Tigers Halftime Breakdown Podcast, Episode 2: Auburn vs. Kentucky & NFL Week 8

Announcer: [00:00:00] All aboard. Hey, welcome to the Tigers halftime breakdown podcast. We're here to talk about great Auburn sports and most of all, great, great football. Let's get to it.

John: Right. Diving right into a weekend packed with football. We're talking Auburn season, those crucial NFL week eight matchups, getting you prepped, And ready.

Lisa: Absolutely. We're gonna break down game plans, those little things that could decide who wins, even how these games could shake up your fantasy league.

John: And let's be real. A lot of us. We love those underdog stories in college football. Auburn right now, they're living 1, 2, and 5, winless in the SEC. That Missouri game, oof, some real crack show, turnovers especially, those defensive slip ups.

Lisa: Yeah, uphill battle for Auburn for sure. You break down that Missouri game, their offense just couldn't get going. Quarterback Peyton Thorne, he hasn't found his rhythm, and that offensive line not doing him any favors. That's how those momentum shifting turnovers happen. I

John: gotta ask though, that [00:01:00] freshman receiver, Cam Coleman, did you see those highlights?

That 47 yard touchdown against Missouri?

Announcer: Come on down to Halftime. If you haven't been in there before, let me tell you, it's all about great, great sports. Sports every day, sports all year round, Auburn sports, professional sports, you name it. If it's great, great sports, it's halftime. Come on down and be there.

Lisa: Electric. Potential. A real bright spot. We can't forget Arkez Hunter in the backfield. 528 rushing yards. Three touchdowns already this season. He's the engine, no doubt.

John: That's the kind of firepower they'll need against their next opponent, Kentucky. Kentucky, they might have lost to Florida, but that defense, that front seven, those guys are tough.

Lisa: Like a brick wall. Trevin Wallace, he's the keystone, leads the team in tackles, a real game changer. It's going to be interesting to see if Auburn's offensive line, if they can give Thorne enough time to make something happen.

John: And let's not forget Jarquez Hunter. If Auburn wants a chance, They got to get him going.

Lisa: 100%. Hunter gets that run game going, opens up the play [00:02:00] action, gives Thorne more options down field. Real chess match to watch there. Can Auburn neutralize that Kentucky defense?

John: Okay. From a nail biter in the making to Monday Night Football. Lamar Jackson, the Ravens taking on the Buccaneers. Ravens are hot right now, but Tampa Bay's defense, they've been tough against the run.

Can they handle a quarterback like Jackson though?

Lisa: That's the big question, isn't it? He's so dynamic, arm, legs. He can beat you with both. Tampa's built to stop those traditional running backs, Jackson. Whole different story. They need to play disciplined, sound football, contain him.

John: Flip side of that, you've got Baker and that Bucs offense.

Think they can exploit that Ravens secondary? Some say it's a weak spot.

Lisa: Best chance for Tampa Bay for sure. You got Mike Evans, Chris Godwin. They are nightmares if they get the ball. Key is Baker Mayfield. Can he get it to them? Quick and accurate. He's gonna be under pressure. Raven's pass rush is no joke.

Decision making is going to be huge.

John: So we're looking at a battle of strengths here. Raven's run game versus Buc's run defense. [00:03:00] Buc's passing attack against that maybe shaky Raven's secondary. You

Lisa: got it. Classic chess match. Whoever can play their game, they'll win.

John: Every week in the NFL feels like the playoffs are on the line, but week eight.

Yeah, this one's big. Eagles, Bengals can't miss this one. Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, two of the most exciting quarterbacks going head to head.

Lisa: No doubt. It's a good one. Bengals defense.

Announcer: All right, specials. Let's talk about specials. You want to talk about special? You got 75 cent wings on Wednesday. That's at half pot.

You want to talk about special? You had 6 bottles of wine on Thursday. Yeah, baby. That's like a turkey with six or seven legs. You just can't beat those kinds of specials. While the TV and the sports are playing all your favorites. That's all at halftime. Now let's get back to the podcast.

Lisa: They're all about pressuring the quarterback, but against a guy like Hertz who can run, that can backfire.

Overcommit, he tucks that ball, he's gone. And he's got the speed. Those safeties gonna be huge in [00:04:00] this game.

John: And you know, I love a good rivalry game. Chiefs, Raiders, always a classic.

Lisa: Always a battle. Raiders always bring their A game for the Chiefs. This one, I think it comes down to, can they slow down Mahomes?

And that's easier said than done. Raider's defensive coordinator, he loves to blitz, send extra guys after the quarterback. Do they gamble against Mahomes or play it safe? That's the question.

John: Any other games catching your eye this week?

Lisa: Cowboys, 49ers, that's one to watch. Feels like a playoff preview. Two heavyweights in the NFC, right?

Dak Prescott against that 49ers D? Gonna be fun.

John: You know those division games always get heated? Ravens, Browns, that one could be interesting.

Lisa: For sure. Browns defense, they've been sneaky good, could cause some problems, but that Ravens offense, Jackson and those guys, they are rolling.

John: Alright, gotta talk fantasy football.

Our listeners need those tips. Gotta dominate those leagues. What do you got?

Lisa: Well, anyone who drafted Devon Aiching, you've been waiting for this. He's back, cleared concussion protocol, should be on the field for the [00:05:00] Dolphins.

John: That's huge. Aiching being back completely changes that Miami offense.

Lisa: No doubt, that speed.

He can score every time he touches the ball. Must start, if you ask me.

John: Before we wrap up, let's go back to Auburn for a sec. Uphill battle against Kentucky. But, can they pull off the upset?

Lisa: Long shot, definitely a long shot. But, hey, it's college football. Anything can happen. Control the clock, that's key. Get Hunter going, let him work.

Keep that Kentucky offense off the field. Avoid those turnovers, they got a shot. Play smart, play disciplined.

John: Any given Saturday, right? Especially in the SEC.

Lisa: That's why we love it. Unpredictable, the passion, all of it. That's the game.

John: It's that hope for an upset. That's what keeps us coming back, right? That chance for a Cinderella story.

But whether you're all about the underdog or you're riding with the favorites. NFL Week 8, this is going to be a good one.

Lisa: Yeah, no doubt. Strategy, upsets, game changing plays, it's all there waiting to happen. That's what makes it fun.

John: So you've heard what we think, now we want to know, what about you? Hit us up on social media, [00:06:00] let us know those predictions.

Who's taking home the W? Who you got?

Lisa: And hey, don't forget those fantasy lineups. Use what we talked about today, get that edge in your league. Because every point, it matters.

John: Until next time. Get ready for some football.

Announcer: Want to talk about your best commentary for pro and collegiate sports, particularly Auburn.

You found the right place. This is the Tigers Halftime Breakdown. You come here when you want to know all about fantasy sports, who to start this week, who to sit and what to do as you promote your great, great football team. Now let's get to it.