Leading up to this week’s matchup against San Jose State, Saturday Down South’s Jordan Cox breaks down the battle between the Spartans and the Tigers

San Jose State Spartans

Week 2 at Auburn (7 p.m. ET; ESPN2)

THE SKINNY: Ron Caragher’s Spartans dominated North Dakota 42-10 Thursday night. SJSU’s offense put up offense at will, and the defense held North Dakota’s offense to 244 yards of total offense. San Jose State led 21-3 at the half and would score the next 21 points. The Spartans last played an SEC team when they traveled to Tuscaloosa in 2010 where they lost to Alabama 48-3.

KEY PLAYER: San Jose State has a playmaker under center in Blake Jurich. Though he’s in his first season as a starter, Jurich is a 6-foot-4 inch, 235 pound dual-threat for the Spartans. He completed 22 of 25 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns against North Dakota.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Auburn defense will have to buckle down against the Spartan defense. It’s a balanced attack — they rushed for 150 yards and threw for 256 yards against North Dakota. Yes, it is FCS North Dakota, but the Auburn defense has shown holes and the Spartans will have nothing to lose.

FINAL SAY: Auburn’s a 31-point favorite over a young Spartans team that has only three guys on its roster who played against Alabama. Auburn shouldn’t have any issue with San Jose State, but don’t be surprised to see the Spartans come out guns blazing with some trickery. Auburn wins big.