No. 5 Auburn hosts Kent State in the Military Appreciation Game – Auburn Tigers

AUBURN, Ala. – The challenge, says Bruce Pearl, will be to bring the same preparation and passion to Wednesday’s matchup with Kent State as No. 5 Auburn did in Saturday’s 74-69 win over No. 4 Houston. 

“Can we play with the same energy and sense of urgency?” Pearl wondered. “We’d like to play that way every night.”

Against Houston, SEC Player of the Week Johni Broome and freshman Tahaad Pettiford combined for 41 points to lead Auburn to an early-season signature win.

“It gives us a barometer of where we are right now,” Pearl said. “But it’s a long season. We’ve got a lot to work on and a lot of challenges in front of us, but I was proud of our kids, proud of Johni Broome’s leadership, and the unselfishness. The guys came back yesterday humble and hungry.” 

Pearl expects the Golden Flashes, the preseason pick to finish third in the Mid-American Conference, to provide a significant challenge.

“They’re old, experienced, deep, quick and very well-coached,” Pearl said. 

Auburn’s matchup with Kent State will be the Tigers’ Military Appreciation game.

“We’re going to honor our veterans by having some gear that will remind people watching to thank these men and women for their service to defend our country, to provide us with the liberties we enjoy,” Pearl said. “These veterans and those who came before them are responsible for (our country’s safety and security). 

“On behalf of a grateful nation, it’s wonderful to recognize them and tell them how much they mean to us.”

Auburn and Kent State tip off Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT at Neville Arena on SEC Network/ESPN+. Andy Burcham and Randall Dickey will bring the action to listeners on the Auburn Sports Network.

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer