The Auburn Observer

Justin gets back from Texas A&M to break down Auburn football’s close but brutal-looking loss in College Station. Topics for this recap podcast include:* how this was a historically bad offensive performance from the Tigers* Hugh Freeze’s pregame comments about rushing not meaning anything in-game* the lack of offensive identity for Auburn, almost midway through Year 3* Jackson Arnold’s struggles to throw downfield and the scheme’s limitations* Auburn defense doing enough to keep the Tigers in the game* another bad performance along an offensive line that hasn’t improved* the Tigers going 0-for on third downs and why that happened* Justin’s sideline view of the body language and lack of energy on offense, again* Dan’s take on the monumental stakes of the Georgia game after the off week* a quick look across the rest of college football, including Alabama-Georgia and Oregon-Penn State* a reminder to buy your stickers* the plans for the next few podcasts, including the return of Nothing But Net* spoiler-free endorsements of One Battle After Another and Black BagIf 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 yet again in a podcast that doesn’t even have the typical weekly preview of the rest of college football. It’s been that busy. Topics for this subscribers-only episode include:* a tribute to the late Rudi Johnson* how Auburn is getting a second shot at a huge road win* Horatio Fields’ injury and what that means at wide receiver* why this Texas A&M matchup is better, on paper, than Oklahoma* what did the Tigers learn in the passing game from last week?* the need to #EstablishIt once more* who can Auburn trust to run the ball?* self-inflicted mistakes, from penalties to special teams miscues* Auburn’s secondary vs. another high-powered passing attack* Justin’s take on early-down defense against this A&M offense* Dan’s focus on the pass rush against Marcel Reed* could this be a monster Cam Coleman game?* Auburn’s next four SEC schedules, including an evil 2028* Steven Pearl’s introductory press conference on the Plains* the latest on the hoops roster through the first two days of practice* the guys’ ObservFours of tearjerking children’s movies* go watch The Emperor’s New Groove insteadThis is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join by clicking the button below or going to this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.auburnobserver.comThere’s no more time to waste with a long description. We didn’t even put intro and outro music on this one. Justin and Dan discuss Bruce Pearl’s decision to step down as Auburn head coach and Steven Pearl’s promotion to the job on a permanent basis.This is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join by clicking the button below or going to this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter.

Justin returns from Oklahoma to discuss Auburn football’s SEC opener road loss with Dan. Topics for this recap podcast include:* why it’s impossible to talk about this game without discussing the officiating* the Tigers still having a chance to win — and a lot to correct — with those calls* the frustrating and familiar from this loss under Hugh Freeze* Auburn’s lack of a consistent running game after a hot start to the season* Jackson Arnold’s up-and-down return to Norman* how Oklahoma took away Arnold’s running and how the Tigers didn’t adapt to it* dividing up the responsibility for all those sacks* a day of struggle for the offensive line, especially with penalties* Auburn’s defense stepping up and giving a winning performance* all the major special teams miscues and how that’s a bad sign for the staff* Dan’s questions about some third-down decisions for Auburn’s offense* Cam Coleman’s explosive performance and how he could’ve gotten more involved* Eric Singleton’s target-heavy game and his overall efficiency through four games* a lightning round through the rest of Week 4 in college football, including some upset losses for big-name programs* an announcement about Observer stickers, which you can order starting MondayIf 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.comNOTE: The first email with this podcast had an incorrect file. This is the full version.Justin and Dan break down Auburn football’s SEC opener at Oklahoma and what it might take for the Tigers to come out with an upset road win that they haven’t gotten in years. Topics for this subscribers-only preview include:* the stakes for Aubu…

Justin and Dan break down everything they saw and heard from Auburn football’s 31-15 homecoming win over South Alabama. Topics include:* the various issues for Auburn’s pass defense against South Alabama* where was the pass rush on Saturday?* how much the injuries and the youth played a part in the defensive effort* the dangerous passing attacks the Tigers will face to start SEC play* Eric Singleton Jr.’s continued hot start at wide receiver* why Auburn’s offense has been more about efficiency than explosiveness early* Dan’s thoughts on an improved power running game this season* Jeremiah Cobb continuing to shine in the absence of Damari Alston* Auburn’s pass protection answering the challenge from last week* Keyron Crawford’s interception, Jared Smith’s strip sack and a deepening front* Justin’s take on the special teams taking a step forward* a Week 3 tour around college football’s big games, including Georgia’s shootout win on Rocky Top and Texas A&M’s similar heist at Notre Dame* Dan’s ObservFour of covers that he likes better than the original songs* late breaking news of two firings in college footballIf 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 first-ever matchup against South Alabama and take an SEC-centric tour of Week 3. Topics for this subscribers-only preview include:* Auburn breaking out the Stormtroopers for a home game* why it’s cool that Auburn scheduled South Alabama* a salute to Tre’ Williams* an ObservFour of things that are older than the Jags’ football program* how South Alabama is significantly better than Ball State* why Auburn’s offensive line must improve this week* Auburn’s defensive front being the key against South Alabama’s offense* the matchup between the Tigers’ CBs and the Jaguars’ WRs* the running back situation with a couple of injury concerns* long-range kicking and a different take on the special teams* can Auburn continue to cash in with its red-zone trips?* Dan’s expectation for the crowd on Saturday* Justin’s questions about Auburn’s ability to respond to adversity* an SEC-heavy trip around the Week 3 slate, including Georgia-Tennessee and Florida-LSU* do you still celebrate homecoming? This is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join by clicking the button below or going to this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter.

Justin and Dan go through Auburn’s highs and lows from the 42-3 home opener win over Ball State in Week 2. Topics include:* ranking Ball State with other recent paycheck opponents for Auburn* how the Tigers’ defensive performance was still impressive* Sylvester Smith’s night of big hits and big plays* why Xavier Atkins has emerged as an early-season MVP for Auburn’s defense* Jeremiah Cobb’s explosive performance on the ground* the value of Durell Robinson and Omar Mabson behind the vets* Jackson Arnold taking what the defense gave him, just in a different way* Auburn’s multiplicity at wide receiver and how it affects everything else* the continued pass protection concerns for Auburn’s offense* the Tigers’ special teams needing to improve for the days ahead* how (almost) everybody in college football has work to do early* USF’s upset win over a shockingly bland Florida team* Baylor’s 2OT win at SMU confirming the Auburn game eye test* the SEC flexing its muscles against everybody else in Week 2* looking ahead to Oklahoma after a home win over Michigan* why Vanderbilt looks even more dangerous* an update to the high school mascot ObservFour from last week* an ObservFour of dream podcast guestsIf 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 look ahead to Week 2 of the college football season and Auburn’s home opener against Ball State. Topics for this subscribers-only preview include:* a look at Ball State’s quality compared to recent opponents* where the Cardinals struggled in Week 1 and where they might attack in Week 2* why this home opener should be exclusively about Auburn’s own performance* how the wide receivers could and should get more involved this weekend* Auburn’s need to tackle and cover better — especially down the middle* who could the Tigers line up at safety with Champ Anthony out?* Justin’s focus on the pass protection and cleaning up some issues there* why Dan believes that “Omar comin” soon* Damari Alston’s health and Jeremiah Cobb’s big-play ability* a potential piñata party in the pass rush* the PB&J package and the Tigers’ tight end usage* a reasonable goal for the turnover battle* a journey through the Week 2 schedule across college football* the SEC-adjacent games that you should watch Saturday* an ObservFour of Alabama high school football mascots* THE FIGHTIN’ TATERSThis is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join by clicking the button below or going to this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter.

It’s the third annual Auburn Grubserver podcast episode — but the inaugural awards show. Hundreds of Observer subscribers voted for their favorite restaurants in the Auburn/Opelika area in the following categories, with Justin and Dan guiding you through the selections:* Barbecue* Breakfast* Burgers* Chicken Fingers* Chinese* Fine(r) Dining* Ice Cream* Italian* Japanese* Korean* Mexican* Pizza* Sports Bar* WingsThe guys also go through an In Memoriam segment for establishments that are no longer with us, along with the induction of the 2025 Grubserver Hall of Famer — joining Pannie George’s in our list of the ultimate places where you should eat if you’re visiting the Auburn area.This podcast, originally published in August, has now been unlocked for free for all listeners. 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 are back from Texas, and they decide to record a marathon episode of The Observer podcast to recap what they saw from Auburn’s 38-24 road win at Baylor and what else happened in Week 1 of college football season. Topics include:* the vibe shift that winning this game provided for Auburn football* Justin taking a small victory lap about his running game prediction* why Auburn thrived, for a change, at taking what Baylor’s defense gave it* Jackson Arnold’s decision-making and how the offense reflected his strengths* how the Tigers’ defensive front made a big impact in this game* the surprising struggles against defending Baylor’s passing attack* Rayshawn Pleasant’s instant impact at kick returner* why Amaris Williams really caught Dan’s eyes in Waco* a strong night for Auburn’s tight ends* how this might have been Connor Lew’s best game at Auburn* the perfect pairing of Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb at running back* the other areas to improve over the next two home games* GUS MALZAHN, IN HIS BAG* Alabama’s continued on-field downturn under Kalen DeBoer * Arch Madness and everyone needing to calm down* how Week 1 was all about running the dang ball, everywhere* keeping an eye on what happened at Kentucky and Texas A&M* Troy (yikes)! Rice (yay)! New Mexico (cool)! UCLA (oh no)!* Justin and Dan’s Texas travel recap 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.comWe made it. Let’s talk about an actual football game happening this week. Justin and Dan are previewing Auburn-Baylor. Topics for this subscribers-only podcast include:* is Auburn’s defense going to be strong again? (we could find out early)* why it’s important to look at the context with Baylor’s offense from last season* who will provide the pass rush for the Tigers?* can Auburn make its extra depth at running back count?* Damari Alston’s time to shine after a long wait* the extra-special importance of a turnover battle in Week 1* Jackson Arnold taking over for his first start as an Auburn Tiger* why Auburn needs to make its talent advantage really count in the trenches* a turnaround in special teams play after a rough season in that department* Dan’s plans in Waco* Justin’s barbecue hunt in the Dallas area* the guys’ top four U.S. states, excluding the ones where they’ve livedThis is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join for a discounted rate of $4/month or $40/year by clicking the button below or going to this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter.

Before Justin and Dan preview Auburn vs. Baylor later this week, they go deep on some aspects of the Tigers’ roster heading into the 2025 season. Topics for this episode include:* all the defensive “ORs” on the depth chart and what they mean* why that Dave Aranda quote makes more sense than some Auburn fans think* “believe it when you see it” when it comes to Auburn’s offense* Baylor’s defensive strengths and how Auburn might have to attack them* the pass protection questions and the commitment to the ground game* Damari Alston’s first crack at becoming the Tigers’ new lead back* Horatio Fields’ big preseason camp and chances at starting out wide* why Dan thinks a sharp performance on either side of the ball could mean big things in SEC play* why Justin is still focused on one big stat for the Auburn offense in Week 1* Alex McPherson’s health situation * Dan’s review of the War Eagle+ series on the 2010 national championship teamIf 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 the special price of $4/month or $40/year, 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

After Justin and Dan talk about the SEC’s move to a 3-6-6 scheduling format in football, Jay Busbee of Yahoo! Sports joins the show to discuss his new book, Iron in the Blood: How the Alabama vs. Auburn Rivalry Shaped the Soul of the South. Topics for this show include:* Justin’s victory lap for the 3-6-6 Mafia* Dan’s correct point about how this was the only way to go to nine games* a discussion of which team Auburn should get as its third permanent opponent* an interesting note that Notre Dame could be adding Auburn to a future schedule* why Jay decided to write the definitive book on the Iron Bowl… as an outsider* Jay’s favorite Auburn wins, players and coaches to discuss* how Shug Jordan should be a bigger name in college football history* imagining an alternate universe where the Iron Bowl moved back to neutral sites* Kick Six stories* what Jay sees for the future of the Auburn-Alabama rivalry* Justin and Dan breaking down Week Zero in college footballThis is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join for a discounted rate of $4/month or $40/year by clicking the button below or going to 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 have plenty to talk about from a busy last few days for Auburn football both on and off the practice field. Topics for this episode include:* why Auburn is claiming those national championships right now* Cam Newton officially getting his jersey number retired* how Hugh Freeze’s three-quarterback comments shouldn’t be taken too seriously* the offensive line’s pass protection issues in the preseason* could Auburn’s defensive front just be that good?* the importance of running the dang ball* Jeremiah Cobb potentially getting snaps in the slot* injury updates and bubble wrap for key players* who would be the next man up after Izavion Miller on the offensive line?* the players who caught our eyes the most at Tuesday’s practice* a deeper dive into a very versatile secondary* Justin and Dan’s top stock risers from camp* The Painter Sharpless Memorial Auburn Observer Subscription Scholarship Fund* previewing The 2025 Grubserver Awards* a nonsense finale about energy drinks, discontinued sodas and knockoff brandsIf 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 the special price of $4/month or $40/year, 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