What happened: Tennessee hosts Auburn after a 20-17 loss to No. 1 Texas stalled its rushing attack. The Vols managed 70 rushing yards against Texas after averaging nearly 300 through three nonconference games. The projection sets Tennessee 27, Auburn 17.

Why it matters: An SEC win steadies Tennessee while breaking in a freshman quarterback and new coordinator Jim Knowles. Auburn counters with USF transfer Byrum Brown, who accounted for 42 touchdowns last season but has yet to match that pace. A bounce-back would reframe the soft nonconference start as preparation rather than a mirage.

What to watch: Watch whether Tennessee re-establishes the run early and whether Knowles pressures Brown into mistakes.