Every Tuesday we present “The Auburn Corner,” where we’ll get into a different topic on the Auburn Tigers, break down the previous game, preview the upcoming game, and everything in between.
The Auburn Tigers got back on the right track over the weekend with a 45-19 victory over the New Mexico Lobos in a game that Hugh Freeze made the quarterback switch everyone said he needed to make.
Redshirt freshman Hank Brown looked solid starting in the place of now-benched Payton Thorne, throwing 235 yards and four touchdowns — and more importantly — not turning the ball over once. However, Thorne had a huge first week as well against an opponent not much better than New Mexico.
With the Arkansas Razorbacks coming to town this week, it’s time for Brown to do what Thorne could not, and that is prove he deserves the job while playing against some legitimate competition. It’s not a stretch to say that the SEC opener at home this weekend is the most consequential game of the Hugh Freeze era so far.
For one, Freeze’s quarterback decision will play out in real time. But perhaps the biggest red flag against New Mexico was the Tiger defense allowed nearly 450 total yards to the Lobos. Arkansas, on the other hand, after being predicted to be one of the worst teams in the conference, has gotten off to an electric start on offense.
The Razorbacks have put up over 1,000 yards of offense in just the last two weeks and while collapsing against Oklahoma State with a two-touchdown halftime lead was inexcusable, they still went on the road and put up a staggering 648 yards against a quality opponent.
RELATED: Auburn rides big second half to victory over New Mexico with new starting quarterback
If Arkansas comes into Jordan-Hare Stadium and rips Freeze’s defense apart as it seemingly worsens, despite being predicted for improvement this season — doubt will plague the hearts and minds of Auburn fans for the rest of the season.
Yes, he is getting it done on the recruiting trail. But, to continue that momentum — and to retain those who have already committed — there must eventually be proof on the field that Freeze’s program is on the right track, not just off the field.
One way or another, we’ll learn a lot about the state of the 2024 Auburn Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
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