Auburn predicted to go 6-6 in 2023

On3’s J.D. PicKell has another SEC West record prediction. This time around, it is the Auburn Tigers’ turn. And despite the university turning over the reins of their college football program to Hugh Freeze this offseason, the college football expert sees the Tigers having a reasonably successful season in 2023. But how successful exactly? According to PicKell, just enough to improve from their 5-7 record from last season and earn a bowl game bid with a 6-6 mark.

“It’s very, very reasonable if you’re an Auburn fan to root for a nine 9-3 season. Like I think that is definitely realistic; I think it’s within reach,” said PicKell. “I’m concerned about Auburn. And in year one under Hugh Freeze, I think they’ll make a bowl game. I have them at 6-6. Now that’s not going to be popular with the Auburn fan base but that’s the way it goes in year one.”

Freeze was brought in during the offseason after former head coach Bryan Harsin failed to make it through just his second year leading the program. Harsin struggled in his first season, and rumors began to swirl last offseason of a potential buyout, allowing the Tigers to part ways with their former headman. However, Auburn elected to stick with Harsin to start the season before letting him go shortly after Auburn went 3-5 in their first eight games.

For PicKell, a 9-3 record for Auburn in Freeze’s first year it’s not out of the realm of possibility. But for the college football expert, a lot of moving pieces need to be figured out to make that possibility a reality. Still, in PicKell’s assessment, Auburn will be a much more competitive team in 2022 than they were in 2023.

“I think it’s a lot of putting it together, figuring it out. I will also say this, though; I don’t think the product you put on the field this coming year resembles what you had a season ago. Meaning you have a team at Auburn that is going to be competitive in nearly every single game, in my opinion. And the talent level itself is the reason why you feel a lot more optimistic about your chances and why you disagree with me going with that 6-6 number.

Auburn success, for PicKell, hinges on two things working in the Tiger’s favor. Auburn’s defense, especially in the run-stopping department, needs to greatly improve. And the other thing is an impressive first season from recently acquired quarterback from Michigan State, Payton Thorne having an exceptional season.

“Here’s the major caveat, though; what could change everything. This entire conversation could be shifted if two things are true about Auburn. First one is if the defense figures it out and those transfers get up to speed quickly on the defensive side of the football, and Payton Thorne balls out and picks up the offense quickly. It’s all predicated on getting up to speed quickly.”

PicKell appears to be tapering his expectations for Auburn in their first season under Freeze. The rest of the SEC has programs that are a little further along in their development than Auburn is at this current juncture. But that does not mean they will toggle this season as they did last season. No. It just means Auburn is building in the right direction for the future of the program.