Special Teams Failures Were Costly in 2024
Was Auburn just a few field goals away from a bowl game—or even more—in 2024? It’s not just a theory. When you dig into how last season played out, you see the impact of inconsistent special teams play. The kicking game, in particular, cost Auburn dearly. Now, with Alex McPherson back in the lineup, the Tigers may have solved one of their most glaring problems heading into 2025 and Alex McPherson’s return could be Auburn’s biggest offseason win.
Special teams have long been treated like the “third wheel” in football, but Auburn fans know better. In tight games where field position and momentum matter, winning the special teams battle can tip the scales. Last year, Auburn consistently lost that battle. Coverage teams gave up too much yardage on kick and punt returns. Return units failed to flip the field. And when it came time to put points on the board, the field goal unit wasn’t reliable enough.
A Proven Weapon Returns
That’s not a knock on Towns Mcgough, who stepped in when McPherson was sidelined due to a significant health issue. Mcgough had some talent—he was a highly regarded high school kicker from right here in Auburn—but he got thrown into difficult spots and struggled to deliver. When a team is already lacking offensive firepower and has a thin margin for error, missed kicks become magnified.
In 2023, McPherson proved exactly why Auburn missed him. He went 17-for-19 on field goals (89.5%) and didn’t miss a single extra point, going 35-for-35. That level of consistency puts him among the best kickers in the country and gives Auburn something it lacked in 2024: confidence. When you know your kicker can hit from 40 to 50 yards, your play-calling shifts. You don’t have to force fourth-down attempts. You don’t have to chase points. You can trust that when a drive stalls, your kicker will walk out there and come away with three.
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What Could’ve Been in 2024
It’s not just about making kicks—it’s about what a trustworthy kicker allows the rest of the team to do. Auburn lost several games last season by narrow margins. A missed field goal here, poor field position there, and suddenly you’re looking at 5-7 instead of 7-5. If Auburn had been more solid in the kicking game, we’re probably talking about a bowl appearance last year. And let’s be honest—two or three additional wins would’ve changed the entire tone of the offseason. They would have cooled down some of the hot takes about Hugh Freeze.
A Story Bigger Than Football
Beyond the football side of things, McPherson’s return is also a story of resilience. He battled through a significant health scare, one that reportedly dropped his weight from 162 to just 110 pounds. At one point, his playing future—and possibly more—was in doubt. The fact that he’s back, healthy, and cleared to compete is a testament to his toughness and drive. It’s also a reminder that these players are more than numbers on a depth chart.
The Strategic Edge He Provides
McPherson’s presence heading into 2025 should bring stability. But ideally, fans won’t have to see too much of him—at least not for field goals. The best-case scenario is that the offense, led by new quarterback Jackson Arnold and a deep group of skill players, punches the ball into the end zone more often than not. If that happens, McPherson becomes an automatic PAT machine and insurance policy when drives stall.
Still, we all know that close games are coming. A trip to Waco to open the season against Baylor could come down to a final kick. So could battles with Texas A&M, Oklahoma, or Georgia. McPherson’s leg may not be called on every week, but when it is, it could swing the outcome of the entire season.
Managing His Role Early
There’s also the possibility that Auburn manages his workload early. Kickoff duties, for instance, might be handled by someone else—especially if it helps preserve his health and accuracy on field goals. That wouldn’t be a surprise given what he’s gone through. And if Mcgough has developed in the offseason, he could provide quality depth as needed.
One thing is certain: McPherson makes Auburn better. He strengthens a key unit that struggled all of last year. He brings back the kind of reliability that coaches dream about. He also gives the fanbase something to rally around—both for what he brings on the field and for what he overcame to get back to it.
Alex McPherson’s Return Could Be Auburn’s Biggest Offseason Win
There are plenty of questions facing Auburn this fall. Can the offense improve enough to compete in the SEC? Will the defense take a step forward on third downs? But the question of who will kick? That’s finally been answered.
Alex McPherson is back. That could be the difference between more disappointment and the season Auburn fans have been waiting for.
