Paul Finebaum suggests that Auburn football has become the new Vanderbilt
Paul Finebaum disrespected Auburn football in a way that only observers of the SEC can fully grasp: he implied that the Tigers are becoming the new Vanderbilt after some fans were happy that AU covered the spread in a 31-13 loss to Georgia.
“The fact is I heard one Auburn friend of mine say ‘Hey, at least we covered the spread (vs. Georgia).’ It makes me think was that Vanderbilt playing Georgia or was that Auburn? That’s the new Auburn right now, and that’s what’s sad,” said Finebaum (h/t Saturday Down South). “And I don’t care what anyone thinks about the progress Hugh Freeze is making and how close they are and they’re about to turn the corner and everything I hear from people who gets inside the weeds.
“It’s October 7, and Auburn has 4 losses. That’s simply unforgivable and it’s inexcusable. And that’s knowing what we all know and knowing what this schedule looks like the rest of the way. I didn’t take a whole lot away from this game other than it could have been a lot worse, and that’s really more on Georgia than it is on Auburn…. I’m really tired of everyone getting the blame at Auburn except the guy who’s in charge of the program. It’s not easy, but he’s still 2 years in and plenty of coaches have turned things around in 2 years, especially with what’s available.”
Auburn football's reputation has cratered since Gus Malzahn's firing
Having top recruiting classes in future seasons doesn't have the clout it used to in the NIL era. On-field results are the priority with the transfer portal changing teams' fortunes overnight. Exhibit A: 2022 TCU.
Hugh Freeze has done wonders on the recruiting trail, but at some point there has to be a proof of concept. This wasn't supposed to still be the motto midway through the 2024 season given the expectations coming into it.
This all to say -- Auburn's reputation hasn't improved one bit since Gus Malzahn was fired in 2020. The Tigers were a national punchline under Bryan Harsin, and things haven't gotten any better since being compared to Vanderbilt.
At this rate, the Commodores will have a better reputation nationally sooner than later. Beating Alabama may have given them that already, since 2019 was the last time AU beat the Crimson Tide.