The result of the Alabama A&M-Auburn football matchup at Jordan-Hare Stadium on August 31 was never in doubt, even before the opening kickoff. As a nearly 50-point favorite, the Tigers never had a chance at losing to their FCS counterpart.
The most important thing was progress, and AU showed plenty of it.
While Payton Thorne still showed some accuracy and decision-making issues under center when the Bulldogs weren't just leaving receivers wide open, it's clear he won't have the same issues running the offense that he faced in 2023.
Help is no longer on the way. It's arrived. Transfers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Sam Jackson V each scored, but more importantly, the Freeze Four (Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, Cam Coleman, Bryce Cain) combined for 268 yards and four touchdowns.
Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, and Cam Coleman all score their first touchdown for Auburn football against Alabama A&M
Simmons had three catches, 91 yards and a touchdown. Thompson had two catches, 82 yards, and a touchdown; plus a spectacular special teams TD on a blocked punt. Coleman had two catches, 62 yards, and a touchdown. Cain had two catches for 33 yards, and while it appeared Holden Geriner attempted to get the fourth "Freeze Four" member his touchdown to collect all of the infinity stones, Cain fumbled for the first time in the fourth quarter on AU's final possession.
No worries. Cain will get his soon, with Hugh Freeze promising an open rotation at WR for at least the early portion of the season.
This was the proof of concept Freeze and Co. needed to show recruits. With flip targets Deuce Knight and the No. 1 overall 2025 recruit in the state of Alabama, Na'eem Offord, in attendance, Auburn delivered the best possible outcome.
The Tigers are officially dangerous. If the Freeze Four continues to shine like this, Auburn has the skill position foundation to give the SEC fits for the next few years.
War Damn to that.