AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 18 - Auburn Quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the New Mexico State Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Photo by Jamie Holt/Auburn Tigers
Auburn
2023 Results: 6-7, 3-5 SEC
2024 Projection: 7-5, 3-5 SEC
Overview:
The Tigers’ first year under Hugh Freeze was up and down, but was one Hail Mary away from ruining Alabama’s season. If you think that wouldn’t have changed the temperature on the plains, you don’t know Auburn football. It’s only year two for Freeze though, so patience is still present with the fans. The Tigers’ schedule isn’t too bad, but how they fare in a trio of mid-season road games against Georgia, Missouri and Kentucky will make a huge impact on their overall record
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- AUBURN, AL – November 25, 2023 – Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze watches from the sidelines during the Iron Bowl game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Offense:
The passing game with Payton Thorne at quarterback was a bit of a struggle in 2023. While Thorne himself needs to improve his play, he needed some help from his receivers and Hugh Freeze hopes his transfer portal additions along with freshman Cam Coleman will make a huge difference. The offensive line should be solid and the three-headed monster at running back consisting of Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alson, and Jeremiah Cole all return. That unit ranked 4th in the conference in 2023 and with the improvements in the passing game, they should thrive again in 2024.
Defense:
DJ Durkin takes over for Rob Roberts as defensive coordinator and there will be a lot of new faces aside from Durkin for Auburn fans to familiarize themselves with. Five key transfers with Power Five experience will fill those vacancies and give the Tigers the potential to be very good on this side of the ball. One name to watch is Jalen McLeod, who is a buck linebacker with the potential to be an elite pass rusher. Getting to the quarterback was an issue last season, but should be a major area of improvement for Auburn in 2024.
Special:
There are absolutely no worries when it comes to special teams. The Tigers return both Alex McPherson at placekicker and Oscar Chapman at punter. They form arguably the best-kicking tandem in the SEC.
Final Thoughts:
All the non-conference games are winnable and the schedule isn’t too bad. If Thorne takes a major leap forward at quarterback my projected win total could get as high as 9 games. I worry about Thorne’s ceiling already being met, but this team should be better than last year’s, if only by a little bit.
