Paul Finebaum expects no long-term impact from Auburn's loss to NMSU

Paul Finebaum isn’t worried about Auburn. During an appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” the SEC Network analyst revealed the long-term effects the loss against New Mexico State will have on the program.

“I don’t think there are any,” Finebaum said. “I say that based on what I’ve seen, overall, from Hugh Freeze this year, especially off the field. That’s really what the season was about; making sure that Auburn went out and got great players for the future and tried to get to a bowl game. It was about those 15 practices and Saturday didn’t change that.

“[New Mexico State] is a respectable team. This is just not some directional school that you can pick out of the sky. Hugh Freeze is well aware of who they are. He lost to them a year ago. I don’t know what you guys think, and you’ve certainly got a long show ahead, but I’m turning the page to Saturday.”

On Saturday, Auburn dropped a buy game in brutal 31-10 fashion to the New Mexico State Aggies. To add insult to injury, Auburn paid New Mexico State $1.85 million for the honor of losing the game. The contest wasn’t close.

New Mexico State amassed 414 yards in the win compared to Auburn’s mere 213. The Aggies rushed for 213 yards on the ground alone. Auburn couldn’t find its footing all game, converting on just 20% of its third-down attempts.

Before Saturday, New Mexico State was 0-27 all-time against SEC opponents. Moreover, the Aggies were 0-3 all-time against the Tigers, having last played in 2012. As Finebaum mentioned, Freeze is no stranger to the program.

New Mexico State dominated Liberty last season while Freeze was still the head coach, boasting a convincing 49-14 victory. Nonetheless, Finebaum believes Auburn is less concerned with wins this season, and more worried about securing future success.

Auburn looks toward the future

From that standpoint, Freeze is succeeding. Auburn currently has the No. 15 class in the 2024 recruiting cycle. The group consists of 10 four-star recruits and five-star prospect Perry Thompson. In Finebaum’s eyes, Auburn must wipe last weekend from its memory.

“You just move on and the reason why you move on is because the biggest game for Auburn is Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium,” Finebaum said. “If, somehow, Auburn does the unthinkable, no one will will care about New Mexico State.”

On Saturday, Auburn will look to bounce back as it squares off against No. 8 Alabama in the Iron Bowl. The two teams will clash at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.