Regarding Auburn football expectations, the program has had a rough past half-decade. The Tigers have failed to eclipse six wins in the past four seasons, posting a below .500 winning percentage in the conference during that stretch. After a mediocre run under head coach Bryan Harsin from 2021 to 2022, Auburn turned to longtime bench boss Hugh Freeze in 2023. Although the SEC club limped to a 6-7 record, the expectation remains that Auburn, behind a strong recruiting class, will make a significant jump in year two under Freeze.
Although Auburn has failed to perform at a high level in recent memory, one particular SEC coach and his signal caller believe Jordan-Hare Stadium, the home of the Tigers, remains one of the most demanding environments to prepare for in the conference.
Georgia Football Head Coach Kirby Smart: Praises Auburn Football Fans
Regardless of the status of Auburn football, their fans remain some of the most loyal and vocal in college sports. Jordan-Hare Stadium, the home of the Auburn Tigers since 1939, has been home to some of the most epic and electric college football games in history (see “Kick Six”). During SEC Media Days on Thursday, two-time national championship-winning coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs praised the Auburn fans that pack Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Georgia's Kirby Smart said Auburn is "one of toughest places to play" & QB Carson Beck said it "was cursed."
In last 3 years: Auburn only 9-10 at home vs. FBS teams— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 18, 2024
“(Auburn) is one of toughest places to play,” said Smart during SEC Media Days on Thursday. Earlier this week, he said, “Auburn is one of the hardest places to play in the world…You better be laced, strapped, and ready to go when you enter that stadium.”
Quarterback Carson Beck also backed that statement, going as far as saying Jordan-Hare Stadium “was cursed.” Beck faced Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium early last season, going 23-of-33 for 313 yards, a score, and a pick. The top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs escaped with a 27-20 win, needing a last-minute touchdown from Beck to star tight end Brock Bowers. Georgia also narrowly beat Auburn on the road in 2019 while losing in 2017. However, Auburn is just 9-10 against FBS teams at home dating back to 2021.
Auburn Football: Entering Critical Year Two of Hugh Freeze Era
The Auburn football program and its fans are desperate for a winning season circa 2024. Auburn posted only a 6-7 record last year, their third straight losing season. Michigan State transfer quarterback Payton Thorne took a substantial step backward in his first season against SEC competition, throwing for 1,755 yards, 16 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. However, Thorne and starting running back Jarquez Hunter will return next season.
Additionally, Auburn will bring in the tenth-ranked recruiting class in 2024 per 247Sports. Last season, the first under Freeze, Auburn owned the 18th-ranked recruiting class. Auburn already has a top 15-ranked recruiting class for the 2025 season.
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