Auburn vs. Tennessee PREVIEW: Can the Tigers Survive a "Rock Fight" in Knoxville?

Is Auburn ready for another "rock fight" at Rocky Top? Join Ike Jones as he breaks down the upcoming SEC showdown between Auburn and Tennessee at Thompson-Boling Arena. With both teams riding momentum and leaning into their defensive identities, this matchup promises to be a physical, high-stakes battle. In this preview, we dive into:The Defensive Evolution: How both Rick Barnes and Steven Pearl have transformed their squads into defensive powerhouses as conference play heats up. Key Player Matchups: Can Auburn contain Tennessee’s "offensive engine," Ja'Kobi Gillespie? We also look at the impact of Nate Ament and Auburn's need for a big game from Keyshawn Hall and Elyjah Freeman. The Battle on the Glass: Tennessee is the best offensive rebounding team in the SEC. Can Auburn’s frontcourt stay out of foul trouble and limit second-chance points? The Return of Steven Pearl: For the first time as head coach, Steven Pearl returns to his alma mater. How will the raucous Knoxville crowd greet him? Predictions & Analytics: We look at the Vegas spread, ESPN's matchup predictor, and what the magic number is for an Auburn victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices