In the second year under Hugh Freeze’s leadership, the Auburn football program aims to rebound from its 6-7 performance in the previous season. Freeze bolstered the team with a highly rated recruiting class featuring several five and four-star prospects set to contribute immediately, along with nine transfers expected to make an impact. Additionally, key coaching staff changes, including the arrivals of defensive coordinator DJ Durkin and offensive coordinator Derrick Nix, have positioned Auburn favorably for the upcoming 2024 season. Notably, the landscape of the SEC has shifted, with Auburn set to host the Oklahoma Sooners in their inaugural SEC matchup at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Examining Auburn’s 2024 schedule, let’s highlight the three most demanding matchups:
#3 @Alabama – November 30th:
While the departure of Nick Saban might have slightly tempered expectations for this traditional rivalry clash, the Iron Bowl remains a formidable challenge for Auburn, especially on the road. Alabama, now led by former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, has undergone significant changes, including the loss of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to the NFL. Despite these transitions, facing Alabama in their home territory presents a tough test for Auburn.
#2 @Missouri – October 19th:
Coming off an impressive 11-2 season, Missouri, under the guidance of coach Eli Drinkwitz, has emerged as a formidable opponent. The Tigers boast a strong fanbase anticipating continued success in the 2024 season, contributing to a charged atmosphere for visiting teams. With Drinkwitz’s adept recruiting both from high school and the transfer portal, Auburn faces a daunting challenge in securing a road victory against a resurgent Missouri squad.
#1 @Georgia – October 5th:
Arguably the toughest game on Auburn’s 2024 schedule, facing the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens presents a formidable hurdle. With the retirement of Nick Saban, Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart, assumes the mantle as the dominant force in college football. Returning quarterback Carson Beck further strengthens Georgia’s position as a powerhouse. Auburn would need an exceptional performance to secure a victory away from home against the formidable Bulldogs.
While facing these challenging opponents, Auburn’s potential to improve upon its previous season’s record remains promising, given the strategic scheduling dynamics.
