Louisiana-Monroe (5-4) will face Auburn (3-6) this Saturday at 12:45 p.m. EST in a matchup that highlights significant stakes for both teams. The odds set by BetMGM indicate Auburn is favored by 24.5 points. Historically, Auburn has maintained a perfect record against ULM, leading the all-time series 11-0.

For Auburn, securing a victory is crucial as they aim to become bowl eligible. However, they will face tough opponents to conclude the season, including No. 15 Texas A&M and No. 9 Alabama. A loss to ULM would not only add to their struggles in head coach Hugh Freeze’s second season but also mark the fourth consecutive losing season for the program. Meanwhile, the Warhawks are looking to break a three-game losing streak after an encouraging start under their new head coach, Bryant Vincent. Notably, Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne’s availability remains in question due to a right shoulder injury.

One of the critical points in this game will be Auburn’s defense up against ULM’s struggling offense. The Tigers currently stand 17th in the nation for rushing defense, permitting an average of just 109 yards per game. In contrast, ULM ranks 12th in the Sun Belt Conference with an average of 21.6 points per game and 13th in total offense, recording approximately 300.8 yards per game. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk leads the defense with seven sacks, while teammate Jalen McLeod contributes with five sacks.

Several players will be crucial to watch during this matchup. For Auburn, wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith boasts impressive stats with 34 receptions for 657 yards and seven touchdowns. His impressive average of 19.3 yards per catch further highlights his big-play ability. On the other side, ULM running back Ahmad Hardy leads the Sun Belt with 915 rushing yards and has scored nine touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, making him a pivotal figure for the Warhawks.

Historically, Auburn has showcased dominance in prior meetings against ULM, winning by an average score of 45.1 to 9.3. The most competitive game in their history took place in 2012, where Auburn emerged victorious in a 31-28 overtime thriller. The largest margin of victory occurred in 2003 when they defeated ULM by a staggering 73-7 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn holds a commanding all-time record of 41-5 against teams from the Sun Belt Conference. Additionally, Auburn tight end Luke Deal has a chance to set a new school record for games played, currently tied with John Samuel Shenker at 62 games.