Auburn opened its season with a nail‑biting 17‑16 win over Baylor, a result that came on a two‑point conversion with just nine seconds left on the clock.
Despite the victory, the offense managed only 130 rushing yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry, and the line’s inconsistency forced quarterback Byrum Brown into constant pressure, leading to three interceptions.
Physicality Concerns
Former player J.D. PicKell identified a lack of aggression and strength among the skill positions as the team’s biggest shortcoming, noting that the Tigers’ wideouts and other playmakers failed to deliver the physical presence expected.
Running back Jeremiah Cobb gave the most concrete evidence of the imbalance, breaking 12 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown, while the rest of the backfield and receiving corps struggled to generate consistent gains.
Brown showed a spark late in the fourth quarter with a rushing touchdown, but his overall physicality remained uneven, a pattern that contributed to the turnover trouble and the need for a more balanced attack.
Looking ahead, Auburn’s home opener against Southern Mississippi and the challenges of SEC competition loom, making the refinement of physicality and the establishment of a stable five‑man starting lineup urgent priorities for the coaching staff.