Wishful thinking is over and reality has set in. Let’s not lose our minds Bunker. Auburn is not all-day appointment television this season, enjoy the game when it’s on and root for the players (they’re fighting). But realize this team is 7-5 at best and likely 6-6. If you can take a fall golf trip (or two), don’t feel bad about catching highlights after the game.
The Facts:
1. This roster as a whole is and has always been a bottom half of the SEC roster (especially on offense). Bryan Harsin inherited a very good situation, he left Auburn in a dumpster fire.
2. This team is still fighting and should make a bowl game. That’s progress from back-to-back losing seasons. Albeit not as fast as we would’ve liked.
3. The QB situation will work itself out. The truth is there isn’t an SEC level passer on this roster. The best they can do is tailor the offense to Robby with an extra OL as a blocking TE. This won’t work against elite defenses but probably will be enough to compete and win against the perennial cellar dwellers.
4. The hole Auburn is in will take years to fix before they can truly expect to compete with the contenders (likely the 2025 season, at the earliest).
5. NIL investments need to continue to be made no matter what happens on the field the next two years. If Hugh isn’t the guy, at the very least AU should have the talent for the next coach.
6. I’m still bought in on Freeze, I believe the issues on offense will work themselves out. This is Year 1 without a QB. Freeze inherited a worse situation than Nick Saban or Kirby Smart, they went 6-6 and 7-5 through the regular season in Year 1 at UAT and UGA.
The Facts:
1. This roster as a whole is and has always been a bottom half of the SEC roster (especially on offense). Bryan Harsin inherited a very good situation, he left Auburn in a dumpster fire.
2. This team is still fighting and should make a bowl game. That’s progress from back-to-back losing seasons. Albeit not as fast as we would’ve liked.
3. The QB situation will work itself out. The truth is there isn’t an SEC level passer on this roster. The best they can do is tailor the offense to Robby with an extra OL as a blocking TE. This won’t work against elite defenses but probably will be enough to compete and win against the perennial cellar dwellers.
4. The hole Auburn is in will take years to fix before they can truly expect to compete with the contenders (likely the 2025 season, at the earliest).
5. NIL investments need to continue to be made no matter what happens on the field the next two years. If Hugh isn’t the guy, at the very least AU should have the talent for the next coach.
6. I’m still bought in on Freeze, I believe the issues on offense will work themselves out. This is Year 1 without a QB. Freeze inherited a worse situation than Nick Saban or Kirby Smart, they went 6-6 and 7-5 through the regular season in Year 1 at UAT and UGA.
