With their biggest win of the season and in the short tenure so far of Hugh Freeze, Paul Finebaum thinks the outlook has changed down on The Plains. Auburn’s thrilling 43-41 victory over the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies in quadruple overtime has sparked new hope for the Tigers, and Finebaum is here to break it down.
Transformative Moments in Auburn Football
On Monday, Finebaum assessed the impact of this pivotal win for Auburn. He noted that it has significantly altered his perception of the Tigers, especially when he reflects on their struggles from the previous season. Just a year ago, Auburn was reeling from a disheartening loss to New Mexico State, a moment that marked a low point for the program. Fast forward to now, and the atmosphere surrounding the team is palpably different.
“Of course it did because, when you get something like that this late, that’s what you feed off of,” Finebaum said during his appearance on ‘McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning’. This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who have endured a rollercoaster of emotions this season.
The Fan Experience: Joy Amidst Disappointment
Auburn fans have witnessed their team lose six games this season, with four of those defeats occurring at home. Many of these games were within reach, leaving supporters frustrated and yearning for a turnaround. However, the victory against Texas A&M has provided a much-needed boost, not just for the players but for the entire fanbase.
“I think it made up for some of those disastrous finishes,” Finebaum explained. He pointed out how the win could help mend the wounds from previous close losses, like the one against Missouri. “For that fanbase? That’s where I was most impressed. To see that reaction, to see the joy in that stadium at midnight? It was really wonderful to see.”
This victory serves as a reminder that college football is about more than just wins and losses; it’s about the community and the shared experiences that bind fans to their teams.
Recruitment: A New Era Under Hugh Freeze
The implications of this win extend beyond the current season. Finebaum believes that this victory could significantly enhance Hugh Freeze’s recruiting efforts. “You know, Hugh Freeze? I believe that helped him from a recruiting standpoint, which is the most important thing right now,” he stated.
A strong showing against a ranked opponent can attract potential recruits who want to be part of a program on the rise. The excitement generated by this win could be the catalyst for a new wave of talent heading to The Plains, making the future look brighter for Auburn football.
Looking Ahead: The Iron Bowl and Beyond
However, Finebaum remains cautious about the immediate future, particularly with the Iron Bowl looming on the horizon. “I mean, I don’t know exactly how it affects this weekend,” he noted. The Iron Bowl is always a standalone event, steeped in tradition and rivalry, and this year feels particularly unique.
Auburn is still striving for bowl eligibility and is likely to finish at .500 or worse for the fourth consecutive season. Yet, the victory over Texas A&M has provided a glimmer of hope. “So, yeah, it’s been a negative season, it’s been a lot of disappointment, but something like that can really ignite you in the offseason,” Finebaum remarked.
The Road Ahead: Building on Momentum
Auburn’s season has been fraught with challenges, but this victory could serve as a turning point. The Tigers now have something to build on as they prepare for the final stretch of the season. The excitement generated by this win can fuel the team’s motivation and determination to finish strong.
As the Tigers look to build on this momentum, the focus will be on improving their overall performance and making a strong case for next season. The coaching staff will undoubtedly be analyzing this game to identify what worked well and how they can replicate that success moving forward.
In the world of college football, momentum can be everything. A single win can change the narrative, instill confidence, and set the stage for future success. For Auburn, this victory over Texas A&M could be the spark they need to ignite a new era of competitiveness and pride.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how this newfound energy translates into performance on the field. Will Auburn continue to build on this victory? Only time will tell, but for now, the Tigers have given their supporters a reason to believe.
