The Tigers finished 2023 with a 6-7 record, making it their third consecutive losing season. That hadn’t happened to Auburn since the 1970s. There’s optimism on the Plains that Auburn will snap that streak in 2024, thanks to an impressive collection of returning offensive and defensive players.

Who: Alabama A&M (0-0) at Auburn (0-0)
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama
When: 7:30 pm ET Saturday, August 31, 2024
TV: ESPN +
Line: Auburn is a 46 point favorite

Auburn showed signs of progress in their first season under Coach Hugh Freeze, improving by one win from the 2022 season and making a bowl game. With several key starters returning, including QB Payton Thorne and RB Jarquez Hunter, Auburn will look to take a few more steps forward under its coach in 2024.

Let’s get bold.

3. The Tigers’s offense will lean heavy on the run game

As Jarquez Hunter goes, so go the Auburn football team. The Tigers will look to be more balanced in 2024, but Auburn is 7-1 when Hunter rushes for 100 yards or more. As Hunter goes, so does the Auburn offense. Expect to see Auburn run wild on Bama A&M. One should expect to see backups Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb break big runs today.

2. Auburn’s passing game will show out

Heading into week 1, Payton Thorne (6-2, 203) is back as the starter. This in of itself is not the reason to be excited, although a second year in Coach Freezes offense should help. The good news for Tiger fans: there is a new pair of promising playmakers working with QB Thorne in 2024. Wide outs KeAndre Lambert-Smith who transferred in from Penn State, and five-star wideout Cam Coleman, who is the No. 5 player in the Class of 2024. Expect to see Coach Freeze unleash the passing game off of play action to build confidence for week 2 matchup against new ACC Member Cal.

1. Auburn’s defense will show up and show out

For a team loaded with athletic talent from front to back, the Auburn Tigers did not play cohesively in 2023. Now, with a new season, Auburn can erase the bitter memory 2023’s defense with strong, smart and composed defensive football. Expect Auburn to be aggressive and attack the Bama A&M offensive line. Look for the experienced linebackers mixed with some highly-rated freshmen to make a difference in the 2024 season starting with the week 1 game.

Bold Prediction: Auburn 54, Alabama A&M 6