Auburn fans were understandably upset after the Tigers suffered a surprising 21-14 loss to the California Golden Bears in Week 2, especially following a dominant 70-point victory in their season opener. The unexpected defeat has sparked frustration and criticism from the fanbase, leading to discussions among college football analysts. On the show “Always College Football,” prominent college football analyst Paul Finebaum and host Greg McElroy tackled this growing frustration, emphasizing that the criticism has been escalating quickly.
McElroy pointed out how intense the reaction from Auburn fans has been, noting that people are already calling for major changes within the program despite the fact that it’s only the second season under head coach Hugh Freeze. He said, “The reaction to what’s going on right now at Auburn is really, really aggressive,” referencing the increasing calls from fans for staff replacements and adjustments to the team’s approach. McElroy acknowledged that such outcry is premature, considering Freeze is only two games into his second year with the Tigers.
Finebaum echoed McElroy’s sentiments but highlighted a legitimate concern regarding Auburn’s inconsistent performance over the past couple of seasons. He explained that this type of inconsistent play has persisted, raising doubts about the team’s trajectory under Freeze. While Finebaum believes Freeze is not in danger of losing his job yet, he did admit that the Tigers have looked “terrible” on the field at times recently. According to Finebaum, there are growing concerns over how the team is playing, particularly in light of their most recent games.
McElroy further elaborated on Auburn’s erratic performances, noting that this inconsistency has become a trend under Freeze. “His teams will play up to the best teams, but for whatever reason, there’s always a game or two on the schedule that are flat-out unexplainable,” McElroy remarked. He suggested that Freeze’s teams are capable of challenging top-tier opponents, but they seem to stumble in unexpected games, often against less formidable teams. This unpredictability has caused frustration among fans who are seeking consistency from their team.
McElroy also pointed out that this pattern of inconsistency is not unique to Freeze’s tenure at Auburn. He referred to Freeze’s previous coaching stints at Liberty and Ole Miss, where similar issues surfaced. Despite Freeze’s ability to orchestrate victories against strong competition, his teams have often fallen short in games they were expected to win. McElroy described this trend as a significant concern for Auburn moving forward.
The loss to Cal has amplified these concerns, especially given the Tigers’ strong performance in their season opener, where they dismantled their opponent by scoring 70 points. The stark contrast between the two games has left fans and analysts puzzled. Auburn’s failure to maintain the same level of dominance from week to week raises questions about the team’s preparedness and consistency under Freeze’s leadership. McElroy acknowledged that Freeze might still be the right man to guide Auburn toward becoming a “giant killer” capable of taking down elite teams, but the inconsistency remains a major obstacle to long-term success.
As Auburn looks ahead to Week 3, they will face another opponent who, on paper, appears less formidable: the New Mexico Lobos. While the Lobos may not pose as significant a threat as some of Auburn’s future opponents, the Tigers’ recent history of unexpected losses makes this matchup one to watch closely. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will air on ESPN2. Fans will be eager to see how the Tigers respond after their disappointing performance in Week 2, and whether they can return to the form that led to their commanding win in the season opener.
In the meantime, the growing criticism of Freeze and his coaching staff will likely continue to intensify, especially if Auburn continues to struggle against teams they are expected to defeat. While McElroy and Finebaum agree that Freeze’s job is not yet in immediate jeopardy, the pressure is mounting. If the Tigers can’t find more consistency moving forward, the calls for change within the program may become even louder.
Ultimately, the situation at Auburn reflects the high expectations that fans and analysts have for the team. While Freeze has shown flashes of brilliance as a coach, particularly in big games, the inability to consistently perform at a high level remains a point of concern. As the season progresses, Auburn’s ability to address these issues and deliver more consistent results will be critical in determining Freeze’s long-term future with the program.
