AUBURN — Auburn football kicked off its SEC slate in the losing column, falling to Arkansas at home in a heartbreaking 24-14 defeat on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Despite finishing with more total yards, the Tigers (2-2, 0-1 SEC) were haunted by turnovers: finishing with five, including four interceptions. Auburn now has 14 turnovers in four games and are six away from tying last season’s total of 20 in 13 games.
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze called the Arkansas loss miserable to watch and brought up poor play at quarterback. Hank Brown started and threw three first-half interceptions before being replayed by Payton Thorne, who threw one.
“Just, I don’t have the words. It is just sickening,” Freeze said. “Sickening that we can’t take care of the football on the offense and just got – I’ve got to get that fixed.
“And so obviously we’re not doing a very good job coaching quarterbacks right now. I have no idea who’s starting next game sitting here right now. But I’ll go back to work (Sunday), and I’ll be as locked in as I’ve ever been to try and get it fixed.”
More: Auburn football throws away SEC opener with five-turnover loss to Arkansas
Wide Receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith was the best player for the Tigers’ offense, racking up 156 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five receptions. Smith broke for a 67-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to three points.
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze complains about a call as Auburn Tigers take on Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Arkansas Razorbacks defeated Auburn Tigers 24-14.
As a senior, he doesn’t want to put the blame on anyone for the teams’ shortcomings. Overall, Smith wants all the pressure off the quarterbacks and wants everyone to be accountable.
“It’s frustrating, but…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/does-auburn-football-salvage-season-005148429.html
Author : The Montgomery Advertiser
Publish date : 2024-09-22 00:51:48
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