6.13.24 Football Articles

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si.com

What Auburn Tigers can Expect in Year 2 of Hugh Freeze

Terrance Biggs

~2 minutes

When the Auburn Tigers welcome Alabama A&M to Jordan Hare on August 31, the hopeful eyes and cynical gut of the Tigers fanbase will train on what Hugh Freeze ushers onto the field. Finishing 6-7, after the waking nightmare of the Harsin Era doesn't feel like progress, especially after the New Mexico State embarrassment. 

However, when given time, Hugh Freeze displayed the consistent aptitude of firming up his program in the second year. Now, that may not include an SEC Championship and College Football Playoff run. With that said, what to expect of Freeze's offense in his second campaign on the Plains?

Home Cookin' Tastes Great

For Freeze, the 2024 schedule kicks off with five-consecutive home games. More importantly, four of those five appear completely winnable with Oklahoma objectively seeing Auburn as an underdog.

Under those circumstances, the Tigers could leave town, headed to Athens 4-1. Not to mention, winning early and often builds confidence, emboldening both sides of the ball. Walking into Georgia with the feeling of playing loose with house money goes a long way to crafting a great season. 

Starting the season facing Alabama A&M, New Mexico, California, Arkansas, and Oklahoma sets up perfectly for this team. If Auburn struggles, going 3-2 in this stretch, those three wins, barring a mammoth late-season collapse insures the Tigers bowl eligibility. 

The Cam Show

History Repeats Itself

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247sports.com

Auburn to play at Duke in next seasons ACCSEC Challenge

Nathan King

7–9 minutes

It was a time that we knew was coming with the changes in the College Football Playoff, but on Wednesday the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), in coordination with the cities of Tuscaloosa, Auburn and Opelika, have agreed to remove The University of Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium and Auburn University's Jordan-Hare Stadium from the Super 7 High School Football Championships host site rotation."

 The action became necessary due to the new expanded College Football Playoff plan that could require both schools to host playoff games in the future which would conflict with the AHSAA's annual Super 7 football championships.

"We are grateful to the cities of Tuscaloosa, Auburn and Opelika, Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports and Auburn-Opelika Tourism for joining together to host our Super 7 since the rotation began in 2009," said AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs. "The experiences and memories provided for our member schools, the teams, their students, and communities have been immeasurable. We understand, however, the conflicts  that will be unavoidable in the future based on the expanded  CFA playoff structure and format."

Birmingham and Protective Stadium, which hosts the Super 7 Championships next December, will remain in the AHSAA Super 7 host rotation, and the AHSAA is continuing to study other rotation options as well, said Briggs.

All parties regret the necessity for this rotation coming to an end.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said their communities have enjoyed hosting the Super 7 Championships and understand the positive impact the  games have had on their cities as well as the lasting experiences and memories that have been afforded the state's high school student-athletes, their schools, and communities at the same time.

"Hosting the Super 7 has been a tremendous honor for the City of Auburn," Anders said, "The Super 7 serves as a pinnacle moment in the lives of many young students in Alabama. Our city has treated this hosting responsibility with the same level of professionalism that regular visitors to any local athletic event, conference, performance, or family gathering have come to expect. Our community has similarly served the teams, families, and other Super 7 visitors with a personal investment of time and effort that characterizes the Auburn Spirit."

Maddox said his city embraced hosting the Super 7 Championships.

"The City of Tuscaloosa has proudly hosted many Alabama High School Athletic Association Super 7 State Football Championships since 2009, providing countless athletes, coaches, family members, and fans with an unforgettable football experience," Maddox said. "Although Tuscaloosa and Auburn will no longer be able to host due to the expansion of the College Football Playoffs, we are grateful for our partnership with AHSAA and look forward to seeing the event thrive across other cities in Alabama."

Fuller said his city was glad to be a part of providing such life-long memories for the student-athletes, their schools, and communities.

"The city of Opelika is honored to have been a part of the Super 7 for many years," Fuller said. "The experiences had by the athletes, band members, students, cheerleaders, and fans are  priceless. To be under the big lights in a grand stadium is something we all will remember for a lifetime. We are hopeful to one day be back at Jordan-Hare Stadium (for the Super 7)."

"Since 2009, the teams at Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports and Auburn-Opelika Tourism have spared no expense and no amount of manpower ensuring that this event was a memorable one for all participants and spectators," said Kelsey Rush, president, and CEO of Tuscaloosa  Tourism.  "Helping manage the event from start to finish with the help of those partners already mentioned has been an honor and a privilege."  

Anders, Maddox and Fuller agree that hosting the Super 7 event has been the  result of many moving parts – with several groups working hand in hand.

"I want to thank Auburn University for allowing this event to integrate with the campus environment during traditional class days," Anders said. "Thank you to Auburn University's Athletic Department for their unwavering support of our partnership and complete commitment to providing a "Game Day Experience" for every Super 7 contest. A special word of thanks to Jeremy Roberts and his team at Auburn Athletics — they made each championship game feel like a SEC Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. In addition, thank you to Eric Kleypas and his staff for providing a first-class playing surface for the Super 7.

"Tiger Transit provided crucial assistance as we brought thousands of visitors to campus while Auburn University students attended their final week of classes. And in "a tradition that is uniquely Auburn," a huge debt of gratitude to the Auburn University Raptor Center for allowing the eagle flight before every championship game."

Anders also praised the local law enforcement.

"No activity of this scale can be successful without the protection of local law enforcement." Anders said, "The Auburn Police Department was on site from the arrival of the first team and did not depart Jordan-Hare until the scoreboard was turned off. Outside of the stadium, APD directed traffic and provided police escorts to each team as they made their way to campus and into Jordan-Hare Stadium. Thanks to the men and women who protect us every day in our community. You are the best!"

Each of the host communities relied on volunteers to provide the best experience possible for all schools participating.

"We owe a special "thank you" to our volunteers that furnished an enthusiastic effort to the Super 7," Anders added. "They served as team hosts and cheerleader and band liaisons. They led Super 7 Tiger Walks, unloaded team equipment, and supplied meals to those who were working the event. They were the Public Address team, Press Box staff and sideline and locker room detail. Whatever the task at hand, these selfless volunteers were ready to serve."

The cities' leaders agreed that participating in the Super 7 Championships taught them much about the AHSAA's education-based athletic experience.

"The Super 7 exposes our state to the best of Alabama," Anders said. "Talented youth, dedicated coaches, outstanding administrators, devoted families, and faithful communities … It's been a great responsibility to host this celebration of all that is great about the State of Alabama. We wish all the best to the future of the Super 7."

Briggs said the AHSAA is indebted to its Super 7 partners. "Having two of the nation's biggest rivals come together with their cities to provide the opportunity of a lifetime for our member schools is priceless and we can't thank them enough.

"What we have been able to do with our championships thanks to the cooperation of such rivals has been envied in other states and set a wonderful example for all of us."

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auburnwire.usatoday.com

 

Broadcast windows revealed for Auburn football's 2024 slate

Taylor Jones

3–4 minutes

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Auburn football fans can now plan tailgates, watch parties, and weekend trips to the Plains and beyond.

After previously announcing the start times and networks for Auburn’s first three games of the 2024 season, the SEC revealed the broadcast windows for Auburn’s nine remaining games. The SEC broke down the windows by four time slots: early, afternoon, night, or flex.

Games listed as “early” will kick off at either 11 a.m. CT or noon CT while the afternoon slot will occupy the frame between 2:30 p.m CT and 3:30 p.m. CT. The “night” window will begin between 5 p.m. CT and 7 p.m. CT, and the “flex” option will begin between 2:30 p.m. CT and 7 p.m. CT.

SEC football games will be broadcasted on its usual networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, or SEC Network. However, this season will feature a slight change. The SEC ended its over two decade relationship with CBS at the conclusion of the 2023 season in favor of signing a new deal with ABC. Games scheduled for the usual 2:30 p.m. CT slot will now air on ABC.

Here’s a look at Auburn’s 2024 football schedule with updated broadcast windows and network information.

Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
• Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)
• Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
• Network: SEC Network+

Austin Perryman/Auburn Tigers

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 7
• Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)
• Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
• Network: ESPN 2

Jake Crandall/The Montgomery Advertiser

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 14
• Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)
• Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
• Network: ESPN 2 or ESPNU

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 21
• Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)
• Window: FLEX (2:30 p.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT)
• Network: TBA

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
• Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)
• Window: AFTERNOON (2 p.m. CT to 3 p.m. CT)
• Network: TBA

Grayson Belanger/AU Athletics

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
• Location: Sanford Stadium (Athens)
• Window: FLEX (2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT)
• Network: TBA

Michael Chang/Getty Images)

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 19
• Location: Faurot Field (Columbia)
• Window: EARLY (11 a.m. CT to noon CT)
• Network: TBA

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26
• Location: Kroger Field (Lexington)
• Window: NIGHT (5 p.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT)
• Network: TBA

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 2
• Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)
• Window: EARLY (11 a.m. CT to noon CT)
• Network: TBA

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 16
• Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)
• Time: 11:45 a.m. CT
• Network: SEC Network

Michael Chang/Getty Images

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
• Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)
• Window: FLEX (2:30 p.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT)
• Network: TBA

Austin Perryman/AU Athletics

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 30
• Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium (Tuscaloosa)
• Time: FLEX (2:30 p.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT)
• Network: TBA

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auburnwire.usatoday.com

How does Auburn's skill players stack up with the SEC's best?

Taylor Jones

~3 minutes

Auburn football’s skill players are incredibly talented despite their youth.

Auburn returns a veteran running back room led by Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston, and Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne enters his second season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback.

The headliners on offense are the wide receivers. Auburn signed a quartet of impressive wide receivers such as Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson. Robert Lewis and KeAndre Lambert-Smith bring experience from the FBS level and tight end Rivaldo Fairweather returns after hauling in a team-leading 394 yards on 38 catches with a career-high six touchdown receptions in 2023.

It is easy to see why the hype surrounding Auburn’s offense is growing, but how does it stack up with the rest of the SEC? Brad Crawford of 247Sports digs deep to find the answer.

In his early SEC football power rankings, Crawford examined each SEC programs’ skill lineup. He determined that Auburn ranks No. 9 out of 16 SEC teams. His biggest question surrounding Auburn football this season is the play of Thorne.

Can Thorne be a difference-making quarterback in the SEC? That’s the major question concerning this offensive arsenal for the Tigers, who landed a couple high-end wideouts this cycle in the portal and recruiting its 2024 freshman class. Coleman is a future superstar at the position and the post-spring addition of Lambert-Smith from Penn State was a major development.

Auburn looks to take a giant step forward in year two under Hugh Freeze. In 2023, Auburn finished No. 10 in yards per game (351.2), No. 14 in passing yards per game (162.2), and No. 11 in points per game (26.2).

Auburn had the SEC’s fourth-best rushing offense last season by averaging 189 yards per game on the ground, but premier back Jarquez Hunter failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark. If Hunter reaches the goal of 1,000 yards, and Auburn improves in the passing department, the Tigers could easily climb into top-five territory within the SEC in yards and improve drastically from last season’s six-win campaign.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

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Rare footage of Mr Golf trying out for Auburn Football............and if no one tells him then my time is wasted........grins

 

 

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https://x.com/WarBlogle/status/1800969519986507902https://x.com/WarBlogle/status/1800969519986507902

 

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auburnwire.usatoday.com

 

Where Auburn lands in Athlon Sports' 2024 preseason QB rankings

Taylor Jones

5–6 minutes

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The summer months are here, and that means two things for college football fans: recruiting buzz and preseason predictions.

Preseason publications are beginning to make their way to newsstands and supermarkets everywhere, including Athlon Sports, whose College Football Preview magazine hit the shelves earlier this month. The magazine is filled with plenty of preseason notes on conference realignment, coaching changes, and College Football Playoff predictions.

Athlon Sports is also known for its extensive team breakdowns. The team at Athlon Sports has broken down each position unit within the SEC and has given each team within the new-look conference a ranking. Where does Auburn fall in Athlon’s SEC preseason quarterback unit rankings?

Payton Thorne returns to the helm as starting quarterback for the Tigers this season and looks to progress from his 1,755-yard performance in 2023, where he passed for just 16 touchdowns. Hugh Freeze has full confidence in Thorne’s ability and has added more reliable targets at receiver to boost his production as a passer.

Does Athlon Sports expect Thorne to take a giant step forward in 2024? Here’s a look at Athlon Sports’ 2024 preseason SEC quarterback rankings.

Brian Bishop-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: Diego Pavia (2023 stats at New Mexico State: 221-366 | 2,973 yards | 26 TD | 9 INT)

Backup: Nate Johnson

2023 passing average: 223.67 YPG (9th in SEC)

Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: Blake Shapen (2023 stats at Baylor: 184-298 | 2,188 yards | 13 TD | 3 INT)

Backup: Chris Parson

2023 passing average: 181.83 YPG (13th in SEC)

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: LaNorris Sellers (2023 stats: 4-4 | 86 yards | 2 TD | 0 INT)

Backup: Robby Ashford

2023 passing average: 278 YPG (3rd in SEC)

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: Taylen Green (2023 stats at Boise State: 121-212 | 1,752 yards | 11 TD | 9 INT)

Backup: Malachi Singleton

2023 passing average: 187.5 YPG (12th in SEC)

Visit Razorbacks Wire for the latest Arkansas football news

© Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Projected starter: Brock Vandagriff (2023 stats at Georgia: 12-18 | 165 yards | 2 TD | 0 INT)

Backup: Beau Allen

2023 passing average: 211.6 YPG (11th in SEC)

Visit UK Wildcats Wire for the latest Kentucky football news

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Projected starter: Payton Thorne (2023 stats: 162-265 | 1,755 yards | 16 TD | 10 INT)

Backup: Hank Brown

2023 passing average: 162.23 YPG (14th in SEC)

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: Jackson Arnold (2023 stats: 44-69 | 563 yards | 4 TD | 3 INT)

Backup: Casey Thompson

2023 average: 324.8 YPG (1st in Big 12)

Visit Sooners Wire for the latest news surrounding Oklahoma football

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: Graham Mertz (2023 stats: 261-358 | 2,903 yards | 20 TD | 3 INT)

Backup: DJ Lagway

2023 passing average: 259.2 YPG (7th in SEC)

Visit Gators Wire for more Florida football news

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: Conner Weigman (2023 stats: 82-119 | 979 yards | 8 TD | 2 INT)

Backup: Jaylen Henderson

2023 passing average: 270.7 YPG (5th in SEC)

Visit Aggies Wire for the latest Texas A&M football news

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: Garrett Nussmeier (2023 stats: 48-78 | 591 yards | 4 TD | 1 INT)

Backup: AJ Swann

2023 passing average: 338.92 YPG (1st in SEC)

Visit LSU Wire for the latest LSU football news

Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Projected starter: Brady Cook (2023 stats: 244-369 | 3,317 yards | 21 TD | 6 INT)

Backup: Drew Pyne

2023 passing average: 262.3 YPG (6th in SEC)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Nico Iamaleava #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers warms up prior to the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camping World Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Projected starter: Nico Iamaleava (2023 stats: 28-45 | 314 yards | 2 TD | 0 INT)

Backup: Gaston Moore

2023 passing average: 243.2 YPG (8th in SEC)

Visit Vols Wire for Tennessee football news

Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Projected starter: Jaxson Dart (2023 stats: 223-358 | 3,364 yards | 23 TD | 5 INT)

Backup: Walker Howard

2023 passing average: 285.6 YPG (3rd in SEC)

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Projected starter: Jalen Milroe (2023 stats: 187-284 | 2,834 yards | 23 TD | 6 INT)

Backup: Ty Simpson

2023 passing average: 220.4 YPG (10th in SEC)

Visit Roll Tide Wire for the latest Alabama football news

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Projected starter: Carson Beck (2023 stats: 302-407 | 3,941 yards | 24 TD | 6 INT)

Backup: Gunner Stockton

2023 average: 305.2 YPG (2nd in SEC)

Visit UGA Wire for the latest Georgia football news

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Projected starter: Quinn Ewers (2023 stats: 272-394 | 3,479 yards | 22 TD | 6 INT)

Backup: Arch Manning

2023 average: 289.1 YPG (3rd in Big 12)

Visit Longhorns Wire for the latest Texas football news

 

pardons if this is a repeat. my mind is not working great this morning.