College football preseason posts are a great way for fans to read about their favorite teams and rivals before an exciting season.
It also provides an outlet for coaches to share their most heated opinions while remaining incognito.
Anonymous coaches were asked to share their best opinions on SEC programs with Lindy Sports, and the best were included in the preview of the publication 2024 Sudeste. While Lindy’s Sports doesn’t disclose whether its sources are current coaches or multiple coaches, Auburn’s report was…harsh.
One criticism was at the expense of Auburn’s 2023 season finale, a 31–13 Music City Bowl loss to Maryland. The Tigers fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter and were outgained by just 10 yards. This source credits the team’s number of forfeits in bowl games as the reason for Auburn’s poor performance in Nashville.
“I saw Auburn play in a bowl game and it was the least talented Auburn team I’ve seen in 50 years. They were horrible. They lost a lot of kids before the game, a lot of them gave up. But they were completely disheveled.”
Just one week after losing 31-10 to New Mexico State, Auburn football had an opportunity to upset the No. 8 seed Alabama and to eliminate his chances of earning a bid to the College Football Playoffs. The game ended with a thrilling 4th and 31 play from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe to wide receiver Isaiah Bond. Auburn left a lot of momentum on the table in the game, and one coach said the Tigers will move forward without their former defensive coordinator Ron Roberts.
“You’re Auburn in a bad year. Alabama is a college football playoff team. You beat them, it’s 4th and 31 and you lose. This should never happen. It has to be the worst play in college football, except maybe for Cal’s goal against Stanford with the band on the field. The best thing Auburn did was get rid of Ron Roberts.”
The last shot revolves around Payton Thorne. Thorne had a disappointing season in 2023 after passing for just 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns. Auburn has added a plethora of talented wide receivers to its roster, but one coach feels the team can’t achieve success with Thorne as the starting quarterback.
“You need a dynamic guy like Cam Newton to run your offense or one of those guys that Auburn has had in the past. Payton Thorne isn’t going to take you to the promised land. He’s an average player.”
Auburn football looks to improve on its 6-7 record in 2024. This season will feature several improvements such as transfers Robert Lewis, KeAndre Lambert-SmithIt is Jerrin Thompson. Not only will Auburn try to improve its record, but it will also try to change the opinions of opposing coaches across the SEC.
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