Game Preview: Auburn @ Opelika

Cooper Morreale August 26, 2021 @ 09:35 AM

Auburn and Opelika have a long-lasting rivalry that dates all the way back to 1930, with an overall series that is currently set at 47-45-3 in Opelika’s favor. With a history like that, it is very clear why this matchup is always one of the most anticipated, exciting, hard-fought games in all of the state each year. In 2020, Auburn got the best of Opelika, winning 37-10 at home, with this year’s matchup being held at Opelika this upcoming Friday.   LAST WEEK RECAPS AUBURN- With an incredible 45-0 win against Park Crossing last Friday, Auburn and first-year head coach Keith Etheredge opened up their fall with a massive win. The Auburn offensive line is as good as advertised, star players Eston Harris, [player_tooltip player_id="128276" first="Bradyn" last="Joiner"], and Drew Bobo barely allowed any pressure all night, allowing junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="127683" first="Clyde" last="Pittman"] to shine as he totaled three touchdowns, two in the air, and one on the ground. Defensively, linebackers [player_tooltip player_id="125497" first="Brad" last="Harper"] and [player_tooltip player_id="125491" first="Powell" last="Gordon"] dominated, tackling everything in sight with Harper recovering a fumble for a touchdown as well. OPELIKA- After suffering a disappointing close 30-21 loss to Callaway last Friday, Opelika looks to rebound this week when taking on their arch-rivals. Opelika is loaded with talent. [player_tooltip player_id="125430" first="Jarell" last="Stinson"], their running back/cornerback is one of the state’s fastest players, [player_tooltip player_id="125493" first="Taylor" last="Love"] continues to dominate at middle linebacker, and defensive tackle Jerry Knight had a great showing as well. Stinson had two impressive touchdowns against Callaway, one on the ground and one through the air, showing off his versatility. Love and Knight were able to stuff the run incredibly well, while also forcing and recovering a fumble together.   OUR PREDICTION Offensive and defensive line play along with running the ball will be some of the main keys to winning this game, overall it will be a huge battle in the trenches. In order for their offense to click, Auburn’s offensive line is going to have to prevent Opelika’s great defensive front from doing what they were able to do towards Callaway. [player_tooltip player_id="125493" first="Taylor" last="Love"] is always around the ball, and he is a player that Auburn has to account for in order to move the ball. As he showed last week, in a clean pocket, [player_tooltip player_id="127683" first="Clyde" last="Pittman"] plays greatly, and will continue to do so if the protection is there. On the other side of the ball, [player_tooltip player_id="125497" first="Brad" last="Harper"] and [player_tooltip player_id="125491" first="Powell" last="Gordon"] are going to have to keep up with [player_tooltip player_id="125430" first="Jarell" last="Stinson"], his speed and elusiveness are incredible, and if he is able to consistently make explosive plays, it will be a very long and tiring night for the Auburn defense. Auburn and Opelika are going to have an all-out war this Friday, and we can’t wait to see it. Rivalry games like this are always a great time. With both teams having such a long and exciting history of competing with each other, both Auburn and Opelika will be coming to play a tough, physical game!