2023 Record: 6-7 (3-5)
AP Ranking: 41
Head Coach: Hugh Freeze
Hugh Freeze cemented himself as a top coach in college football during his time at Ole Miss. Now he has to prove that he deserves to be back. Auburn had a strong start last season, but wound up just short of a pivotal win. Freeze needs to find that same magic that helped him take down Saban multiple times in his last stint in the SEC. The issue is this roster is still in major need of talent and regardless of how great Freeze’s system is, talent tends to win out in these games.
The good news – Auburn may have the easiest schedule in the SEC the first 4 weeks. The first real test comes against SEC newcomer, Oklahoma, at home in Week 5. Payton Thorne, former Michigan State QB, enters his second season with Freeze. Pair him with the #7 recruit in the country, Cam Coleman, and we may finally start seeing that explosive, downfield attack that Freeze is so well known for.
The offensive line remains an issue so getting the ball out quickly will be an emphasis for this offense.
Historically for Hugh Freeze-led teams, the Defense just has to be “good enough”. Texas transfer, Trill Carter, should be an elite disruptor in the middle of the defensive line. There is plenty of talent across the defensive roster, but a lack of starting experience. I expect to see this group get better as the season goes on.
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