Washington State @ Auburn preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 2, 2006 ) Washington State 14, Auburn 40

Gus Malzahn makes his head coaching debut for the Auburn Tigers on Saturday night as they host Washington State in the season opener for both teams. Malzahn, the team's offensive coordinator from 2009-11 and the head coach at Arkansas State last year, takes over as Auburn looks to recover from its worst record in 60 years. The Tigers were 3-9 in 2012 and went winless in conference play for the first time since 1980.

Like the Tigers, the Cougars are hoping to climb out of the conference cellar after suffering through their sixth straight losing season in 2012, coach Mike Leach's first at the helm. Leach saw his "Air Raid" passing attack lead the Pac-12 in yards per game through the air, but it was not the most efficient system. Junior Connor Halliday, who takes over full-time under center, completed just 52.2 percent of his passes and threw 13 interceptions in limited action.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Auburn -15.5

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (2012: 3-9): This contest marks one of a handful of difficult road trips for the Cougars, who also visit Oregon and Southern California in a relatively challenging slate. Washington State's defense ranked 10th in the Pac-12 in points allowed last year, but returns eight starters. Washington State is 4-31 on the road over the last six seasons.

ABOUT AUBURN (2012: 3-9): JUCO transfer quarterback Nick Marshall is tasked with igniting an offense that ranked 13th in the SEC in scoring (18.7 points), while junior running back Tre Mason - a preseason All-SEC second team selection and a 1,000-yard rusher in 2012 - gives Auburn a solid option on the ground. A defense that gave up 34 points a game in conference play now falls under the guidance of coordinator Ellis Johnson, who held the same position at South Carolina through 2011 and was the head coach at Southern Miss last year. Johnson will be without standout end Dee Ford, who has a left knee injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Auburn won the only prior meeting, at home in 2006.

2. Washington State has not had a winning record since 2003.

3. The Tigers play five of their first six games at home.

PREDICTION: Auburn 31, Washington State 17