Paul Finebaum sets expectations for Auburn in first year under Hugh Freeze

Paul Finebaum believes Auburn is trending in the right direction under freshly-minted leader Hugh Freeze.

The SEC Network analyst joined McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning on Monday, where he explained his expectations for the program under Freeze, believing the Tigers are closer to contending than people may think.

“My expectations are get to a bowl game, and then continue this recruiting prowess during the season and towards the end, because that’s when it all happens, as we know. It’s actually happening now, I spoke to soon. That’s really where it is, and I think Auburn’s going to get there,” explained Finebaum. “In a year or two, we can hit the reboot button, and what that means is that Auburn’s expectations are on the highest level of college athletics. I’m not saying go out and win the national championship, although we know that’s possible. But I think when we turn this calendar year, you know what’s going to happen, everything is going to be about one thing, can we get to the Playoff?

“It’s going to be a new dimension like we’ve never had before, and I don’t think Auburn is that far away from the conversation. How many more changes do we have now after this season where we can be in a position, here that’s the key word, a position to make a run for the Playoff?”

Honestly, with the expanded College Football Playoff coming soon, Freeze’s Tigers could make a run at being part of the dance quickly, so perhaps Finebaum isn’t far off in his assessment. Nevertheless, it’s evident the SEC Network analyst is a believer in what Freeze is building.

One of the players who could help Freeze’s team reach a bowl game in 2023 is former Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne. He officially joined the Tigers last week after entering the transfer portal, and will push for the starting gig moving forward.

Thorne played in 29 games for the Spartans and was the starting quarterback the past two seasons, including helming the Michigan State offense during an 11-2 campaign in 2021. Thorne tossed 27 touchdown passes that season.

In his career, he has 6496 passing yards and 49 passing touchdowns to 24 interceptions and went 16-9 as the starter for Michigan State. Thorne left Michigan State ranking fourth all-time in program history in passing touchdowns, 22 shy of tying Connor Cook for the career program mark.

Time will tell how high Hugh Freeze’s team can fly in his first season at the helm of the Auburn Tigers, but it may not take as long as people think to have the program competing with the best of the best once again.