auburn's running back duo of Ben Tate and Mario Fannin are coming off a game in which they combined for 36 carries and 215 yards. Fannin has been prone to turnovers; he fumbled three times in the first three games. The Tigers have had four defensive starters miss games due to injury, and Florida's offense, while not very balanced at Ole Miss last week, is ranked No. 11 nationally in total offense (517.7 yards per game). This is the first road game of the season for Auburn.