As we will do throughout this football season, HawgBeat went behind enemy lines to gain insight on the Auburn Tigers from AuburnSports writer Bryan Matthews.
Led by head coach Hugh Freeeze, the Tigers finished the 2023 season with a 6-7 (3-5 SEC) overall record that included wins over California, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Arkansas.
Last week, Auburn defeated New Mexico, 45-19, but the final score wasn't indicative of how the matchup played out. With new starting redshirt freshman quarterback Hank Brown at the helm, the Tigers only led 17-13 at halftime. Brown — who was excellent in the second half — finished his day 17-of-25 in the pocket for 235 yards and four touchdowns.
Senior running back Jarquez Hunter racked up 152 yards rushing with a touchdown on 20 carries, and wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith led the way in the passing attack with two catches for 72 yards.
Defensively, the Tigers failed to generate a sack and only recorded one tackle for loss, but the Auburn secondary picked off New Mexico twice and broke up five passes.
Here is what Matthews had to say about Saturday's matchup, which is set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama...
When went into the decision to start Hank Brown at QB, and how does he differ from Payton Thorne?
Matthews: "Payton Thorne was very inconsistent for a veteran quarterback last season after transferring from Michigan State. Instead of bringing in a new quarterback, Hugh Freeze chose to build a better offense around him, which really shows up in the receiver room. After Thorne threw four interceptions in a home loss to California in Week 2, Freeze knew he'd made a mistake and needed to make a change as soon as possible with SEC play starting soon.
"Hank Brown is less mobile than Thorne and much less experienced as a redshirt freshman. Brown is about two inches taller and throws the best deep ball on the team. He's also shown a lot of poise in the pocket but we'll see how that holds up against an SEC defense."
Who are Auburn's primary playmakers offensively and defensively?
Matthews: "Auburn has a surprising number of playmakers on offense starting with running back Jarquez Hunter, who is more than capable of taking over a game. AU has some quality depth behind him. Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather was AU's leading receiver last season and is dangerous in the red zone or on third downs.
"Seven of Auburn's nine scholarship receivers are newcomers led by KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who led Penn State in receiving last year and is doing the same at AU. Freshman Cam Coleman has been a star in spring and fall camp but hurt his shoulder against Cal. He could return this week. Two more talented freshmen to watch are Malcolm Simmons and Perry Thompson."
What are the vibes like in Hugh Freeze's program? Is his leash long?
Matthews: "Freeze's leash is fairly long. He's performing very well in recruiting, which has been Auburn's biggest deficiency over the past several years. He signed the No. 8 class in 2024, and currently has the No. 4 class in '25 and No. 1 class in '26.
"The biggest issue is to be able to show improvement and keep the momentum going on the field or risk what happened to Billy Napier at Florida. This time last year, UF had a top five class and Napier was still considered a coach on the rise. Perceptions can change quickly in college football. That makes this a vitally important game for Freeze and Auburn, especially when you look at the next four games, which includes being on the road the entire month of October."
Are there any injuries or notable roster battles to know for Auburn?
Matthews: "The injuries to watch on the official SEC site this week are right tackle Izavion Miller (hip), wide receiver Cam Coleman (shoulder) and cornerback Kayin Lee (calf). Tight end Brandon Frazier had foot surgery this week and is likely out until November. AU moved backup offensive lineman Jaden Muskrat to tight end this week to use in heavy packages.
"The two position groups that aren't entirely settled right now are the offensive line and the secondary. I expect redshirt freshman Bradyn Joiner to get his first start at left guard after performing well as a backup last week. Freshman Kaleb Harris could potentially start his first game at safety. He'll play a lot of snaps regardless.
"With Kayin Lee expected back at cornerback, it will be interesting to see if Keionte Scott moves from corner to nickel. Scott, who led the SEC in punt returns last season, may also lose his job there after two muffs in the last two games."
What are Auburn's biggest weaknesses through three games and what needs to be fixed ahead of SEC play?
Matthews: "Quarterback was definitely the biggest issue and we'll see how well it's been solved Saturday against Arkansas. The offensive line has also been inconsistent and Auburn has found itself in too many 3rd and long situations.
"Defensively, AU has been good against the run but hasn't applied enough pressure in passing situations and the secondary has played very average. The defense struggled mightily with outside leverage against New Mexico's athletic quarterback last week."
How do you see this game playing out and what's your score prediction?
Matthews: "I expect Arkansas to jump out to an early lead and Auburn to fight back and make it a tight fourth quarter. I wouldn't be surprised to see Arkansas come out with a win. I would be surprised if this is not a close game."
Score Prediction: 27-24, Auburn
