Tigers looking to improve to 5-0

For the second year in a row the Auburn football team is looking to open the season with a 5-0 record when it hosts Louisiana-Monroe today.

The Tigers have had to use impressive come-from-behind victories to earn their last two wins, but unless something goes terribly wrong they should not have to rally today.

The Auburn offense could have another explosive day if the Warhawks’ defense, which has held eight of its last 14 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing, falters.

Jason Edwards is tied for the Sun Belt Conference lead in tackles and is averaging 9.7 tackles per game.

He will have to corral Cam Newton, who leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing with 121.3 yards per game. He also leads the SEC in passing efficiency and is the only quarterback in Auburn history to have at least two touchdown passes in each of the first four games of the season.

While Newton as been the hot topic of discussion in Auburn, the Tiger defense is beginning to find its rhythm.

Nick Fairley leads the SEC in sacks (4.0), tackles for a loss (8.5) and has at least 1.5 tackles for a loss in every game this season.

Linebacker Josh Bynes, who recorded a crucial interception in the fourth quarter of last week’s game against South Carolina, leads the team 29 tackles.

Louisiana-Monroe has a dual threat quarterback in Kolton Browning. He led the team in rushing last week and is third in the Sun Belt Conference in total offense, averaging 257.7 yards per game.

This will be the eighth meeting between the two squads with Auburn holding a 7-0 record in the series.