Complementary football is often used to describe how well a team functions in sync. While most discussions focus on offensive and defensive performance, Auburn’s special teams play under Hugh Freeze has been a persistent issue, costing the Tigers several games. Here are a few questions Auburn and Coach Freeze need to address.
Can We Please Field or Return a Punt?
It’s painful to revisit the infamous 4th-and-31 in Freeze’s first season, but what’s often overlooked is the muffed punt that preceded it. Had Auburn simply fielded that punt, the Freeze era might have begun with an Iron Bowl victory and a wave of momentum heading into Year 2. Against Oklahoma, Auburn struggled — not just with officiating — but with special teams.
The Sooners’ first touchdown was set up by two poor special teams plays, beginning with a questionable decision to field a punt inside the 10-yard line. Auburn went three-and-out and then botched the ensuing punt, giving Oklahoma prime field position.
Auburn fans still hold their breath every time a punt heads toward their returner — and not in a good way. Malcom Simmons is a gifted athlete, but he struggles to judge punt depth consistently. In a key moment against Texas A&M, Simmons let a punt bounce from the 38-yard line to inside the 25 on Auburn’s final possession. A fair catch or bounce recovery could have given Auburn better field position with under two minutes remaining.
Can We Block Without Drawing a Flag?
In the season opener, Auburn was “Pleasantly” surprised when Rayshawn Pleasant
returned a kickoff for a touchdown. It felt like a sign of things to come. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t carry forward.
In 2024, Auburn had to drive 90 or more yards on 12 separate occasions. In the game against Oklahoma this season, a kickoff penalty forced Auburn to start its final drive inside the 10-yard line — the third time in that game alone it began a drive that deep. Auburn’s kickoff return game has consistently failed to provide favorable field position when it’s needed most.
Can We Make Field Goals?
Auburn suffered a major setback in 2024 when kicker Alex McPherson was sidelined due to illness. Freshman Towns McGough stepped up during spring practice and showed promise, but struggled in actual games. He made just 5-of-12 field goal attempts, with costly misses that could have sealed wins against Missouri and Oklahoma, and possibly changed the outcome against Vanderbilt.
Auburn currently lists four placekickers on the depth chart, including McPherson. Connor Gibbs appears to be next in line but missed his only attempt — a 50-yarder against Oklahoma. Field goals are crucial, especially when missed attempts outside the 25-yard line give opponents solid field position. If Auburn wants to turn things around under Freeze, it must convert field goals consistently.
Can Auburn Fix Its Special Teams Woes?
Auburn can improve special teams quickly by focusing on three key areas:
- Field and catch punts reliably.
- Block on kickoff returns without drawing penalties to unleash Pleasant’s potential.
- Make field goals from 40 yards and closer.
If Auburn can execute these three tasks, special teams will no longer be a liability. In fact,
they could become a winning edge.