CBS analyst predicts Auburn edges Baylor in season opener
CBS Sports' Brad Crawford expects Auburn to defeat Baylor in their neutral-site opener on September 5, citing the Tigers' tempo and quarterback comfort under new coach Alex Golesh. He notes that an Auburn win would validate offseason optimism and show Golesh's offensive system can translate to SEC competition. Baylor, meanwhile, enters with a transfer quarterback and a coach under pressure, making the matchup a key early test for both programs.
The September 5 matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium carries extra weight because Auburn won last year's meeting 38-24 in Waco, giving the Tigers a recent psychological edge. Auburn has not reached six wins in a season since 2024, making bowl eligibility a pressing concern as Golesh installs his up-tempo system against a Baylor defense that will test its SEC readiness early.
Baylor counters with Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway, whose inconsistent performances in high-pressure games raise questions about how he will handle a neutral-site opener. Baylor coach Dave Aranda faces mounting scrutiny, and a loss would intensify calls for change. Both programs view this as a defining early test, with the winner gaining momentum before conference play begins.
This game could shape perceptions of both programs for months, influencing recruiting momentum, fan engagement, and coaching job security. A strong Auburn performance may validate Golesh's hire and boost confidence in the program's direction, while a Baylor win could stabilize Aranda's position and quiet critics. The outcome may also affect how national audiences view the SEC versus Big 12 competitiveness, potentially impacting media narratives and preseason rankings for both conferences.