Auburn Faces Vanderbilt in SEC Clash Amid Coaching Turmoil

November 8, 2025 - NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Auburn Tigers travel to FirstBank Stadium on Saturday, November 8, to face the No. 16 Vanderbilt Commodores in a pivotal SEC matchup. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Central, with the game airing live on the SEC Network. For Auburn, the contest marks a turning point in a turbulent season, while Vanderbilt looks to rebound and stay in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth.

Auburn enters the game at 4–5 overall and 1–5 in SEC play, having lost five of its last six games. The Tigers are reeling from a 10–3 loss to Kentucky and the recent firing of head coach Hugh Freeze, who was dismissed on November 2 after two-plus seasons. Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin steps in as interim head coach, tasked with stabilizing a program in flux and salvaging bowl eligibility.

Vanderbilt, meanwhile, sits at 7–2 overall and 3–2 in the conference. The Commodores are coming off a narrow 34–31 loss to Texas, a setback that dropped them toward the back end of the top 20 in the CFP rankings. Led by quarterback Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt has shown explosive offensive potential, averaging 37.6 points per game and ranking 12th nationally in scoring offense.

The matchup presents contrasting trajectories. Vanderbilt boasts a balanced attack, with 245.2 passing yards and 187.2 rushing yards per game. Defensively, they've been stout against the run, allowing just 101.6 yards per game, good for 17th nationally. Auburn, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency on offense and will need a strong defensive showing to keep the game close.

Interim coach Durkin emphasized the importance of grit and focus heading into the game. "We've got to play with pride and urgency," Durkin said earlier this week. "This team has talent, and we're going to fight for every inch."

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea acknowledged Auburn's defensive strengths but remained confident in his team's ability to respond. "We know what's at stake," Lea said. "We've got to execute, protect the football, and finish drives. Auburn's defense is physical, and we've got to match that intensity."

With Vanderbilt favored by 6.5 points and the over/under set at 45.5, the game is expected to be competitive. For Auburn, it's a chance to reset under new leadership. For Vanderbilt, it's a must-win to keep playoff hopes alive.