The AuburnSports.com Rundown

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the Tigers' hire of Alex Golesh as football head coach. Also: Offense first? Not really. What does he mean by following a process?  Most of the guys already hired are on offense. What's going to happen with Durkin? What's the holdup? What's going to happen at quarterback? So many options! Losing Roc Bellantoni is a surprise. Losing Kenyatta Watson hurts. Some coaches are still here. Golesh's contract is quite incentivized. Basketball was up and down in Vegas. NC State is coming to town Wednesday night. Another big game. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.  

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the Tigers' lopsided win against Mercer last weekend. Also: Deuce Knight is a dadgum RUNNER! Is there a quarterback conundrum? No, there isn't. Isn't it nice to see what happens when Derrick Nix is allowed do his job? The defense created three turnovers including a pick six. Alex McPherson regained his full kicking distance. Does this help Durkin's case for getting the full-time job? We still believe Jon Sumrall is in prime position to land the job. Why has it been so quiet lately? What are the keys to beating Ala? Simon Walker had a nice start to his college career. Auburn's defense continues to improve. There are big tests this week — Oregon and Michigan await. Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the decision to sit Ashton Daniels against Mercer this weekend. Also: Who actually starts against Mercer then? DJ Durkin says every day is a job interview. What's going on with the Tigers' search for a new head coach? Does Lane Kiffin's situation affect Auburn? Is Jon Sumrall a good coach? The Iron Bowl will be contested at night this season. The Fightin' Pearls played well against Houston, but not quite well enough. Keyshawn Hall is a very bad man. Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the football team's overtime loss at Vanderbilt. Also: Auburn's offense sure was good the other day. Was Hugh Freeze really that big of a drain on the offensive operation? Ashton Daniels put together one of the greatest single games from an Auburn quarterback. It's like magic getting the ball to Auburn's best players, huh? Preston Howard needs to step it up. Xavier Chaplin needs to step it up. What happened to the defense? Did Durkin's head-coach work affect the defense? Does this performance enhance Durkin's candidacy? Who else is seriously in the mix for this job? Men's basketball won two games last week. Isn't it weird how shooting has been a problem for the team right now? Keyshawn Hall is a bad man. Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the dismissal of Hugh Freeze and the promotion of defensive coordinator DJ Durkin.  Also: • How did Auburn manage just three points against UK? • Freeze knew he was cooked after that one. • John Cohen says "I am the committee," which is pretty strong. • What about him saying "close doesn't matter?" • Cohen thinks Auburn is the best job out there, but will others agree? • Who are the big names in this search? • Derrick Nix will call plays for a change. • What are we expecting from the offense now? • Will the defense be affected by Durkin's attention to more matters? • Can Durkin keep recruiting stable? • Steven Pearl makes his debut as the Auburn head coach. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around Hugh Freeze's decision to not name a starter at quarterback ahead of the UK game. Also: • Auburn won a conference game! • What else does Ashton Daniels need to do to lock down the job? • What happens with Daniels' redshirt status now? • Why does Hugh Freeze give Jackson Arnold so many passes? • Who is responsible for the Tigers' red-zone struggles? Shouldn't it be on the primary play-caller? • Injury updates on Cam Coleman, Horatio Fields, Durell Robinson • Is Jeremiah Cobb getting too many carries now? • Is Freeze closer to holding onto the job in 2026?  • Men's basketball is back in action this week.  • Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around Hugh Freeze's job status after another 0-4 start to league play. Also: • Auburn lost again.  • How does Hugh Freeze still have a job? • Does this mean John Cohen isn't a big fan of DJ Durkin? • Maybe it's because Cohen has something else in mind? • Hugh says he'd LOVE to have some public support from Cohen 😀 • Is Hugh actually willing to make a change at quarterback?  • Connor Lew is out for the season. That's really not good. • The football team somehow in the midst of this losing streak added a really good commit. • Steven Pearl lost his first exhibition game as head coach, but does that matter? • Softball and baseball are having good fall seasons. • Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around Damari Alston's departure from the football program. Also:  • Why did Alston ask to redshirt? • Is Freeze right to be upset about that request? • Is Alston's course of action tantamount to quitting? • Maybe Freeze was right to be upset but wrong to be off-putting in the press conference Monday? • Why is Alston so popular among teammates? • Can Auburn make things work without Alston? • Why is it OK for Ashton Daniels to redshirt but not Alston? • Speaking of Daniels, is he a viable option to replace Jackson Arnold? • Can Freeze win his way out of this thorny situation? • Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around Hugh Freeze talking about taking personal responsibility for the team's issues. Other things discussed: • Is Jackson Arnold too risk-averse? • Is that fixable? • Freeze says Xavier Chaplin has a hearing problem. Whut? • Should we care that Freeze takes these losses personally? • Getting out of 3rd-and-Long seems like a good idea, yeah. • How long will Horatio Fields be out? A while. • How good is UGA? • Will the night game at J-H actually give this Auburn team a shot? • Moving the Baylor game next year to Atlanta is a ... choice. • Keyshawn Hall is here and has been here. • Fall (base)ball update from B-Matt. • Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the alarming state of Auburn football. Other things discussed: • Auburn loses at Texas A&M in ugly fashion. • They really went 0-for-13 on third down? • They really finished with only 177 yards of offense. • They really didn't register a designed RB run until the fifth possession? • They really averaged 4.5 yards per carry and only ran it eight times? • They really allowed 20 TFLs in these past two games? • What's happened to Hugh Freeze's play-calling ability? • He's cooked, isn't he? • It'd be nice to know if DJ Durkin would be a good head coach here. • Steven Pearl is the man now. • Can he win big? Yes, he can win big. • Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around Bruce Pearl's decision to retire.  Other things discussed: • Bruce Pearl sure was a stud as head coach, guys. • He did a LOT of things well. • Steven Pearl is not Bruce Pearl.  • Football lost a really weird game at Oklahoma. • The SEC acknowledges that officials greviously missed a key call. • That's not even counting the missed calls that we're addressed publicly via conference communiqué. • Jackson Arnold holds the ball too long, doesn't he? Why? • The run defense was simply outstanding. Really good development there. • Special teams ... yikes. Super bad.  • Texas A&M is a tougher opponent or no? • Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the Tigers' middling win over South Alabama.  Other things discussed: • What's going on with the Tigers' defense? • Are there solutions for the secondary issues? • What is the deal with 3rd-and-Durkin?  • How good is Jeremiah Cobb? Opinions are mixed. • Jackson Arnold is an interesting player to assess. • Does Cam Coleman need more touches? • What does Amaris WIlliams' injury mean for the DL? • Would you be willing to play Eric Winters over Kaleb Harris? • The latest Rivals 300 Rankings are out ... some AU guys get bumps. • Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the Tigers' big win over Ball State and if that performance actually means anything.  Other things discussed: • Sixty-eight yards really isn't much. • Xavier Atkins is a complete and total G. • Keyron Crawford has really come alive, right? • Same for Sly Smith, who was a menace last weekend. • Are we happy or unhappy with Jackson Arnold?  • Is Jeremiah Cobb actually better than Damari Alston? • What was Hugh Freeze talking about with the "straining" chatter? • What happens now at tailback with both Durell and (potentially) Damari out? • Corey and Chris Wells had a great time at Auburn this past weekend. • Is Georgia CB Lasiah Jackson on flip watch? • Shoutouts. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.  

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the Tigers' win at Baylor and what that result taught us. Other things discussed: • Champ Anthony is out again. Yikes. • Was the defense actually sluggish? • Jackson Arnold really is a runner, my guy. • Auburn rushed for 307 yards because that's what Baylor wanted. • Three players finished with 16 carries each. #Balance • The O-line did a job. A real man's job.  • Zero turnovers is good ... kinda. • Baylor threw for a lot of yards because that's what Baylor wanted. • Penalties gotta be cleaned up, especially on special teams. • Alex McPherson was perfect. He's tough as nails. • Rashawn Pleasant's KOR was a breath of fresh air. • Hezekiah Harris has a new, final decision. When is the next one? The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the fact that the 9-time national champion Auburn Tigers open play this Friday night! Other things discussed: • What does we expect from injured players Eric Singleton Jr. and Alex McPherson? • Lots of "ORs" on the depth chart, eh? • Do we buy Freeze's belief that depth on defense will be a strength? • Do we actually trust Jackson Arnold to be effective? • Horatio Fields is said to be the leader in the WR room. Impressive. • What does Freeze mean when he talks about Baylor's "sim pressures?" • Freeze says the pass pro has been better. That's important. • Do mistakes actually cost you? Yes. Yes, they do.  • Bralan Womack jumps on board, which gets this Auburn class back into the Top 25. What is the plan for the rest of the way?  The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around a shockingly eventful week in the Auburn space.  That includes: • John Cohen finally giving the go-ahead for Auburn to claim an additional seven national titles in football. Why did this take so long? • John Cohen also authorized Auburn to retire Cam Newton's No. 2 jersey, which took way too long. Why is that?  • Is Freeze serious about using three quarterbacks against Baylor? • Has the head coach tipped his hand when it comes to the RB depth chart? • Which players are still in yellow jerseys this week? • The OL is struggling a bit to repel the DL's pass-rush magnitude, but is that a problem at this stage? • Who will play most often alongside Kaleb Harris at safety? • What do we think about Auburn's chances with 5-star safety Bralan Womack? • Shoutouts.  The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around a general assessment of the Tigers' two weeks of preseason preparation. Sometimes generalities are good.  Specific points discussed: • Malcolm Simmons looks good to go. • The offense and the defense are exhanging blows? Is that true? • Jackson Arnold has a strong hold on the QB1 spot. • Who is actually calling plays? • The OL has six good guys ready to go. That's great news! • Bobby Jamison-Travis is stepping up at NT. • Auburn's situation at linebacker looks fine as well. • Jay Crawford appears to be the standout performer in the secondary. • Auburn got a MASSIVE addition in recruiting. • Can Auburn get a second MASSIVE addition on the 21st?  The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around a glimpse at the freshman and newcomers most likely to make an impact this coming season. Also discussed: • Horatio Fields seems pretty confident • Is Darrion Smith already the team's best interiod pass-rush specialist? • Jourdin Crawford looks as good as advertised • How does Malik Autry fit in along that defensive front? • Where does Champ Anthony belong? Could it be safety? • Speaking of that, is Newboy Fegans a possibility at nickel? • Omar Mabson and Kail Ellis have been pleasant surprises on offense • Why was Aug. 1 not the recruiting tour de force some expected? • If John Cohen midjusdged things, Jase Mathews could be a nice starting point for his reclamation project • What does Auburn see in Selma TE ArMari Towns?  The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.  

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around the most interesting positional battles to be waged during fall camp. Also discussed: • Is Jacoby Mathews ready to play? • Where will Newboy Fegans begin?  • Will Deuce Knight be ahead of Ashton Daniels? • Auburn may lack established stars on the DL, but definitely not depth. • The depth at RB is being overlooked a bit. • Alex McPherson may end up being one of the great stories of CFB this season. • Caleb is feeling better about WR Jase Mathews from an Auburn perspective. The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.

Bryan Matthews, Caleb Jones and Jay G. Tate reconvene to discuss the most pressing news, which today centers around Media Days fallout (such as it is) and what new stuff we learned from it. Also included: • Do we trust Jackson Arnold? • Is D-line depth actually a positive heading into the season? • Malcolm Simmons' situation is tricky. • Jaquez Wilkes' commitment is huge for Auburn. • Wilson Zierer is a terrific addition at OT. • How gettable is Jase Mathews? • Where does Auburn stand with Bralan Womack, Da'Ron Parks? • Filip Jovic is on campus! And that's a big deal for hoops. • Should we be surprised to see Ike Irish "fall" to No. 19 overall? The show is presented by VooDoo Wing Company with locations in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Florence, suburban Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Las Vegas. Check them out IN PERSON for delicious chicken or on the web at www.voodoowingco.com.