Hugh Freeze did everything possible to give Auburn fans hope ahead of the October 5 matchup against Georgia in Athens, setting the stage for Week 6’s potential.
By securing a commitment from Lucedale (MS) quarterback Deuce Knight for Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class and propelling the Tigers to a No. 3 national ranking, Freeze helped offset the inevitable disappointment fans might feel after facing a Georgia team fresh off a loss.
At least there’s always next year.
In the NIL era, Georgia doesn’t lose—unless it’s to Alabama. Since 2021, only the Crimson Tide has consistently bested the Bulldogs. Kirby Smart seems to struggle when facing his former team, with Alabama, led by Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer, holding a 3-1 record against Georgia, aside from the Bulldogs’ 2021/2022 national championship win.
In 2023, Freeze nearly handed Georgia a rare defeat. Despite being a first-year coach with a patchwork roster, that Auburn team came closer than most. The Tigers were less talented then than the current 2-3 squad, which features better talent but has struggled with turnovers. Freeze had to overhaul much of the roster with transfer portal additions and some standout 2023 recruits like Connor Lew, Keldric Faulk, and Kayin Lee.
Still, it might not matter that this year’s team is more talented unless Smart truly does have a different approach against coaches capable of cracking the Georgia code.
Hugh Freeze has beaten Kirby Smart before: Ole Miss over Georgia in 2016
Freeze may not hold much of a mental edge over Kirby Smart, especially after having Georgia on the ropes at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2023 and failing to seal the win. However, the lingering doubt from his 31-point victory over the Bulldogs with Ole Miss in 2016 still exists.
Expecting Payton Thorne to perform like Jalen Milroe did for Alabama last week is a tall order, but it’s Auburn’s best hope as a three-score underdog in Week 6. Auburn’s receiving corps is capable of testing Georgia’s secondary, much like Ryan Williams and Alabama’s receivers did, though Jarquez Hunter and the running back room aren’t likely to outperform Alabama’s backs.
But that’s not the focus right now. It’s better to make peace with how this season will likely unfold.
At least Auburn fans can look forward to next year, with Deuce Knight headed to the Plains, possibly bringing more talent with him.
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