Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban knows that anytime he talks about the Auburn Tigers he is sure to ruffle some feathers. But that didn’t keep the seven-time national champion from sharing his own take on ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
While previewing Saturday’s matchup between Auburn and California, Saban shared a bold prediction for the Tigers under second-year head coach Hugh Freeze. Saban and Freeze had some classic battles when Freeze was at the helm at Ole Miss. And the two went head-to-head in the Iron Bowl last season, a 27-24 win by Bama thanks to the infamous “4th-and-31” touchdown pass in the final seconds.
After a 6-7 season last year, Saban believes Auburn will be “somebody that everybody has to reckon with” in 2024.
“I know there’s gonna be a lot of Alabama folks that don’t like what I’m gonna say here, but I think Hugh Freeze is gonna do an outstanding job at Auburn,” Saban said. “I think they’re gonna be one of the most improved teams in the SEC.”
Rebuilding a program is no easy task, but Freeze has had a notable start to the process at Auburn thus far. The Tigers signed the No. 10 recruiting class in the nation in the 2024 cycle, including five-star wide receiver Cam Coleman. Additionally, DJ Durkin has taken the helm of the defense, a “great addition,” according to Saban.
Saban expects to see improvements defensively and offensively, explosive plays included, in Year 2 under Freeze.
“So I really think they’re gonna made a huge impact, especially with the explosive players that they’ve added to their offense. They’re gonna be somebody that everybody has to reckon with.”
Kickoff against Cal is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). The Tigers are listed as 10.5-point favorites, per ESPN Bet.
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