The Auburn football offense was so ineffective on October 21 during a 28-21 loss to Ole Miss at Jordan-Hare Stadium, in a game that was far less competitive in the second half than the one-touchdown point differential indicates, that Rivals’ Brian Stultz compared Pete Golding’s Rebels defense to the vaunted 1985 Chicago Bears that had Mike Ditka running the charge and Windy City legends like William “The Refrigerator” Perry, Richard Dent, Leslie Frazier, and Gary Fencik, to name a few.
“The passing game that has been a problem against Power 5 teams all season was somehow worse on Saturday night against an Ole Miss team that came into the game ranked 112th in FBS in pass defense, allowing 261.5 yards per game,” Stultz wrote. “Thorne and Robby Ashford, along with the slew of Auburn receivers who either can’t or just refuse to get open, made Pete Golden’s crew look like the 1985 Chicago Bears. And, let’s face it, questioning moves by the Tigers’ coaching staff, especially offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery and head coach Hugh Freeze, can’t be overlooked as well.”
Being that AU had 45 passing yards with five minutes left to play, and Ole Miss allowed just 14 points until garbage time — which is right in line with the 12.4 points per game that those legendary Bears team ceded — Stultz’s comparison is horrifyingly apt.
Worse Auburn offense I have ever seen
— Kyle (@AllAubarn) October 22, 2023
Auburn football will turn away more fans if changes aren’t made offensively
Hugh Freeze can continue to be stubborn about implementing his two-quarterback system while allowing Philip Montgomery to run the show, but it’s clear that if the team doesn’t move on from Payton Thorne as their starter or doesn’t show Montgomery the door, fans will revolt.
Does losing the narrative with fans matter in the grand scheme to AU’s brain trust? Maybe not. The profits will be there regardless for a city that will show out in droves regardless of the opponent, or even the home team on Pat Dye Field.
Ask visiting recruits what they think of audible boos for the head coach and the offense, though.