Reasons for optimism, doubt ahead of Auburn football's final games against Texas A&M, Alabama
By Gerald Ng
Auburn football's dominant 48-14 win over Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) on November 16 was the Tigers' most complete performance in weeks. While it was a confidence booster heading into tough matchups against Texas A&M and Alabama, what does this victory over a non-conference cupcake signify?
Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of the game.
Reasons for Optimism
A dominant first half
Auburn came out firing, scoring on its first three possessions and building a 24-0 lead by halftime. Payton Thorne threw three first-half touchdown passes, and the offense executed efficiently, converting eight of its first 10 third downs.
Wide receiver Cam Coleman, who had his best game of the season, was instrumental in this fast start, catching seven passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns by halftime. The defense forced punts on every ULM possession in the first half, allowing only 70 total yards.
This early dominance set the tone, showcasing what Auburn is capable of when firing on all cylinders. Head coach Hugh Freeze noted it was "one of our better performances" during his tenure, and it showed in Auburn's ability to control the game from the opening whistle.
A glimpse into the future
Saturday’s game provided a look at the talent Auburn has been cultivating. Coleman totaled 100 receiving yards and three touchdowns, showing why he was such a highly touted recruit. Fellow "Freeze Four" freshman receiver Malcolm Simmons added 63 receiving yards and a touchdown, while linebacker Demarcus Riddick continued his standout season with two tackles for loss.
Freshman quarterback Walker White also made his collegiate debut, taking over in the fourth quarter. While his performance was far from perfect -- he fumbled on his second rush attempt -- White’s presence on the field was a promising sign of Auburn’s depth at quarterback. This game wasn’t just about the present; it offered fans a glimpse into what the future might hold.
Payton Thorne is QB1
Thorne, playing through a shoulder injury, delivered his most complete performance of the season, throwing for 286 yards and a career-high five touchdowns.
Despite speculation about whether Auburn might pivot to a new quarterback, Thorne showed he could still lead the offense effectively. His performance raises an important question: Is he Auburn's best option moving forward against tougher competition?
Causes for concern
Defensive Lapses in the run game
Despite a strong overall defensive effort, Auburn allowed ULM to rush for over 100 yards. While the Warhawks' offense struggled to sustain drives, their ability to occasionally break through Auburn’s defensive front remains a concern.
Against SEC powerhouses like Texas A&M and Alabama, containing the run game will be crucial if Auburn hopes to stay competitive.
Quality of opponent
ULM, a Sun Belt team, wasn’t expected to provide a significant challenge. While Auburn did what it needed to do, the win doesn’t offer much insight into how the Tigers might fare against top-15 teams in the coming weeks.
Beating an overmatched opponent doesn’t erase the inconsistencies Auburn has shown throughout the season, particularly in SEC play.
What’s next for Auburn football?
Auburn’s win over ULM was exactly what the Tigers needed to boost morale and momentum. With the team sitting at 4-6, bowl eligibility is still a possibility, but it will require Auburn to win its final two games against ranked opponents. The focus now shifts to Texas A&M, where the Tigers will need to replicate the offensive execution and defensive intensity displayed against ULM; this time against much tougher competition.
The win over ULM doesn’t solve Auburn’s season-long issues, but it does highlight the potential of this roster, particularly its young talent. For Freeze, the challenge will be to build on this performance and carry that confidence into the most critical stretch of the season.