16-in-16 2024: Auburn Tigers
Year one of the Freeze era left much to be desired, but Auburn fans are undeterred and trust in Hugh. Will it be another building block year on the Plains or will the Tigers take a step forward?
By: Waco Kid
For a refresher on our ratings system, check out our 16-in-16 ratings guide here.
Going into Hugh Freeze’s second year on the Plains expectations could not be higher. Sure, he led the Tigers to a measly 6-7 2023 season but he has now had his one-year grace period and is expected to get the Tigers back into the top 25 and possibly in playoff contention. I mean after all, he was able to take an abysmal Ole Miss team to heights greater than they had seen since the Eli Manning era. If he can keep his name out of scandals and violations he could be back on the brink of excellence.
The Tigers are returning some offensive firepower behind the leadership of two integral players: senior quarterback Payton Thorne and senior running back Jarquez Hunter. Both had pretty average seasons last year as they took the reigns but showed flashes of brilliance at times, which should only be built upon in the 2024 season.
State of the Program: 6/12 biscuits. These are your average run-of-the-mill biscuits. It’s a Sunday morning and Chick-fil-A is closed so you have to settle for some canned Pillsbury’s.
The only reason they get a sixth biscuit is because Hugh Freeze knows how to recruit and turn a team on a dime.
Year after year, Auburn has consistently received around six biscuits and there is no difference going into this year. Coach Freeze has his inaugural season behind him and it was a rude re-welcoming into the toughest conference in the country. It seems he started to find his footing at times, but after the way the Blue and Orange looked last year, a rebuild may take longer than expected. But give it time; if anyone can, Hugh can.
The additions of freshman wide receiver Cam Coleman and Penn State transfer KeAndre Lambert-Smith are definitely a step in the right direction. Also, the hiring of former Texas A&M DC and former Maryland HC DJ Durkin as defensive coordinator should revitalize a talented Tiger defense. Just to put the patty on the biscuit, Durkin was able to bring some transfers in from top-tier programs across the country, including S Jerrin Thompson from Texas and DL Isaiah Raikes from Texas A&M/USC. This defense could be a nasty one, especially since War Eagle has made a name for themselves with big interior linemen, hard-hitting backers, and speed rushers on the outside.
2024 could be seen as a building block year down on the Plains, especially if Thorne cannot adapt to Freeze’s usual high-powered, fast-playing offense. This season could turn ugly fast if their main playcaller did not make major strides to sharpen his game during the offseason and training camp. If conference play starts with a couple of losses, we could see the returning senior benched for redshirt freshman Hank Brown.
Luckily, even if there is some stumbling or shifting around behind center, RB Jarquez Hunter should be able to carry the load. Hugh might have to change his fast-paced offense to an old-school SEC between-the-tackles attack. This will relieve pressure from whoever does end up taking snaps. We know in the past Freeze’s offense almost always thrives or dies on quarterback play but it is hard to say if he can put that on the guys he has now. Maybe start a freshman and let them learn and progress through his system for a couple of years but by then Freeze could be melted in Alabama.
What went right in 2023?
First and foremost, the hiring of Hugh Freeze was probably the most exciting part of 2023 for Auburn. Few other things went right but I guess we can give some credit for an early season win over Cal, a close played game against Georgia, a close loss to Ole Miss, and a close loss to Alabama. Still when the majority of what went right in your season ends in a loss, well the program as a whole took an L. On the bright side, the player development was strong in 2023. QB Payton Thorne showed in that Georgia loss that he could not only sling the ball but had a set of wheels on him. This was clearly a rebuilding year and once Freeze gets the guys he wants, we will start seeing some progress.
What went wrong in 2023?
It was a trying year for ol’ War Eagle last season. When your three conference wins are over perennial disappointments in Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Mississippi State, it tends to leave fans with little hope and lots to be wanted. And don’t even get me started on the pounding they took from Maryland in the Music City Bowl. I mean c’mon, Maryland? This was a shot for Hughey and the News to make a statement outside of the conference and they couldn’t even do that. But if you think about it, it really was the perfect ending to a not-so-perfect season. Now the Tigers can leave all of it in the past and look forward to 2024.
What the Tigers need in 2024
The Tigers need Payton Thorne to become more efficient as a passer while still utilizing his ability to run the ball. They are bringing in a true freshman wide receiver in Cam Coleman who should be able to make some explosive plays and give Thorne a top-tier target downfield. Freeze was also able to snag two wide receivers in the portal. Penn State’s KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Georgia State’s Robert Lewis. Hugh is making the right moves by loading up on offensive weapons that can bail his quarterback out of trouble and hopefully increase his efficiency.
Jarquez Hunter will also be key to War Eagle’s success. In games where he rushes for over 100 yards, AU is 7-1. If Thorne can’t get the ball to his receiving corps, they are going to need to pound the rock with Hunter. It all comes down to Thorne, though, if he struggles in the air the first couple of weeks, Freeze will really need to consider running the veer. That way at least they can get the ground game going.
How they can earn some extra biscuits
There’s only one way to earn extra biscuits: Win. For the Tigers to have a more successful season, they really need wins against Mizzou, Kentucky, Arkansas, and perhaps an Oklahoma victory.
Next Up:
Vanderbilt Commodores
Previous: Ole Miss Rebels, Mississippi State Bulldogs, Missouri Tigers, Arkansas Razorbacks, Oklahoma Sooners