Paul Finebaum: Auburn saved its season with win against Kentucky

On Saturday, Auburn ended its four-game losing streak with a 24-10 win over Kentucky. During an appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Paul Finebaum revealed how the win affects Auburn’s outlook moving forward.

“It felt like that win saved the season, Cole, because losing to a really down Kentucky team, I think would have just finished everything off,” Finebaum said. “Now, you can look at the schedule and find wins if you want. You can be pessimistic if you want.

“But there’s nothing like just ending a losing streak and ending what feels like or felt like a hopeless feeling. And I think that’s really significant. Everyone’s aware of what Kentucky has done, and that’s not really the point. The fact that Auburn could go on the road, look like a real football team and not give games away, I think is significant.”

It was a resilient effort from the Tigers, who trailed Kentucky 10-0 after the first quarter. Auburn running Jarquez Hunter led the comeback, erupting for a career-high 278 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.

Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne had a solid showing as well, completing 20-of-his-26 pass attempts for 172 yards and a touchdown while throwing one interception. Auburn’s defense was also integral in the win, tallying three sacks, five tackles for loss and two interceptions.

Finebaum believes the win may be a turning point for Auburn’s mindset.

“Now you can start going, ‘Oh, hey, listen, we did this, we did that, we almost did that. And if the turnovers stop and if things can get buttoned down, then maybe this season can still have some momentum.’ And that’s really what you’re talking about when you lose as many games as Auburn did early.

“You’re not talking about playoffs. You’re not talking about very much of anything other than trying to build momentum into the offseason, which is where Auburn is right now.”

On Saturday, Auburn will look to build on its momentum as it squares off against Vanderbilt at 12:45 p.m. ET. The game will air live on the SEC Network.