AUBURN — Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze acknowledged after his team lost to Maryland in the Music City Bowl to conclude his first season on the Plains — the Tigers will be back in 2023. left some victories in the field.
“I felt like we played very well in some games, but we were disappointed in others,” Freese said on Dec. 30. “(We) didn't complete some games that we should have won. We were inconsistent.” At the level of competitiveness that it takes to win at this level… we all need to get our guys together. I can tell you it needs to be improved. And we're saying that, we're working on it, and we're going to continue to do that. That being said, even with the roster we had, I felt like we could have gotten more out of it if we had done a better job. ”
Freeze and his improved roster (the Tigers acquired No. 10 in the Class of 2024 this offseason with notable transfers such as former Penn State receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith) , will soon be taking on a new challenge. Spring practice is over and all that stands between Auburn and fall camp is summer. There are 114 days until the season opener against Alabama A&M.
The Tigers won six games in 2023. Two more wins in 2024 would be a clear step forward. Here are some reasons why Auburn should take that step and why not.
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Why Auburn football will win at least 8 games in 2024
- Improved receiving force: It's safe to say the Tigers' receivers have been overhauled. Camden Brown and Caleb Barton III are the only two players at this position who will return from last season, and four of the seven newcomers are freshmen. For the offense to work and bounce back from its rotten form in 2023, former five-star recruit Cam Coleman will need to play as advertised. He looked competent in the spring game, but the real test will come when SEC play begins in September.
- Jalen McLeod is All-SEC caliber. Backing linebacker Jalen McLeod, a transfer from Appalachian State University last offseason, quickly identified himself as the most talented pass rusher on Auburn's roster and perhaps the most talented defender of this era. It was made known that He recorded 48 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his first year with the Tigers. He also recorded 38 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. This is definitely a good number. But with a rookie secondary on the back end, McLeod's ability to rush opposing quarterbacks will be crucial.
Why Auburn football won't reach 8 wins in 2024
- Secondary losses may be too large. Between cornerbacks Nehemiah Pritchett and DJ James, safety Jaylin Simpson being drafted to the NFL, and safety Zion Puckett signing as a UDFA, Auburn lost nearly its entire starting secondary. The only returning player is Keonte Scott. He played nickel last season and is currently scheduled to play perimeter in 2024. Depending on the shuffle, the Tigers will have to rely on young players, namely sophomore cornerback Cain Lee and redshirt freshman Sylvester Smith. So are the portal pickups of safety Jaelin Thompson (Texas) and cornerback Antonio Kite (Alabama).
- The attack may never proceed. To be frank, Auburn's passing offense collapsed in 2023. The Tigers averaged the fewest aerial shots per game in his SEC, and quarterback Peyton Thorne rarely looked comfortable against notable competition. Responsibility was assessed in all areas between Thorn, the weapons around him, or lack thereof, and the coaching staff. Auburn changed offensive coordinator from Phillip Montgomery to Derrick Nix and reset the receiver roster. Now it's up to Thorne to turn things around.
Richard Silva is the Auburn Athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or at X (formerly Twitter name @rich_silva18).
