CFB Analyst Names Auburn's 'Achilles Heel' in 2024

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 8:30 PM ET

The Auburn Tigers missed a bowl game under head coach Hugh Freeze following a 5-7 finish to the 2024 season.

On a recent episode of "The Hard Count," JD PicKell identified turnovers as Auburn's "Achilles Heel."

The Tigers could not get out of their own way, mainly due to turnovers. Auburn threw 13 interceptions and lost nine fumbles last season. After forcing 13 turnovers, the team finished with a turnover margin of (-9), ranking 120th in college football.

Freeze has taken Auburn to one bowl game since accepting the job in 2023. The Tigers went to the Music City Bowl, but lost 31-13 to the Maryland Terrapins.

"Turnovers were the Achilles' Heel," PicKell said. "You can't say here in the month of June and say, 'Well, if we didn't turn the football over, we'd be a much different team.' You did turn the football over, so what are we talking about? But it's not unfair to have a discussion about how good Auburn could be going forward if they clean up those turnover mistakes."

Quarterback Payton Thorne had nine of Auburn's 13 interceptions last year. Thorne is now in the NFL and the Tigers added former Oklahoma Sooners gunslinger Jackson Arnold.

However, Arnold has also struggled with turnover issues in the past. Last year, as Oklahoma's starting quarterback, Arnold threw three interceptions and fumbled the ball nine times.

While Arnold needs to prove that he can limit the mistakes, PicKell believes adding Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets transfer Eric Singleton Jr. will help in that area.

PicKell also stated that Arnold is the key to the Auburn offense if the turnovers can be stopped.

The Tigers face the Baylor Bears to open the 2025 season on August 29.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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