AUBURN, AL (EETV)- Following the Auburn football team's recent loss against California, many Auburn fans were ready to write off the season as finished. But, after tonight’s performance against New Mexico, they’re not so sure.
Many adverse factors plagued the Auburn team heading into this matchup. Saturday morning, the team announced freshman phenom WR Cam Coleman would not be playing in their 6:30 matchup against New Mexico; a devastating blow for both the team and redshirt Freshman QB Hank Brown, who would be making his first start in the wake of Payton Thorne’s four-interception game.
Additionally, the physical conditions of this game were nothing short of brutal. Thunderstorms courtesy of Hurricane Francine battered the team with rain and up to eighteen miles per hour gusts of wind throughout most of the game.
Auburn shakily opened the first half of play likely due to the team shaking off the jitters and the rain. At half, Auburn led New Mexico by only four points, a far cry from the 24 points the Tigers were projected to win by.
As the second half opened, the rain began to dissipate, along with the New Mexico defense. Auburn scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter, and 14 more in the fourth to New Mexico’s six. The clock hit zero, and Auburn secured their second win of the season, 45-19.
New quarterback and redshirt freshman Hank Brown changed the Auburn offense dramatically in this game, as he threw for 235 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers, though many fans argue his most important stat of the game was his incredible zero interceptions. In the wake of a less-than-perfect week from 5th-year senior Peyton Thorne, this stat line received many cheers and open arms from the Auburn faithful.
Star running back Jarquez Hunter was unstoppable in this matchup. Rushing for over 160 yards and scoring both on the ground and from a reception, Hunter looks to be in incredible shape for the oncoming season.
Auburn commanded the game in another important aspect as well: penalties. Despite an excruciating, game-slowing 16 penalties from New Mexico, Auburn kept it relatively clean, committing just eight.
The New Mexico game clearly displays Auburn's ability to adapt to challenges, horrific weather conditions, and, most importantly, adversity. Though the New Mexico win appears to be a turning point for this Auburn team, the loss to California still lingers in the minds of many Auburn faithful, leading to a general sense of hesitancy to fully believe in Coach Freeze’s squad.
Still, the evidence is clear: opinions of the team are more favorable than ever. Even those who condemned this season to the grave just last week suddenly find themselves with hope in Auburn’s coaching, quarterback play, and running game: the very aspects they had previously condemned.
Auburn looks to continue its momentum in next week’s SEC opener at home against Arkansas.
