Auburn RB Tre Mason ran for 82 yards and two TDs last week. (US Presswire)

Auburn (1-5, 0-4 SEC) at Vanderbilt (2-4, 1-3 SEC)

Kickoff: Saturday, 12:21 p.m. ET (SEC Network)

Spread: Vanderbilt by 7

Watchability: When was the last time Vandy was favored by a touchdown against Auburn? That’s how bad things have gotten for Gene Chizik’s Tigers, who rank 116th nationally in total offense (287.5) and 115th in scoring (16.2). Chizik likely won’t name a starting QB until the end of the week, but it’s not like fans are hanging on the announcement. The Commodores have played better the past two weeks and need a win if they want to reach a second straight bowl.

Shining stars: Auburn: Tre Mason. The sophomore should have been getting the bulk of the carries all season. He ran for 82 yards and two TDs on 18 carries at Ole Miss. In the previous two games, Mason got a total of 15 carries. Vanderbilt: Zac Stacy. The senior has run for 499 yards and four TDs while averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He ran for 86 yards and a score against Florida’s elite defense.

Who could steal the show: Auburn: Onterio McCalebb. The senior averages 30.6 yards on kickoff returns, third-best in the SEC, and has moved into fifth on Auburn’s career all-purpose yardage list with 3,917. He also sits 11th on the school’s all-time rushing list with 2,311 yards. Vanderbilt: Jordan Matthews. The SEC’s leading receiver with 7.2 catches per game, the junior has made 43 grabs for 617 yards and three TDs. He and QB Jordan Rodgers hooked up for eight catches, 131 yards and a score vs. the Gators last week.

You going? Ranking the road trip: For the first time in 16 years, Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville is sold out for the second straight home game. Coach James Franklin has reinvigorated the program, and fans are hungry to see an SEC win at home. Franklin encouraged fans to be louder, saying, “Just like they want more from me and our team, I want more from them.”

Magic number for Auburn: 6. The Tigers have lost six straight SEC games and are 9-10 overall since winning the BCS championship following the 2010 season.

Magic number for Vanderbilt: 203.5. The Commodores rank last in the SEC in rush defense, giving up 203.5 yards per game. Auburn is next to last at 191.5.

The game comes down to: If Vanderbilt keeps it close for three quarters, the Commodores will be in great shape. Auburn has been outscored 62-3 in the fourth quarter. In addition, Vanderbilt’s pass defense (148.2 yards per game, 3rd in SEC) should make things difficult for Auburn’s Clint Moseley or Kiehl Frazier. 

Prediction: Vanderbilt 27, Auburn 20

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Daniel Lewis and Larry Hartstein, follow @CBSSportsSEC.