Nick Saban believes in Auburn, Hugh Freeze: 'One of the most improved teams in the SEC'

Much to the dismay of Alabama fans, Nick Saban heaped some praise on the Auburn Tigers during Saturday’s edition of ESPN College GameDay.

As the Tigers ready to play Cal in Week 2, following an impressive 73-3 victory in Week 1, Saban took some time to explain why he believes Hugh Freeze and Auburn can make some noise as one of the sleeper teams in the SEC.

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“There’s going to be a lot of Alabama folks that don’t like what I’m going to say here, but I think Hugh Freeze is going to do an outstanding job at Auburn. I think they’re going to be one of the most improved teams in the SEC,” Saban stated. “D.J. Durkin is a great addition for them as a defensive coordinator.

“So, I really think they’re going to make a huge impact, especially with the explosive players that they’ve added to their offense. They’re going to be somebody that everybody has to reckon with.”

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That’s huge praise from one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football. Elsewhere on College GameDay, Kirk Herbstreit responded with his own praise of the Tigers, specifically their quarterback in Payton Thorne.

“I think people looked at Payton Thorne last year, coming over from Michigan State, and they were lukewarm on him,” Herbstreit added. “I’m with you, you put — the offense now, that’s going to be decided by what Hugh Freeze can do as a play caller. You know better than anybody, his abilities. He’s got a veteran quarterback in Payton Thorne, who can run just enough in that offense, you know, like a Bo Wallace type of guy, and then Cam Coleman, the true freshman, the group of receivers you’re talking about, they’ve got four guys.

“I think Auburn is a surprise team in the entire SEC, and I think Payton Thorne has a chance to have a big year this year.”

It remains to be seen if Auburn can live up to expectations in 2024, but Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit are expecting big things from the Tigers this season.