Auburn played its 2025 college football opening match against Baylor in McLane Stadium, Waco, last night, with a road victory over the Bears in a matchup that ended 38-24. The Tigers, under head coach Hugh Freeze, showcase a bunch of strengths and determination against a Big 12 opponent trying to gain its ground.
The game marked Auburn’s first away road opener in over a decade, and the team made it worthwhile, leaning on an effective ground game to clinch the victory.
However, Oklahoma’s transferred quarterback, Jackson Arnold, grabbed the spotlight with an expressive demonstration, rushing for 137 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns in the course of finishing 11 of 17 passes for 108 yards, as Auburn totaled 307 rushing yards at the end of the game.
The game begins with AB dominating after an extended field drive, securing its first lead by a 24-yard touchdown by Arnold. His mobility was enhanced by Running backs Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb, as Alston acquired 84 yards on 16 carries and converted on a 10-yard run, and Cobb added 74 yards and a 2-yard touchdown.
After the match, Arnold said, “Honestly, no, I didn’t think I’d run that much. At the same time, I’m going to do what I have to do to help this team win.”
Freeze after the match reportedly addressed his team, while he commends their resilience, he also notes a great need for improvement: “I thought we looked a little sluggish. And to see us fight through that and find a way to get a win against a good opponent to open the year, we can really build upon it. I know we can play better than we did tonight.”
Fans React After Tigers Sweep Baylor 38–24 Behind Arnold’s Heroics
Following the contest, reactions flooded social media, particularly on X, where SEC Mike kindled a debate with his bold take minutes after the full-time whistle: “Auburn looks like a Playoff team to me.” Drawing surprise and skepticism from fans.
Auburn looks like a Playoff team to me
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) August 30, 2025
Fan reactions on X tells much of the buzz:
That Auburn win over Baylor was a pretty big W for the SEC is bigger, badder and tougher than everyone else crowd.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) August 30, 2025
I’m curious how many people in the replies saying, “It’s just Baylor,” thought Auburn would lose to Baylor. I bet a lot. Can’t have it both ways.
— Brandon Hughes (@BrandonHughes74) August 30, 2025
Running the QB up the gut 40 times aint going to work against teams with similar talent in the SEC
— c (@Chase13167253) August 30, 2025
Nah Baylor Def is pudding.
The run game won’t be as easy. We will see if Jackson Arnold can win games throwing the ball— Your Fav Sports Bettor’s Fav Sports Bettor (@FIVESTARINVEGAS) August 30, 2025
As evident in the comments above, many see Auburn’s dominance as just a way of keeping hope in check, ultimately due to Baylor’s defensive struggle, while others see potential. The season has kicked off; sustained dominance will prove maybe the playoff chatter about the Tigers will become realistic.
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