8. Auburn Tigers
Record: 9-1 (0-0 SEC)
Last Week: No. 8
Auburn competed in just one game during this past week and it was not nearly as easy as many thought heading in. The Tigers were heavy favorites to take down UAB but they needed an extra five minutes in order to put them away and move to 9-1. And while this might not have been the best performance by head coach Bruce Pearl’s team so far this year, it will simply go onto their resume as a victory.
Auburn has clearly been one of the top teams in the nation so far this year as their collection of wins include those over Washington, Xavier, Arizona, and Dayton. Additionally, their only loss to date came against Duke and that is nothing to be ashamed about. One of the clear favorites to win the SEC this season, Auburn has an incredibly balanced offensive attack that is centered around the playmaking abilities of star guard Jared Harper (16.2 points, 6.4 assists).
Looking ahead, Auburn rounds out non-conference play with a couple of tough challenges. First, they will go on the road to take on an underrated NC State team that could be knocking on the top-25 door before long. Additionally, the Tigers will have to face off against Ja Morant and Murray State, one of the favorites to win the OVC. These two could prove to be difficult challenges prior to finishing non-con with a final tune-up game against North Florida.