The narrative that it will be easier for Freeze to win at Auburn with more resources and better players really isn't true and 2023 and beyond. Here's why:
1) NIL parity and non-parity with SEC schools. It's no longer "creative recruiting tatics". It's money with NIL deals. Georgia, Bama, Texas A&M, LSU, Tennessee are putting big deals out for players. NIL allows for just about any SEC school sign several good 1st string players. Georgia and Bama seem to have the most comprehensive "players benefits packages", but A&M and LSU are putting in millions. And Tennessee is anteing up for key players as well. I see Auburn more on the tier where Tennessee is at now, vs where Georgia and Bama are at. So, best case is you find a way one year to beat Bama, Georgia is waiting to dismiss you quietly. And I would not be suprised to the Texas add some 8 figure rosters soon. The point is that Auburn will have to go "all in" in a way they have not ever had to before. The jump from 7 figures to 8 figures is a big one. You can't get a Cam Newton any more for $180K.
2) With 8 figure rosters comes immediate expectations. You get 1 year, maybe 2 before the dissent starts to snowball. Especially if "mid tier" SEC teams beat you, which will happen for Auburn over the next 2 seasons. As well as Saban whooping your @SS 2-3 years in a row.
3) Money over motivational speeches. How close are we, or we already there, where key players have performance deals to get paid for key wins. Same point, money is how it would happen, no the old ball coach stirring up the hearts of the fellas. Like what they used to get to sign they give for a key win. That's motivation. Buy momma a house type motivation. Yes I love Jesus too but show me the money.
4) Gloves off negative recruiting and social media. It's not going to be pretty and it will be constant. Already happening and it will amplify all the issues that arise from losing games.
1) NIL parity and non-parity with SEC schools. It's no longer "creative recruiting tatics". It's money with NIL deals. Georgia, Bama, Texas A&M, LSU, Tennessee are putting big deals out for players. NIL allows for just about any SEC school sign several good 1st string players. Georgia and Bama seem to have the most comprehensive "players benefits packages", but A&M and LSU are putting in millions. And Tennessee is anteing up for key players as well. I see Auburn more on the tier where Tennessee is at now, vs where Georgia and Bama are at. So, best case is you find a way one year to beat Bama, Georgia is waiting to dismiss you quietly. And I would not be suprised to the Texas add some 8 figure rosters soon. The point is that Auburn will have to go "all in" in a way they have not ever had to before. The jump from 7 figures to 8 figures is a big one. You can't get a Cam Newton any more for $180K.
2) With 8 figure rosters comes immediate expectations. You get 1 year, maybe 2 before the dissent starts to snowball. Especially if "mid tier" SEC teams beat you, which will happen for Auburn over the next 2 seasons. As well as Saban whooping your @SS 2-3 years in a row.
3) Money over motivational speeches. How close are we, or we already there, where key players have performance deals to get paid for key wins. Same point, money is how it would happen, no the old ball coach stirring up the hearts of the fellas. Like what they used to get to sign they give for a key win. That's motivation. Buy momma a house type motivation. Yes I love Jesus too but show me the money.
4) Gloves off negative recruiting and social media. It's not going to be pretty and it will be constant. Already happening and it will amplify all the issues that arise from losing games.
