The Auburn Express

Auburn came out strong at Jordan-Hare and left no doubt, blasting Ball State 42–3. This wasn’t just another win, this was a chance to sharpen the passing game and see how far the offense has come in only two weeks. Jackson Arnold finished 24 of 28 for 251 yards and three touchdowns, showing off accuracy and poise even when holding the ball a little too long on deeper routes. Fans have been waiting to see what this offense looks like when it’s forced to win through the air, and Auburn put that on display tonight. Jeremiah Cobb had a breakout moment with his first 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 121 yards and two scores on just 11 carries. The kid ran hard between the tackles, proving he’s not just an edge runner. Add in Darrell Robinson’s explosive 54-yard touchdown late in the game, and Auburn’s backfield depth is looking scary. On defense, it was pure domination. Ball State was held to just 68 total yards and negative three on the ground. Sylvester Smith played the best game of his career, laying violent hits all over the field. The front seven was relentless, racking up six sacks and 14 tackles for loss. The Cardinals never stood a chance, and the only points they scored came on a questionable call that robbed Auburn of a shutout. This was about preparation as much as performance. Auburn treated this game like live scrimmage reps, working through different formations and passing concepts without leaning on the quarterback run game. That makes 42 points even more impressive. With South Alabama coming up next, Auburn looks ready to keep building momentum before a showdown in Norman against Oklahoma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn opened the home season with a statement win, cruising past Ball State 42–3 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.Head coach Hugh Freeze praised the team’s physicality and discipline, pointing out how the defense completely shut down the run game. Ball State finished with just 68 total yards of offense and –3 rushing yards on the day. Freeze also noted the offense looked sharper in Week 2 and stressed the importance of protecting home turf.Quarterback Jackson Arnold put on a show in his first start at Jordan-Hare. He went 24-of-28 for 251 yards and three touchdowns, building chemistry with his receivers and showing why Freeze trusted him to lead the offense. Arnold reflected on that trust, the confidence it gave him, and how Auburn’s playmakers made his job easier.What’s inside this video:Freeze on Auburn’s improved execution compared to Week 1How the Tigers’ defense dominated the line of scrimmageArnold’s thoughts on his first big outing as Auburn’s QBKey takeaways from Auburn’s balanced attack (271 passing yards, 224 rushing yards)This is your full postgame press conference with Hugh Freeze and Jackson Arnold after Auburn’s dominant win over Ball State.#Auburn #HughFreeze #JacksonArnold #WarEagle #CollegeFootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of The Auburn Express, Ike Jones sits down with Clay Owen, a professor at the University of South Carolina and creator of the College Sports Social Pulse. This innovative project tracks how fans, players, teams, and coaches are performing on social media across college football. Key highlights from the conversation: 📊 What is the College Sports Social Pulse? A data-driven system tracking fan engagement across platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit. Goes beyond volume—analyzes positive vs. negative sentiment, likes, shares, and overall engagement. 🟠 Auburn’s Big Leap After the Tigers’ strong showing vs. Baylor, Coach Hugh Freeze jumped from #44 to #3 nationally in the Social Pulse rankings. Auburn’s online fanbase helped fuel the rise with heavy engagement and positive energy. 🏈 How Auburn Stacks Up Auburn as a team ranked #8 after Week 1. QB Jackson Arnold fell from #4 to #26 due to the run-heavy offensive attack—but the RBs got plenty of shine. Auburn fans are proving to be one of the most active and passionate groups online. 🔥 Why This Matters Fan energy is driving national attention. Social media engagement helps shape perception of programs, recruits, and even coaching narratives. Auburn fans are showing they can compete online with the biggest brands in college football. This episode proves what we already knew: Auburn fans don’t just show up on Saturdays—they show up online every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Week one of the 2025 season showed the nation what Auburn football could become under Hugh Freeze. The conversation starts with Jackson Arnold and the trenches. Arnold rushed for 137 yards, making him the SEC’s leading rusher after one week. He looked every bit the freak athlete Auburn thought they were getting, and the scary part is—he hasn’t even played his best football yet. Auburn’s run game rolled to 307 yards, the most in the SEC, while the defense held Baylor to just 64 rushing yards. That’s the balance Auburn fans have been craving. Auburn didn’t pass much, and that wasn’t because they couldn’t—it was because they didn’t need to. Wideouts like Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton, Malcolm Simmons, and Horatio Fields are waiting to showcase their ability. Freeze has a plan to build this offense piece by piece, so by the time Oklahoma arrives, defenders will be forced to defend every blade of grass. Against Ball State and South Alabama, Auburn has a chance to sharpen the passing game while maintaining the physicality up front. On defense, the line was ferocious. Jay Hardy graded out at an elite 82.2, Darian Smith flashed promise, and Amaris Williams showed he can become Auburn’s next great edge rusher. They rotated seven-plus linemen, kept bodies fresh, and made Sawyer Robertson one-dimensional despite giving up passing yards. When your front seven suffocates the run, the rest becomes manageable. Auburn may not be perfect yet, but this is the type of performance that signals a dangerous team is brewing. 🔥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Week one of the 2025 season showed the nation what Auburn football could become under Hugh Freeze. The conversation starts with Jackson Arnold and the trenches. Arnold rushed for 137 yards, making him the SEC’s leading rusher after one week. He looked every bit the freak athlete Auburn thought they were getting, and the scary part is—he hasn’t even played his best football yet. Auburn’s run game rolled to 307 yards, the most in the SEC, while the defense held Baylor to just 64 rushing yards. That’s the balance Auburn fans have been craving. Auburn didn’t pass much, and that wasn’t because they couldn’t—it was because they didn’t need to. Wideouts like Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton, Malcolm Simmons, and Horatio Fields are waiting to showcase their ability. Freeze has a plan to build this offense piece by piece, so by the time Oklahoma arrives, defenders will be forced to defend every blade of grass. Against Ball State and South Alabama, Auburn has a chance to sharpen the passing game while maintaining the physicality up front. On defense, the line was ferocious. Jay Hardy graded out at an elite 82.2, Darian Smith flashed promise, and Amaris Williams showed he can become Auburn’s next great edge rusher. They rotated seven-plus linemen, kept bodies fresh, and made Sawyer Robertson one-dimensional despite giving up passing yards. When your front seven suffocates the run, the rest becomes manageable. Auburn may not be perfect yet, but this is the type of performance that signals a dangerous team is brewing. 🔥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn defense swagger back. That is the energy I have been begging to see, and it finally felt real. I love a confident group as long as they back it up. You remember that moment when a DB told his quarterback to get ready because he was about to go take the ball back? That is the mentality this defense needs. No pouting after a turnover. No moping. Go make a play, hand your QB the rock, and tell him to cook. Demarcus Riddick delivered that tone in the first half when he crushed Michael Trigg on a wham block and let him know about it. That is the vibe I want from the entire room. Champ Anthony finishing plays with a little extra shoulder after the whistle is what I want to see more of too. The rotation at DB is not the issue. Tackling and communication have to tighten up, and when they do, this group has the depth to wear teams down in the fourth. When Auburn gets to mid October with legs under them because of smart rotations, you will see the payoff. I am high on the wideouts hitting a hundred plus, Jackson Arnold stacking all purpose yards, and young guys like Keldrick Faulk having juice late because the staff spreads snaps. Prediction time got spicy. There is a path to drop sixty on Ball State if the execution is clean and the twos and threes stay hungry. The goal is simple. Play with swagger, finish tackles, communicate clean, and let the scoreboard tell the story. Hit that like button, subscribe, and drop your own predictions below. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn’s defense just sent a loud message to the rest of college football. Friday night was proof that this pass rush is not just good — it’s game-changing. Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson came into the matchup as one of the most protected QBs in the Big 12 last season, pressured on less than 24% of his dropbacks. Against Auburn, that completely flipped. Robertson was sacked multiple times, flushed from the pocket, and forced into desperate throws just to keep Baylor in the game. Yes, Robertson threw for plenty of yards, but those weren’t comfortable throws. Auburn had him running for his life, and it showed. The Bears managed just 65 yards rushing, forcing them into a one-dimensional attack that Auburn controlled. Even though Baylor outgained Auburn in total yards, their production wasn’t effective where it mattered. Auburn’s defensive front repeatedly turned promising drives into empty possessions. Looking ahead, Auburn faces Ball State, and the challenge is clear: keep that same energy. The Cardinals’ quarterback is mobile and can extend plays, but Auburn has to close him in, force him into becoming a runner, and make tackles in space. The defensive line has the athletes to dominate the pocket, and the secondary looks even better when the pass rush is clicking. This game isn’t just about winning — it’s about making sure the opponent leaves the stadium knowing Auburn’s defense is on a different level. With Keldrick Falk already living up to his preseason All-SEC billing, this defense is setting the tone for what could be a defining year on the Plains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are bringing back Facts or Nah. This edition is about the Ball State game. Will the Auburn defense get back to top form? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football is in a prime position to showcase the future, and all eyes are on Deuce Knight. Saturday against Ball State cannot be a trap game — this matchup has to be about focus, execution, and setting the tone early. The expectation is simple: Auburn must put this opponent away quickly and create opportunities for backups like Deuce Knight to step in and show the world what’s next. Jackson Arnold proved against Baylor that he is every bit the five-star playmaker many believed he would be. That win took away a lot of the negative recruiting fuel from rival SEC programs and reignited excitement about what Hugh Freeze is building on the Plains. But Saturday is about maintaining that momentum. Fans don’t want to see Auburn play around in the first half and drag starters deep into the third quarter like in past seasons. This is the moment to unleash the depth of this roster. Perry Thompson deserves heavy targets, and Deuce Knight needs real snaps — not just garbage time. Auburn has three cupcake games this year, and the staff must maximize them as recruiting tools. Every rep Knight takes is not just about development, it’s about showing five-star receivers that they’ll have an elite quarterback waiting for them when it’s time to shine. The message to Auburn’s offense is clear: keep the execution sharp, dominate from the start, and leave no doubt. Ball State should never believe they’re in this game. If Auburn handles business, Saturday won’t just be a win — it will be a statement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ike Jones sits down with Jeff Murphy of The Group of Five Guys to talk about the match up vs. Ball State. Auburn handled Baylor with a powerful ground game, but Ball State offers an opportunity to test the passing attack. In this episode, we dive into: What Ball State showed against Purdue Why Auburn must avoid forcing throws How Jackson Arnold’s dual-threat ability fits into the plan Defensive matchups that favor the Tigers We also discuss whether Hugh Freeze should take this week to sharpen Auburn’s aerial concepts — or simply let the run game carry the load again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome on into The Auburn Express powered by The War Rapport. Auburn’s season opener against Baylor gave us plenty to chew on. Jackson Arnold reminded everyone why he’s a five-star talent, torching Baylor on the ground with 137 yards at 8.6 yards per carry and two touchdowns. Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb combined for another 158 rushing yards, showing off a backfield that looks every bit SEC ready. But not everything was perfect. Auburn’s defense strangled Baylor’s run game, holding them to just 65 yards on the ground, yet gave up more than 400 passing yards. Are we seeing an early identity for this team—dominant in the trenches, vulnerable over the top? We’ll break down the numbers that matter, highlight the standouts, and tell you what’s real and what’s noise heading into the Ball State game. Strap in—this Auburn squad is already turning heads in SEC power rankings, but consistency will decide their ceiling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football is in a prime position to showcase the future, and all eyes are on Deuce Knight. Saturday against Ball State cannot be a trap game — this matchup has to be about focus, execution, and setting the tone early. The expectation is simple: Auburn must put this opponent away quickly and create opportunities for backups like Deuce Knight to step in and show the world what’s next. Jackson Arnold proved against Baylor that he is every bit the five-star playmaker many believed he would be. That win took away a lot of the negative recruiting fuel from rival SEC programs and reignited excitement about what Hugh Freeze is building on the Plains. But Saturday is about maintaining that momentum. Fans don’t want to see Auburn play around in the first half and drag starters deep into the third quarter like in past seasons. This is the moment to unleash the depth of this roster. Perry Thompson deserves heavy targets, and Deuce Knight needs real snaps — not just garbage time. Auburn has three cupcake games this year, and the staff must maximize them as recruiting tools. Every rep Knight takes is not just about development, it’s about showing five-star receivers that they’ll have an elite quarterback waiting for them when it’s time to shine. The message to Auburn’s offense is clear: keep the execution sharp, dominate from the start, and leave no doubt. Ball State should never believe they’re in this game. If Auburn handles business, Saturday won’t just be a win — it will be a statement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Power Rankings time, and the SEC landscape just got flipped upside down! Georgia storms back to reclaim the #1 spot, LSU leaps into the #2 position after a massive win at Clemson, and Auburn is climbing after dominating Baylor. Meanwhile, Alabama suffers one of the biggest drops in SEC Power Rankings history, plummeting all the way down to #11. Auburn fans are celebrating after a statement win that showed off Hugh Freeze’s physical rushing attack led by Jarquez Hunter, while Texas and Georgia still look like the top of the league despite early battles. LSU’s defensive resurgence and Garrett Nussmeier’s growth are major storylines as the Tigers look like they could be “back.” But it’s not all good news. Alabama’s collapse under Kalen DeBoer has set off alarms across the college football world. For the first time in over a decade, the Crimson Tide feel mortal. Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss squad lands on fraud watch once again, while Oklahoma faces a prove-it game against Michigan before an epic showdown with Auburn in Norman. The SEC is packed with intrigue, drama, and rising contenders. From Auburn’s rise to Alabama’s fall, these rankings are sparking debates everywhere. Who’s real and who’s a fraud? We’ve got it all right here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football returns home for the first time this season as Hugh Freeze leads the Tigers into Jordan-Hare for their highly anticipated matchup against Ball State. After an impressive opener against Baylor, Auburn looks to stay sharp, avoid distractions, and show the kind of championship-level preparation that fans expect. Ball State enters this matchup following a tough loss to Purdue, making this a potential “trap game” for Auburn. With Oklahoma looming on the schedule, the question is simple: can Auburn remain focused and disciplined? Fans remember close calls in years past against Georgia State and the shocking loss to New Mexico State. This weekend provides Auburn with the chance to prove that this team is different under Freeze. Jackson Arnold showed poise and dual-threat ability in his first start, but this game is an opportunity to fine-tune Auburn’s passing attack. Expect names like Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, Malcolm Simmons, and Eric Singleton to make an impact. Auburn has the talent advantage across the board, but this matchup is about execution, focus, and continuing momentum before SEC play. The betting line has Auburn favored by more than 40 points, and the ESPN Football Power Index gives Auburn nearly a 99% chance of winning. Still, Auburn fans know the dangers of overlooking an opponent. This weekend’s game is all about setting the tone. 👉 Sponsor Shoutouts The Rage Room – 1510 2nd Ave, Opelika, AL OR 2616 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL. Smash stress away with axe throwing and windshield breaking! Mention The War Rapport at checkout. The Vibe Vault – 3462 Crosswinds Rd, Suite E, Phenix City, AL. Not just barbers – lifestyle consultants. Get fresh before game day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn fans — Friday night was sweet, but it wasn’t perfect. Auburn walked into Waco and handed Baylor a double-digit loss, yet the pass defense left plenty to be desired. Sawyer Robertson racked up 419 yards and three touchdowns, and while Auburn’s defense bent but didn’t break, there are cracks that must be fixed before SEC play begins. This episode dives into Auburn’s pass defense under DJ Durkin, the encouraging signs from the pass rush, and what Hugh Freeze must focus on before Oklahoma. Auburn’s win over Baylor is still a statement — the Tigers executed when it mattered and closed the game strong — but the secondary and third-down discipline need cleaning up fast. The good news? Auburn has Ball State and South Alabama before the Sooners. That means time to rotate players, experiment with depth, and figure out who can be trusted when the lights are brightest. Auburn’s defensive line showed flashes, registering four sacks, but coverage breakdowns and costly penalties nearly gave Baylor life. Against SEC talent, those mistakes could be fatal. Stay tuned as I break down Auburn’s outlook heading into the next stretch of the season, including what must improve and why Baylor might end up being one of Auburn’s best résumé wins come playoff talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football is officially back, and what a debut it was! The Tigers handled Baylor in a Friday night showdown that showcased Hugh Freeze’s progress, Jackson Arnold’s dual-threat ability, and Auburn’s powerful rushing attack. Auburn fans finally saw the balance of talent and execution that Freeze has been building toward since his arrival on the Plains. Jackson Arnold proved why he’s Auburn’s new offensive leader, running for over 100 yards, throwing for over 100 yards, and adding two rushing touchdowns. Behind him, Auburn’s running backs punished Baylor’s defense with six yards per carry. Damari Alston, Jeremiah Cobb, and Jarquez Hunter all played their roles to perfection. While the passing game didn’t need to open up, Arnold’s connection with Cam Coleman proved Auburn has reliable weapons when called upon. Defensively, Auburn gave up plenty of yards through the air but stiffened in the red zone and absolutely shut down Baylor’s run game. That defensive line is starting to look like the kind of front Hugh Freeze promised to build through relentless recruiting. With Ball State up next, Auburn should be heavy favorites, but the focus will be on execution and maintaining momentum. The real test comes against Oklahoma, where Freeze will take his Tigers on the road for a defining matchup. Meanwhile, Alabama stumbled against Florida State in Tallahassee, with Gus Malzahn calling plays for the Seminoles. The SEC picture is already shifting, and Auburn looks like one of the biggest risers after Week 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hugh Freeze met with the media this week to preview Auburn’s matchup against Ball State, and The Auburn Express has you covered with all the key takeaways. From injury updates to roster adjustments, Freeze laid out what he expects to see from the Tigers as they look to build on their Week 1 performance. We break down his thoughts on quarterback play, offensive execution, and the defensive front’s ability to dictate the game early. Tune in for sharp analysis, context you won’t find anywhere else, and what Freeze’s comments tell us about Auburn’s approach heading into Saturday. Strap in—it’s time to get you game ready. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football walked into Waco on Friday night and left with a statement win over Baylor. This wasn’t just about securing a victory—it was about showing the SEC and the college football world that Auburn might be further ahead than anyone expected. Hugh Freeze leaned on the run game, and Jackson Arnold didn’t just manage the offense, he took over the game. Becoming the SEC’s leading rusher after week one, Arnold showcased both his legs and his confidence in a performance that Auburn fans will not forget anytime soon. But this game wasn’t flawless. The passing attack still has questions to answer, with missed opportunities and receivers like Cam Coleman not seeing enough action. That being said, the offensive line flexed their muscles and gave Auburn a chance to dictate the entire flow of the game. The defense did enough to contain Baylor, but there are still areas in the secondary that will need cleaning up before Oklahoma and Georgia appear on the schedule. The bigger story? Auburn sits outside the AP Top 25, while teams with shakier week one performances remain ranked. That’s SEC football for you—narratives, politics, and plenty of disrespect. But Auburn is right where they want to be: under the radar, waiting to strike. Stay tuned, because if Auburn keeps running the ball like this and Jackson Arnold keeps playing with confidence, the Tigers won’t stay unranked for long. Chapters: 0:00 – Auburn vs Baylor Recap 3:20 – Jackson Arnold’s Breakout Game 7:00 – Auburn Run Game Flexes 11:10 – Passing Attack Concerns 15:00 – Defense and Secondary Issues 18:30 – Auburn’s AP Poll Snub 22:30 – Final Takeaways and SEC Outlook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The dynasty days are gone, and Alabama fans are the last to figure it out. Florida State reminded the Tide what a real playoff push looks like, and Auburn’s Hugh Freeze is doing the unthinkable—reclaiming the state. Bama’s not the main character anymore, just a footnote in someone else’s story. On this episode, Mike G and Ike chop it up about Florida State steamrolling Bama, why parity has finally arrived in the SEC, and what Auburn’s win over Baylor really means for the season ahead. Is Auburn one step away from forcing its way into the playoff conversation? And how long can Bama fans keep pretending Nick Saban is walking back through that door? We also break down Robert Woodyard’s PFF grades, Ty Simpson looking more like Peyton Thorne than the next great Alabama QB, and why Gus Malzahn didn’t need to reinvent himself to embarrass the Tide. Spoiler alert: he just dusted off the same old playbook. Plus: Why storming the field might not even be necessary after the next Iron Bowl win. Why Texas, LSU, Georgia, and even Auburn could be legit title threats this year. Why the SEC Media Days conversation in 2025 will sound completely different. Strap in—the SEC’s balance of power has shifted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alabama football just got a harsh dose of reality, and it’s time fans accept the truth. This isn’t Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide anymore. Kalen DeBoer walked into the SEC with all the hype in the world, but one game in and it already feels like the dynasty is over. Alabama looked regular, uninspired, and physically dominated. Fans who thought the Tide could coast on the “national brand” are quickly learning that doesn’t hold weight in today’s SEC. For years, Nick Saban locked down the state of Alabama in recruiting, stacking rosters with five-stars and NFL-caliber talent. That isn’t happening now. Hugh Freeze is taking in-state players. Auburn is surging. Meanwhile, Bama fans cling to the idea that “we can recruit anywhere.” The truth? If you don’t win your backyard, you don’t dominate the SEC. The quarterback situation is another disaster. Ty Simpson was hyped all offseason as the next star, but his performance was riddled with mistakes and missed reads. Gone are the days of Hurts, Tua, Mac, and Bryce. This looks like the law of averages finally catching up. The most damning part? Alabama didn’t just lose — they got pushed around. Physically dominated. That’s not something you can explain away with one bad game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices