SEC Big 12 Challenge A Great Concept

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Auburn at West Virginia

Nov 29, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn reacts to an official on the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Auburn 55-44. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Match Up: There will not be huddles. There will be quarterbacks looking over at silly play cards. Let’s call this match up the “Joystick Bowl” as both head coaches would love nothing more than to plug a joystick into their offense and run it from there. This would be the kind of game that gets defensive coordinators fired (Too soon, Auburn fans?).

Gus Malzahn’s attack is more ground based and the Tigers would have a size advantage. But who is Auburn’s hypothetical defensive coordinator? Let’s go with Will Muschamp. His troops won’t get much rest and WVU would score some points. But the Auburn read option wears down the Mountaineer defense and Auburn wins. Score: Auburn 40 WVU 30

Likely or Not: Auburn went to Kansas State so why not WVU? Morgantown has proven to be a tricky place to visit. (Too soon, Baylor fans?) Bass Pro Shop and NASCAR alone could sell enough advertising during this one to make it happen.

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