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Paul Finebaum Reveals SEC Powerhouse that Could be 'Fragile at Times'
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The 2024 college football season didn't unfold as expected for several teams. However, if a few things had changed, the outcomes could have been quite different. 

For instance, the Auburn Tigers finished with a record of 5-7, failing to qualify for a bowl game. It marked their fourth consecutive losing season and their fifth consecutive year of winning six games or fewer.

However, Auburn was on the verge of changing the outcome of its season. It lost five games by 10 points or fewer. If any of those games had gone differently, the Tigers would have qualified for a bowl game. A particularly disappointing aspect was that Auburn was in control during some of those games.

In one game against the Oklahoma Sooners, the Tigers were leading 21-10 with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter. However, the Sooners managed to come back and take the lead with a 63-yard interception return for a touchdown with 4:06 remaining. Oklahoma then added a field goal at the end of the game, winning 27-21.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum believes that finishing that type of game could be crucial for Auburn to have a successful season.

"I think Auburn has a chance to have a good season," Finebaum said. "But I think they're going to be fragile at times. They just can't let games slip away like they did last year."

Despite these setbacks, there is reason for optimism this season. The Tigers finished with the No. 8-ranked transfer portal class, making several key additions, including quarterback Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) and wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (Georgia Tech).

Arnold, a former five-star prospect, was a first-year starter last year at Oklahoma. His season was challenging, as the Sooners were missing their top five wide receivers for much of the year and dealt with a banged-up offensive line. He concluded the season with 1,421 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions over 10 games.

Singleton Jr. had an impressive season at Georgia Tech, finishing with 754 yards and three touchdowns. He was also ranked as one of the top five players in the transfer portal.

Auburn is set to open the season at 8 p.m. ET Aug. 29, facing the Baylor Bears on the road.

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

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