As we approach the midpoint of the 2024 Auburn Tigers football season, it is a time of reflection for the program and its passionate fanbase. Coming off a 2-4 start and sitting 0-3 in SEC play, Auburn’s season has been filled with ups and downs. Under second-year head coach Hugh Freeze, the Tigers are navigating one of the toughest schedules in college football, facing a gauntlet of SEC powerhouses. This blog post will explore Auburn’s offensive and defensive performances, the significance of the season's remaining games, and the future of the program under Freeze.
Offense: Searching for Consistency
Auburn’s offensive unit has been the center of attention throughout the first half of the season. Payton Thorne, the transfer quarterback from Michigan State, has had his share of difficulties adjusting to the SEC level. Through six games, Auburn has averaged 27.7 points per game, with standout moments like their 73-3 season-opening win over Alabama A&M, where Thorne threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns (Auburn Tigers, 2024). However, those bright spots have been overshadowed by struggles against stronger SEC opponents, particularly in a 14-21 loss to California and a 13-31 defeat against No. 5 Georgia (ESPN, 2024).
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, one of Thorne’s top targets, has been a consistent playmaker. His 67-yard touchdown catch against Alabama A&M set the tone for what could be an explosive passing attack (Auburn Tigers, 2024). Lambert-Smith’s ability to stretch the field has provided the Tigers with much-needed big plays, but the lack of consistency in the passing game has been glaring, particularly in SEC play. Auburn’s offensive line, coached by Jake Thornton, has struggled with both pass protection and run blocking, leading to breakdowns in the offense and forcing Thorne to make plays under constant pressure (Wikipedia, 2024).
The running game, anchored by Jarquez Hunter, has shown promise but lacks the dominance Auburn fans are accustomed to seeing. Hunter’s 34-yard touchdown run in the opener gave glimpses of his potential, but the Tigers' ground game has been inconsistent, particularly against tougher competition (Auburn Tigers, 2024). The offensive line’s struggles have hampered Auburn’s ability to establish a consistent run game, which is crucial in the SEC.
Defensive Resilience Amid Challenges
Auburn’s defense, led by Ron Roberts and Charles Kelly, has been a mixed bag this season. The unit has had moments of brilliance, especially in limiting explosive plays from opposing offenses. Auburn’s secondary, coached by Wesley McGriff, has been a standout, with key performances from players like DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett. Auburn's defense ranks among the best in the SEC in terms of passing yards allowed, a testament to the strength of their secondary (NCAA, 2024).
However, the Tigers' run defense has been a concern. In their game against Georgia, the Bulldogs ran for over 200 yards, dominating the line of scrimmage. Auburn’s defensive front, while talented, has struggled to stop the run consistently, which has allowed opponents to control the clock and wear down the defense in the second half of games (ESPN, 2024). Despite these struggles, Auburn’s defense has been opportunistic, forcing critical turnovers in key moments, including an interception that helped the Tigers stay competitive in a 21-27 loss to No. 21 Oklahoma (NCAA, 2024).
Auburn’s linebacker corps, led by Larry Nixon III and Austin Keys, has been solid, but the defensive line, a traditionally strong unit for Auburn, has not been able to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Vontrell King-Williams, a promising freshman on the defensive line, has shown flashes of potential, but the lack of depth and experience has been evident in games against top-tier SEC opponents (Wikipedia, 2024).
Key Games Ahead
With six games left in the season, Auburn’s path to bowl eligibility remains uncertain. The Tigers’ next game against No. 19 Missouri on October 19 is a pivotal contest. A win on the road against a ranked opponent would provide a much-needed boost for the program. Missouri’s balanced offensive attack, led by quarterback Brady Cook, will test Auburn’s defense. If Auburn’s secondary can limit Cook’s passing ability, it could open the door for an upset (Auburn Tigers, 2024).
The schedule does not get any easier from there. Auburn travels to face Kentucky on October 26, a team known for its physical style of play. Kentucky’s strong defense will pose a significant challenge for Auburn’s struggling offensive line, and Thorne will need to have one of his best games of the season for Auburn to have a chance (NCAA, 2024).
The November slate includes home games against Vanderbilt and Texas A&M, as well as the annual Iron Bowl showdown against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. While Auburn has struggled in the first half of the season, the potential for an upset remains, especially in the Iron Bowl, where anything can happen (Wikipedia, 2024).
Hugh Freeze’s Impact and the Future of Auburn Football
Hugh Freeze was brought to Auburn to revitalize a program that had seen inconsistent results in recent years. While the 2024 season has not gone as planned, Freeze’s impact on the program is already being felt. His emphasis on recruiting has paid dividends, with several top recruits committing to Auburn’s 2025 class, including 5-star offensive tackle KJ Bolden and 4-star linebacker Jamal Anderson (ESPN, 2024).
Freeze’s offensive system is still a work in progress, but his track record as an innovative offensive mind gives Auburn fans hope for the future. The key for Freeze will be addressing the issues along the offensive and defensive lines, areas where Auburn has traditionally excelled. If Freeze can shore up those weaknesses and continue to develop his young talent, Auburn will be poised for a resurgence in the coming years (AL.com, 2024).
Auburn’s fanbase remains one of the most passionate in college football, and their support will be crucial as the Tigers navigate the remainder of the 2024 season. Jordan-Hare Stadium has consistently been one of the toughest places to play in the SEC, and Auburn’s home-field advantage could play a significant role in their remaining games (Auburn Tigers, 2024).
Conclusion
The 2024 Auburn Tigers football season has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with both frustration and moments of hope. While the team’s record may not reflect it, there are positive signs for the future under Hugh Freeze. Auburn’s young talent, combined with Freeze’s recruiting prowess and offensive vision, sets the stage for a potential turnaround in the coming seasons.
As Auburn faces a daunting schedule in the second half of the season, fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds to adversity. The Tigers’ next few games will be critical in determining whether they can salvage a bowl appearance from this challenging season. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: Auburn football’s future under Hugh Freeze remains bright, and the foundation is being laid for long-term success.
References
AL.com. (2024). Auburn Football 2024 Recruiting Class. Retrieved from https://www.al.com/auburnfootballAuburn Tigers. (2024).
Football Schedule and Results. Auburn University. Retrieved from https://auburntigers.com/sports/football/schedule/2024ESPN. (2024, October 5).
Auburn vs. Georgia - Game Recap. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401403211NCAA. (2024).
NCAA Football Team Statistics. NCAA. Retrieved from https://www.ncaa.com/stats/footballWikipedia contributors. (2024, October 13).
2024 Auburn Tigers football team. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Auburn_Tigers_football_teamCBS Sports. (2024).
Auburn Football News & Analysis. CBS Sports. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/teams/AUB/auburn-tigersUSA Today. (2024).
Auburn Tigers: 2024 Season Stats and Standings. USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaa/auburn/Sports Illustrated. (2024).
Hugh Freeze’s Impact at Auburn. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college/2024/auburn-football-freeze-impactThe Athletic. (2024).
Auburn Football Midseason Report. The Athletic. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/college-football/auburn-midseasonBleacher Report. (2024).
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