Auburn vs. Georgia Tech

AUBURN: The Tigers are trying to continue a 15-game winning streak. The team will have to replace three members of their secondary as well as having to initiate a new quarterback in Brandon Cox. Cox was limited to mop-up detail last year behind Jason Campbell (below) and completed 22 of 34 passes for four touchdowns with two interceptions. This team is coming into the game after feeling slighted for the national championship game as well as being ranked lower than an undefeated team should.

TECH: The Jackets start this season in search of answers to several questions. The Jackets must find a way to piece together an offensive line and to find another receiver in addition to Calvin Johnson. For the second consecutive year, the Jackets are coming off an impressive victory in a bowl game after going through the off-season with heightened expectations. For the first time in a while there is a buzz around a team that is playing perhaps the toughest schedule in its 113-year history.

FOUR KEY QUESTIONS:

Will Cox overcome injury and get into a rhythm at the helm of his Auburn offense?

After being held out or limited in several practices this fall, the sophomore QB enters Saturday's game as the starter. Cox almost had his playing career come to an end because of poor circulation problems in his throwing arm. The Auburn coaching staff has resorted to having him throw a Nerf ball between series to keep their quarterback's arm from stiffening up.

If Cox is able to find his rhythm early, the Jackets could be in for a long day. Defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta must keep Cox off balance and make life difficult on the new quarterback. Auburn's offensive line must play a solid game to keep Tech's front from racking up some sacks, and not allowing Cox to get in a throwing rhythm.

Can Tech hold on to an early lead for the entire game?

An Achilles Heel for the Jackets has been the propensity to play not to lose once they get a lead on an opponent. Look no further than the Florida State game in 2003 and last year's Thursday night Virginia Tech game. The Auburn squad, with a 15-game winning streak, knows how to play a complete four quarters.

If the Jackets go up early, the offense must not become conservative, but instead do the same things that got them the lead initially. If the Jackets have a lead they need to be able to go in for the kill instead of relying on the defense to hold a lead.

Who gains the advantage when one team's strengths are another team's weaknesses?

Tech has an experienced quarterback in Reggie Ball and great receivers in Calvin Johnson and Damarius Bilbo, both with big-game experience. They will be facing three new starters in the Tiger's secondary.

Auburn has one of the best front seven lineups in the nation, but the Jackets have an inexperienced, though talented, offensive line. The Tigers must unveil a new quarterback and backfield against a seasoned Jacket defense that has been together for a few years.

Will someone in Tech's receiving corps step up and take advantage of Calvin Johnson being double teamed?

Calvin Johnson will get his yards as he is around six inches taller than Auburn's tallest defensive back. With all the attention that will be on Calvin, another wide receiver must step up and take advantage of being under the radar screen. If no receiver does this, the Tigers will be able to concentrate solely on Johnson and will be able to win the game even with a young and inexperienced secondary.

Spread: Auburn by 3