How Does Auburn Come Out Post Hugh Freeze?

Auburn, now at 4-5 and led by interim head coach D. J. Durkin, will face another playoff contender this weekend in 16th-ranked Vanderbilt. Head coach Clark Lea has his 7-2 Commodores playing historically good football relative to the program’s history. Fundamentally sound and physical football is the identity of this team, embodied by their Heisman candidate quarterback, Diego Pavia. 

Both teams are coming off tough losses, with Auburn failing to generate any offense against a middling Kentucky team in the 10-3 loss. Vanderbilt is playing host to the Tigers after dropping a 34-31 matchup at Texas, where the Longhorns dominated more than the final score would suggest. 

Auburn will attempt to turn the page after the firing of Hugh Freeze as the Commodores continue to fight for a potential playoff spot. 

Pavia, Commodores Present a Tall Task

In 2023, then-New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia launched his name into the limelight with a stunning 31-10 upset of Auburn in Jordan-Hare. Two seasons later, the script has flipped. Pavia is now a legitimate Heisman candidate, and the Tigers are struggling to find their footing. This provides a massive opportunity for Auburn to potentially pull an upset of its own, and that all starts with stopping Pavia. 

Through nine games, this offense has been one of the top in the country, scoring over 37 points a game and ranking 34th in total yardage. Behind a stellar offensive line, Pavia is over 2000 yards passing and leads the Commodores with over 500 yards rushing. He’s one of the most valuable players in the country, ranking 9th in points responsible for. While not the most physically gifted passer, his IQ, paired with his legs, makes him one of the most difficult players in the country to defend. 

Help For Pavia

The Commodores’ leading receiver is quarterback-turned-tight end Eli Stowers, whose 6’-4” frame and speed present a unique challenge for Auburn’s linebacker group. He’s a classic “safety blanket” tight end for Pavia and is always open underneath when a dumpoff is needed. So far, he’s racked up 547 yards and four touchdowns and has become one of the top tight end prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. Last week against Texas, he had a career high of 146 yards along with two touchdowns. 

While Pavia can be like a bruiser of a running back when he wants, Vanderbilt also has an interesting duo of running backs to complement him. While only being the second leading rusher on the team, Sedrick Alexander stands as the Commodores’ lead back. He has 78 rushes on the season for 399 yards and six touchdowns. Similarly, their “change of pace” back, Makhilyn Young, has 389 yards and five touchdowns. Where they differ is in workload, with Young putting those numbers up in over 40 fewer carries. 

Tigers’ Offense Looking to Find Footing

In his first game week presser, Durkin announced that the offensive playcalls would be exclusively by offensive coordinator Derrick Nix. 

“He’s the sole play-caller, and I have extreme confidence in Derrick. Derrick and I have worked together at previous stops, as well. Derrick is a great person, a great coach, and I think the players really responded to him and understand where he’s coming from. I think Derrick’s going to do a great job, and we will be aggressive in everything we do,” Durkin said. 

It’s a refreshing announcement and a reason for optimism for Auburn fans, whose offense never found an identity under Freeze. While not all of their problems won’t be fixed, some issues were related to the complexity of Freeze’s splitting of playcalling duties. 

One problem that’s likely to persist is the Tigers’ offensive line struggles. They’ll face a Vanderbilt defensive front that ranks 17th nationally against the run. To stay competitive, Auburn will need to get Jeremiah Cobb going in hopes of opening up downfield options for Ashton Daniels. 

Against Kentucky, Daniels underwhelmed, throwing for only 108 yards with a sub-fifty completion percentage. The Wildcats got home for sacks seven times. Against a defense as big and physical as Vanderbilt’s, rhythm will be key. Establishing a rhythm in the quick-passing game will be essential to overcome the Commodores’ pressure if the line falters.

How To Watch Auburn vs. Vanderbilt

Date and Time: Saturday, November 8, 4:00 PM ET

Location: First Bank Stadium, Vanderbilt

TV:  SECN