There are two very different college football worlds on either side of the state of Alabama. Alabama Football is sizzling as the nation's No. 1 team. The Auburn Tigers, yet to play a road game in the 2024 season, are mired in an embarrassing 2-3 record.
The Tigers' last respectable season was 2019 when Gus Malzahn led Auburn to a 9-4 record. Auburn has not had a winning season since 2020 when Malzahn was run off before the season finished.
After Saturday's collapse against Oklahoma, Auburn appears destined for its fourth straight losing season. The October schedule is three SEC road games against Georgia, Missouri, and Kentucky. Scraping together one win in October might be the Auburn ceiling. If so, the then 3-5 Tigers will have to win three of their last four games to become bowl-eligible. Auburn should beat ULM in Auburn and will probably, but not definitely, beat Vanderbilt in Auburn as well. The Tigers will host a physically tough Texas A&M the week before losing the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa.
The bloom is off the rose in Auburn and it is unlikely to ever revive under Hugh Freeze. At least after the loss to Oklahoma, Freeze took some responsibility for Auburn's self-inflicting offensive woes.
Based on a Sunday report from Fly War Eagle, Freeze is secure for a return into the 2025 season, even if the Tigers finish this season at 4-8. Auburn AD, John Cohen is a steadfast supporter of Freeze, saying "I believe in the way we're recruiting. I believe in what's going on in our locker room right now. And I think we're in a better position now, honestly, than I thought we were gonna be in two years ago."
Cohen may be whistling in the dark. He has no choice. Auburn fans are panicked that recent recruiting successes will evaporate in the coming weeks. They have good reason to be concerned. If Hugh's recruiting wizardry proves to be a mirage, Auburn will have another buyout in the future. Saving money by letting Freeze limp into a third season may suddenly be seen as a bad business decision.
My guess is I'm not the only Alabama football fan who wishes for Freeze the same thing I have wished for very Auburn head coach, going back to Gene Chizik. Give the man a lifetime contract.