Our writers discuss some of the key factors needed for Vanderbilt to move to 5-0.

Winning the turnover battle is crucial

David Shochat

The key to victory this weekend is for the Commodores to win the turnover battle and, more specifically, not to turn the ball over. For a team that leads the nation in turnover margin, creating turnovers while taking care of the ball on offense has been a big part of Vanderbilt's success so far this season. Redshirt senior Chris Nickson has yet to throw an interception this season; however, against Auburn's defensive line, one of the best in the nation having allowed only one rushing touchdown this season and only 92 rushing yards per game, he may be asked to throw the ball more than he has in the first four games. Auburn also leads the nation in third down conversion defense as teams are only converting 14.5 percent of their third downs against the Tigers.

As good as Auburn's defense is, their offense is equally pathetic, as evidenced by their poor performance against Tennessee last weekend. Auburn quarterback Chris Todd can barely throw the ball more than 25 yards, and their back-up quarterback Kodi Burns, who many Auburn fans think should start, neither seems to have much pocket presence nor does he seem to know the playbook very well as he runs most of the time he is in the game.

Furthermore, Auburn has only scored three offensive touchdowns in their last three games, and they are 90th in the nation in total offense as they try to implement new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin's spread offense. As long as Vanderbilt does not allow Auburn's defense to score points or set up good field position, the Tigers should have trouble scoring on Vanderbilt's defense, and with the return of senior receiver George Smith, Vanderbilt's passing attack should finally come alive and help the Commodores move the ball on the Tigers. But if Vanderbilt can't pass the ball, this game could be a repeat of the Mississippi State-Auburn game, in which the final score was a 3-2 Auburn win.

Physical defense must show up

Peter Letarte

The good shape and physical condition of Vanderbilt's defense has often been praised as being the key to their second half dominance this year. In order for coach Bobby Johnson's defense to come out with the tenacity and persistence they will need to stop Auburn's no-huddle offense this Saturday, they will need just that. It is the athleticism and stellar physical shape and endurance of the Commodore defense that needs to be present on Saturday for Vanderbilt to prevail.

While the Tigers' offense has not put up particularly good numbers this season, it will be crucial for Vanderbilt to turn to what has been one of their biggest strengths this year and let their defense keep Auburn from scoring. A physically dominating and enduring day from the defense will allow Vanderbilt's offense and special teams to chip away at the tough Auburn defense.

However, that does not go to say that Auburn's offense should be taken lightly. The Commodores have seen how a no-huddle offense can cause their defense problems first hand in the Rice game. Rice marched down the field to score on their first four drives of the game before Vanderbilt was able to stop them in the second half. The defense will need to apply what they learned in that game to stopping Auburn this Saturday.

"It was good for us to play Rice before the Auburn game because now we've seen that kind of offense being run," said freshman linebacker Deandre Jones.

Auburn will certainly try to run Vanderbilt thin this Saturday with a no-huddle offense. To ensure they don't, the Vanderbilt defense will need to play hard from start to finish. Look for the superb physical condition of the Commodores to shine through in a victory over the Tigers of Auburn this Saturday.

Vanderbilt must seize opportunity of home field advantage

David Rutz

There's a major intangible that has been a difference for Vanderbilt this season, and that's been rowdy fan support. The Commodores are going to need it again when they face a tough Auburn team on Saturday. The psychological advantage a boisterous home crowd provides is immeasurable.

The second game of the year, Vanderbilt faced then-No. 24 South Carolina at home on ESPN in a game most thought the Gamecocks would win easily. My friends at other schools asked me if the blackout planned by the fans was going to happen, since they expected Vanderbilt's small stadium and supposedly weaker fan base was not going to provide any sort of home field advantage. After all, Vanderbilt had not beaten a ranked foe at home in 16 years, and all of the big wins for the football program over the past few years curiously had been on the road.

The student body responded by blacking out the Gamecocks and providing the most electric atmosphere seen at Vanderbilt Stadium in many years. The Vanderbilt players responded to the energy supplied by the crowd in a big way, winning 24-17 and setting the tone for what has been a great season thus far. Many of them mentioned that the support of the fans was a huge factor in their strong play in the second half of the game.

Now the Commodores face a greater challenge in Auburn and on an even bigger stage. Vanderbilt Stadium may be lacking in size, but it's not lacking in noise, not if Commodore Nation won't let it.

There's no doubt Vanderbilt fans will be the 12th man for the football team Saturday and do all they can to propel the Commodores to another victory by heeding the words of coach Bobby Johnson when he spoke Monday:

"Be loud, be rowdy and give Auburn hell!"