Auburn falls to Alabama in the Iron Bowl: won't be going bowling

November 30, 2024 – TUSCALOOSA, AL – Auburn's disappointing season came to an end with a 14 to 28 loss to the University of Alabama. Auburn came in with a 5 and 6 record, so the loss means that the Tigers will not be bowl eligible. This is the fifth year in a row that Auburn has finished a season without a winning record.

Auburn was able to drive the football on Alabama; but once in the red zone things went awry. Auburn turned it over on downs twice, made two field goals, and missed a field goal. Auburn scored only once touchdown all day. Alabama Senior Quarterback Jalen Milroe scored 3 touchdowns on the ground. Alabama running back Justice Haynes accounted for the Tide's fourth TD – advantage Alabama. Auburn gave up 201 yards to the Alabama run game.

Auburn was completely unable to stop Milroe – as a rusher. He rushed for 104 yards on 17 carries. Milroe was 18/24 for 256 yards and an interception throwing the ball.

Auburn Senior Quarterback Payton Thorne had 24 completions on 41 attempts for 301 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Cam Coleman. Thorne also had one interception.

Senior wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith had 8 catches for 116 yards to lead Auburn in receiving. Cam Coleman contributed 7 catches for 78 yards.

Auburn got behind on the scoreboard and gave up on the run game. Senior running back Jarquez Hunter averaged 4.3 yards per carry; but was given the ball just 13 times on the day for 56 yards. Hunter also attempted an ill-advised halfback pass.

Auburn forced 4 turnovers in the game but failed to capitalize.

Senior linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr. led Auburn's defense with 10 tackles.

This was a second disappointing season for Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze. Freeze is now just 11 and 14 in his Auburn tenure (5 and 11 in the SEC). Auburn is not expected to make a change at head coach; but Freeze will enter his third season likely on the hot seat.

Freeze fired Assistant head coach/running backs coach Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and some of the defensive assistants last year so it is not known if Freeze will shake up the coaching staff for the second year in a row. Freeze has been widely criticized for the increasingly outdated offensive scheme and the predictable play calling. Could Freeze be motivated to give up play calling and bring in a new offensive coordinator with a new offensive scheme?

Auburn has a lot of key players to replace including seniors Thorne, Lambert-Smith, Mausi, and Hunter. Quarterbacks Hank Brown and Holden Geriner announced that they were transferring out leaving only freshman Walker White in the Auburn quarterback room. White had been promoted to second string quarterback. Brown started the New Mexico State and Arkansas games but has been in Freeze's doghouse since being replaced by Thorne in the second half of the Arkansas game.

This was the fifth Iron Bowl in a row that Auburn has lost.

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