The Auburn Observer

Justin and Dan break down Auburn basketball’s underwhelming win over Chattanooga in Atlanta and talk a couple of notable football departures. Topics include:* Auburn’s lack of defensive effort and execution in a favorable matchup* Dan’s question about if the Tigers can play disruptive defense without numbers* Justin’s take about the absence of Kevin Overton in this game* Elyjah Freeman giving up his starting spot to Sebastian Williams-Adams* Auburn’s improved ball movement and assist rate on offense* the issues that still creep up for the Tigers’ top-15 attack* Keyshawn Hall providing more than just points* Tahaad Pettiford finding his 3-point shot again* Emeka Opurum’s sudden shutdown* Auburn needing defensive improvement from the backup guards* why did Auburn score so much in the final minute?* Malcolm Simmons’ transfer departure for football* the Freeze Four Era and how things might change moving forward* Keldric Faulk heading to the NFL Draft, as expected* a Dusty Finish in basketballIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories, the roster tracker and the premium podcast episodes — for our special Christmas discount — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan go deep on a number of subjects for Auburn football and basketball as the Tigers nail down their assistant coaches and schedule for 2026 — and get ready for a trip to Atlanta this weekend for Holiday Hoopsgiving. Topics include:* the mix of Alex Golesh, SEC and even Auburn experience on this new staff* a coach-by-coa…

Justin and Dan are back in studio to record a wide-ranging episode on Alex Golesh’s first week with Auburn football and Auburn basketball’s loss at Arizona. Topics include:* Golesh saying his top priority is re-recruiting the current roster* why Golesh could have gone clean slate with the program — but isn’t* the right approach to retaining talent, given Auburn’s recent situation* the quarterback situation and the Deuce Knight debate among fans* putting the importance of recruiting into the proper context* a reminder of why Auburn decided to hire Alex Golesh in the first place* why bringing over USF staffers (and maybe talent) makes sense* building the Year 1 staff of assistants, including a couple of new names* Beef O’Brady’s?* what went so wrong for Auburn basketball at Arizona* why this particular loss isn’t a reason to hit the panic button* how Auburn basketball didn’t look connected enough on both ends of the floor* putting Auburn’s 7-3 start in the proper context* looking ahead to the rest of the schedule, including that Purdue trip next week* A NOTE FROM DAN: Because of technical difficulties, we had to edit out the original ending of this episode. Justin provided thoughts about his visit to Tucson (he described some delicious Mexican food) and I lamented the looming end of 80s pro wrestling on Peacock and its uncertain streaming future. I vow that we will revisit both subjects in the future on The Auburn Observer Podcast. If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories, the roster tracker and the premium podcast episodes — for our special Christmas discount — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan aren’t in the Wings 94.3 studio for this one, but they try to make up for it by talking a ton of Auburn basketball and football in a short amount of time before the Observer North American Tour continues. Topics include:* why Auburn turned the ball over so much against NC State* Kevin Overton playing a nearly perfect game …

Justin and Dan share all of their thoughts on Auburn football’s hire of Alex Golesh as its new head coach, less than 24 hours after the end of the season. Topics include:* why it’s important to remember where USF was before Golesh arrived* Golesh’s work with some of the best-looking offenses in college football* the details of the Veer-and-Shoot system and what sets Golesh apart there* Golesh’s Rust Belt football background and how it applies to his offenses* Auburn’s pursuit of top target Jon Sumrall, who ended up at Florida* DJ Durkin’s chances of staying on as Golesh’s defensive coordinator* Kodi Burns and other USF names who could be making the jump to the Plains* how John Cohen’s first press conference hinted at a Golesh-like hire* why quarterback play and elite offense have been priorities right now* the bonus of roster retention — and why it’s not the biggest deal with a change* what Year 1 under Golesh could look like with the schedule Auburn must face* a look at the Lane Kiffin-to-LSU chaos, Kentucky’s late move and… whatever Penn State is doing in this carousel?* Dan asks a question: which Christmas movie would you play 24 straight hours if you owned a cable channel?* Note: Justin misspoke when he said the Christmas sale was $5 or $50. It’s 25% off an annual sub, for the 25 days. You get it.If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes — for our special Christmas discount — subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan are still in Las Vegas for this episode, using the power of time travel. They break down all the angles of Auburn football’s shot at a monumental upset of rival Alabama in the 2025 Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Topics include:* the parallels between this matchup and past Iron Bowls* why an Auburn team that has on…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan break down what they saw from Auburn basketball live in Las Vegas at the Players Era Championship: Two huge second-half surges to beat Oregon and St. John’s, plus a blowout loss to a Michigan team that might be invincible. Topics include:* Justin and Dan’s takes on the Players Era format, since Auburn is lined up h…

Justin and Dan recap Auburn football putting together a mostly complete performance in a win over Mercer before turning their attention to Auburn basketball’s first two games at the Players Era Festival. Topics for this episode include:* the improved vibes heading into the Iron Bowl* Deuce Knight putting on a show in his first career start* again, what was Hugh Freeze doing on offense? Derrick Nix figured it out* Auburn’s pass defense struggling early — and why that’s a problem* Cam Coleman’s latest touchdown and his value to the program moving forward* Keldric Faulk’s early absence and the surprising lack of running back production* the format of the Players Era Festival, which is pretty out there* Keyshawn Hall’s injury status* how Oregon has one of the tallest and most talented rosters you’ll find in Vegas* the matchup between KeShawn Murphy and Nate Bittle* Justin’s thoughts on where Auburn’s defense has to be careful against Oregon* is there pressure on Tahaad Pettiford after a slow shooting start?* looking ahead to a matchup with another loaded Michigan team* rebounding, rebounding, rebounding* a reminder that The Observer will be in Vegas for all the action* Dan’s guide to Las VegasIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

Justin and Dan recap Auburn basketball nearly pulling off an upset of No. 1 Houston in Birmingham with a virtually brand-new roster. Topics for this episode include:* how Auburn truly believed it could beat Houston on Sunday* the resiliency Auburn showed it responding to every punch in this game* the Tigers’ rebounding holding up in a physical showdown* Keyshawn Hall buying into the Auburn culture and not just being a scorer* how Hall’s early injury exit made a difference down the stretch* KeShawn Murphy proving his immense value again in his return* Sebastian Williams-Adams and Elyjah Freeman showing that they’re ready now* Tahaad Pettiford looking more like his old self in this one* Auburn’s ability to dominate the foul battle…* …but miss out on a win at the free-throw line* the defensive issues and the continued work toward consistency on that end* why Auburn should keep playing these types of games* Grubserver: a review of Johnny’s Restaurant in HomewoodIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan talk a lot of Auburn basketball in this episode, looking back at the Wofford win and previewing a massive showdown with No. 1 Houston in Birmingham before talking DJ Durkin and reviewing a bag of Skittles. Topics include:* Keyshawn Hall continuing to be a bucket* Tahaad Pettiford’s shooting slump to start the season* A…

Justin and Dan recap Auburn football’s surprising shootout loss to Vanderbilt away from home while looking back at a strong win for basketball against Merrimack. Topics for this show include:* …what exactly was Hugh Freeze doing with this offense?* how much better Auburn’s attack looked with actual pace and space* the Tigers continuing to fight in an increasingly lost season* why Auburn’s season-long defensive issues looked even larger in this game* pay Cam Coleman whatever it takes* Ashton Daniels looking like a winning-quality SEC quarterback* the return of the penalties and how they might have been the ultimate difference* Auburn’s offensive line stepping up with a change in personnel* looking ahead to an Iron Bowl with something actually at stake* DJ Durkin’s chances at the permanent head coaching job* Emeka Opurum having a strong Auburn debut against Merrimack* Dan making a terrible pun with Keyshawn Hall* Justin having a small victory lap about Sebastian Williams-Adams* the Tigers’ backcourt contributing well without scoring a ton* Auburn’s offensive potential once it starts knocking down 3s* why dominating small teams in rebounding might actually matter* KeShawn Murphy’s status* a quick look ahead to Tuesday’s home game against Wofford* Steven Spielberg ChatIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan go long on a busy last few days on the Plains: John Cohen’s coaching search presser, the Notre Dame series announcement, the Vanderbilt matchup under DJ Durkin and two basketball games. Topics for this subscribers-only show include:* what stood out the most about John Cohen’s press conference* why the words “edg…

Justin and Dan discuss the end of the Hugh Freeze era in Auburn’s 10-3 home loss to Kentucky and what’s next — both with the football program and the basketball team that officially starts this week. Topics for this show include:* where it all went wrong for Hugh Freeze at Auburn in a high-stakes season* the most searing indictments of the tenure during the Kentucky game* the offense somehow getting worse, despite adding more talent* “we’re close,” asking for patience and other eye-opening quotes from the end* the common denominator never being the quarterback* some of the worst stats from the Freeze Era, including a terrible JHS record* Justin goes through Dan’s categorized early list of coaching candidates* the Group of Five head coach that makes the most sense as a hire* the wild card coaches that don’t seem to have any true comparisons* the thing about DJ Durkin as the interim — and in the permanent job* a quick ObservFour from Auburn basketball’s 100-71 win over Memphis* a look at the Bethune Cookman team that will open the season in Neville Arena* a whole lot more that doesn’t fit into this listIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan preview Auburn basketball’s exhibition against Memphis and football’s home game against Kentucky. Topics for this subscribers-only show include:* what Auburn basketball should expect from Memphis* the frontcourt matchup with a limited Ke’Shawn Murphy* the players we’re watching closest in Atlanta* Filip Jović’s wild card…

Justin and Dan break down Auburn football going on the road and rallying for a needed comeback win over Arkansas. Topics for this show include:* what this win means and doesn’t mean for Auburn moving forward* Auburn switching from Jackson Arnold to Ashton Daniels at quarterback* the turnover-heavy fourth quarter to remember from the Tigers’ defense* Xavier Atkins playing some unreal football at linebacker this season* why Justin thinks Auburn’s run defense won this game for the Tigers* Alex McPherson’s redemption story* the continued failure of Auburn offense to score touchdowns in the red zone * Cam Coleman’s ridiculous touchdown and return from an ankle sprain* how everyone should give Hugh Freeze and his team credit for one big thing* Kail Ellis’ first start at center and Jeremiah Cobb’s surge in the rushing ranks* Keyron Crawford’s Memphis barbecue recommendation* roller grill items and the game of “What’s At This Love’s Truck Stop?”If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJustin and Dan break down Auburn football’s matchup against Arkansas in a Job Anxiety Bowl between two familiar foes. Topics for this subscribers-only show include:* why Arkansas is unlike any other team that has lost five straight games* the Razorbacks’ best-in-SEC offense being an extreme outlier* Auburn appearing to stick with Jackson Arnold at quarterback* …

Justin and Dan go deep on what ailed Auburn football once again in a collapse of a home loss to Missouri in double overtime. Topics for this show include:* how Auburn’s offense has been so fragile in the face of adversity yet again* why Dan believes that luck has nothing to do with this* Justin’s take on Jackson Arnold and the need for a change at quarterback* the lack of mojo on Auburn’s offense, especially through the air* Auburn not being able to take advantage of good games from Jeremiah Cobb, Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson* the Tigers coming up with crucial stops on defense…* …but still having their own issues in critical times during the game* the dominance of Auburn’s defensive front, even in a spiraling season* will the dam break for the Tigers soon?* why the Arkansas trip looks like a perfect storm of trouble for Auburn* how much the missed field goals really matter* again, will Hugh Freeze change anything in the face of all this pressure?* a preemptive apology for this episode quality * marveling at Shohei OhtaniIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comIt’s a 2-for-1 episode: A basketball recap and a football preview. Listen fast. Topics for this subscribers-only show include:* Auburn basketball’s defense being a major work in progress* why Dan thinks the Tigers have to learn each other on offense, too* how Justin was impressed with the offense, despite the shooting issues* Sebastian Williams-Adams, El Hijo d…

Justin and Dan share their thoughts on Auburn football’s latest missed opportunity: A blown early lead in a loss to rival Georgia. Topics for this recap podcast include:* Hugh Freeze’s postgame comments about not knowing how to win* the regression that continues for the Tigers midway through Year 3* how the fumble call changed the game — but shouldn’t be the reason for the loss* Jackson Arnold’s continued struggles against quality competition* should Auburn make a quarterback change now?* the Tigers’ failure to adjust on offense in the second halves of games* Auburn squandering another winning performance on defense* a third straight game of double-digit penalties and why that stands out* Dan asks if Auburn has any urgency to change right now* Justin wonders if the loyal support will continue for this football program* a primetime atmosphere going to waste* a quick preview of Auburn basketball’s exhibition against Oklahoma State* the breaking James Franklin newsIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.auburnobserver.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comJordan Hill and Ben Wolk make their annual visit to the podcast to preview Auburn vs. Georgia in football with Justin and Dan. Topics for this subscribers-only show include:* why the guys think the point spread is what it is* Jordan and Ben’s breakdown of Georgia’s lack of a pass rush* Justin’s persistence about Auburn running t…