If Kentucky football fans are hoping for an offensive resurgence down on the Plains this Saturday, they might want to temper expectations. Auburn's defense isn't just solid; it's statistically one of the most consistently suffocating units in the entire country.
A historically stingy unit
The Tigers are one of only four FBS teams to have held every single opponent under 24 points through eight games this season. That remarkable consistency includes matchups against potent offenses like Oklahoma (held to 24), Georgia (20), and Missouri (23 in regulation). Furthermore, Auburn has held seven of its eight opponents more than 10 ore more points below their season scoring average. That is elite.
Auburn is one of four FBS teams to hold every opponent under 24 points this season. Auburn has also held the opponent under its scoring average in all eight games, including 10+ points under its average in seven of eight games.
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) October 27, 2025
A brutal matchup for the Wildcats
This presents a nightmare scenario for a Kentucky offense that has been wildly inconsistent. While the Wildcats exploded for 34 points last week against Tennessee's porous defense, that outburst feels like an anomaly. On the road this season, Kentucky is averaging a meager 13.5 points per game. That offensive output simply won't cut it against this Auburn defense.
Kentucky’s own defense hasn't offered much support either, allowing 30+ points in four of its five SEC contests.
Can Boley Be the Hero Again?
So, what's Kentucky's path to scoring points, let alone pulling off a road upset? It likely rests squarely on the shoulders of redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley. Coming off a record-setting five-touchdown performance against Tennessee, Boley faces a much sterner test. Auburn's defense is particularly stout against the run, ranking 4th nationally by allowing just 2.5 yards per carry.
However, their pass defense has been slightly more vulnerable, ranking 96th in FBS by allowing 7.0 yards per pass attempt. If Kentucky is to have any chance, Boley will need to replicate his downfield accuracy and find ways to exploit the Tigers' secondary, because running the ball effectively seems highly unlikely. Given Kentucky hasn't won at Auburn since 2009, breaking through against this defense would require a truly heroic effort.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion