As the 11 a.m. kickoff of the Birmingham Bowl approaches, opinions vary as to which Tigers – the ones from Auburn University or the ones from the University of Memphis – will win.

Athlonsports.com leans toward Auburn, which is a 3-point favorite.

“Sure, Memphis proved that it was capable of upsetting an SEC team … at home,” the analysis reads. “But Auburn has about as much of a home-field advantage as any participating bowl team has for its respective pairing.

“Auburn has struggled but should still have enough of a talent advantage to hold off a Memphis upset.”

Fansided.com leaned the other way, noting that the loss of Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to South Carolina could provide an opportunity for Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch.

“Lynch is poised to have a big day in what could be his final college game against an Auburn defense that finished with middling numbers overall,” the analysis reads. “The solid Auburn secondary can limit Lynch through the air, but look for him to make some plays with his legs.

“With so many targets to spread the ball to, Auburn’s defense is going to have a hard time holding Memphis off forever. Lynch also threw only three picks in the regular season, so Auburn will have trouble generating any takeaways.”

[Read our take on the key matchup and the team’s visit to Children’s Alabama and the significance of this year’s Birmingham Bowl]

More than a few fans and pundits choose to connect the dots. Since Memphis beat Ole Miss and Ole Miss beat Auburn, they reason that Memphis will defeat the team from the Plains.

Memphis interim coach Darrell Dickey scoffs at any correlation. He said today’s matchup is very different, but should be a good one.

“All the previous things that happened don’t really matter going into this game,” he said. “I’m sure the media and the fans will enjoy trading pregame speculation. The bottom line is the game has to be played at 11 o’clock. If both teams are ready to play, it will be an outstanding game.”

Quarterback Paxton Lynch will lead the Memphis Tigers against the Auburn Tigers. (Dennis Hubbard)