The Auburn Express

Auburn football is officially entering SEC play, and it is time to find out exactly what this offensive line is made of. Alex Golesh says competition remains alive across the Auburn roster, but all eyes are on the offensive guard spots as the Tigers prepare for Florida. Auburn has spent the offseason trying to build a culture where every player has to earn his spot every day. Now that philosophy gets tested when SEC football begins. The offensive line could determine just how high the ceiling is for this Auburn offense. Byrum Brown has shown the ability to push the football downfield, but Auburn has to give him enough time to work through his progressions and create explosive plays. The Tigers also have dynamic options in the backfield, making consistent run blocking just as important. Then there is Jeremiah Koger. The Auburn Express TV (formerly The War Rapport) is the premier independent digital media network covering Auburn Athletics. Reaching thousands of dedicated Tigers fans weekly through deep-dive analysis, exclusive interviews, and daily podcasts. For advertising, sponsorship inquiries, and media kits, contact: [email protected] Head over to www.thewarrapport.com for all the best Auburn Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football is 2 and 0, and now Alex Golesh gets his first SEC game with Florida coming to Jordan Hare Stadium. The question isn't whether Auburn can beat Florida. The Tigers have already shown they have the tools to win this game. The bigger question is whether Auburn can clean up its mistakes quickly enough to win what could become a one score battle in the fourth quarter. There might actually be an advantage to Auburn already being tested. Baylor forced Auburn to deal with adversity immediately. The Tigers had to address turnovers and problems along the offensive line after Week 1. Against Southern Miss, Auburn responded by rushing for more than 300 yards while getting improved play up front. Golesh still wasn't satisfied. Holding penalties, false starts, missed tackles and other self inflicted mistakes gave Auburn plenty to correct before Florida arrives. Golesh made it clear that if problems are still showing up on game day, Auburn hasn't done enough during the week to eliminate them. That approach could become extremely important against Florida. Auburn already knows what happens when things go wrong. The Tigers have already had position groups challenged. They've already had to make adjustments. Most importantly, Auburn has already been in a close game and found a way to win it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football may have made exactly the coaching change it needed. As Alex Golesh prepares Auburn for its SEC opener against Florida, the early returns have created an interesting conversation about where the Tigers are headed compared to where the program was under Hugh Freeze. One of the biggest issues during the previous era wasn't simply wins and losses. It was player evaluation and development. Auburn brought in highly rated talent, particularly at wide receiver, but too many players failed to develop into the difference makers their recruiting rankings suggested they could become. What's even more interesting is watching several former Auburn players move elsewhere without immediately becoming dominant players at their new programs. That raises an important question. Was Auburn's biggest problem talent evaluation, player development or some combination of both? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football is 2 and 0, but apparently that still isn't enough to earn the Tigers any respect in the AP Top 25. Auburn received zero votes in the latest AP poll despite opening the 2026 season with victories over Baylor and Southern Miss. Is that disrespect, or does Auburn simply have more work to do before voters are willing to believe Alex Golesh has the Tigers headed in the right direction? That's the debate as Auburn prepares for Florida. The Tigers handled Southern Miss 43 to 8 and showed major improvement offensively. Byrum Brown finished 18 of 29 passing, and that number doesn't tell the entire story because Auburn also had multiple drops. Brown continues to show that while his throwing motion might not look conventional, the football is getting where it needs to go. Now Auburn has to prove it against SEC competition. Would beating Florida be enough to push Auburn into the Top 25? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ike Jones from The Auburn Express Powered by The War Rapport is joined by guest Kenny B from Toe To Toe Sports to break down the highly anticipated SEC opener between the Auburn Tigers and the Florida Gators. Both teams head into this matchup with 2-0 records, but key questions remain as conference play kicks off. Ike and Kenny analyze both sides of the ball, covering: Florida's Surprises & Weapons: How quarterback Aaron Philo and the Gators' offensive line have exceeded expectations, along with dynamic playmakers like Vernell Brown III and Jaden Baugh. Auburn's Defense: How DJ Durkin's unit and a physical defensive line will test Florida’s pass protection and offensive rhythm. Defensive Concerns: Why Florida's secondary and scheme aggressiveness are giving fans pause against Auburn’s quick-strike offense. Game Keys & Predictions: The critical statistics that will dictate the outcome, how freshman QB Aaron Philo handles his first road test in Jordan-Hare Stadium, and final score predictions for a tight, single-digit battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s show is brought to you in part by KALSHI! America’s #1 prediction market. Visit http://kalshi.com/r/Rapport to get your signup bonus today! The Auburn Express is powered by The War Rapport. Mike G is joined by Kyle Rush of Auburn Daily to break down Alex Golesh’s latest comments ahead of Auburn’s SEC matchup with Florida, including an interesting exchange about his relationship with Gators head coach Jon Sumrall. Golesh’s reaction sparked plenty of conversation, and Mike and Kyle discuss whether there’s a little more behind this matchup than either coach will publicly admit. The guys also dive into an Auburn wide receiver room that may be ready for a breakout. Jeremiah Koger continues to make big plays and is averaging 17.6 yards per catch, while Keshaun Singleton, Chas Nimrod and the rest of the group give Byrum Brown plenty of weapons in the passing game. If Florida loads the box to slow Auburn’s rushing attack, the Tigers may need these receivers to become the difference-makers in Gainesville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin talks with the media ahead of the SEC opener against Florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head Coach Alex Golesh addresses the media ahead of the Florida matchup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn Offensive Coordinator Joel Gordon previews that SEC Opener against Florida. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football might be better than people thought after Week 1, and Byrum Brown might be the biggest reason to reconsider some of those early opinions. Auburn followed its close win over Baylor by taking care of business against Southern Miss. The Tigers rushed for more than 300 yards, showed improvement along the offensive line and got the type of quarterback performance that should have Auburn fans feeling considerably better about the offense heading into SEC play. The biggest question coming out of this game is simple: Are people still underrating Byrum Brown? Plenty has been said about Brown's throwing motion. Yes, the windup is noticeable. But once the football leaves his hand, it gets where it needs to go in a hurry. Brown showed that against Southern Miss, and Auburn's ability to threaten defenses through the air already feels different from where the passing attack was at this point last season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was Auburn football underrated after the Baylor game? Auburn's 43 to 8 win over Southern Miss should at least force another look at some of the assumptions made about this team after Week 1. Auburn didn't play its best football against Baylor, but still found a way to win. Then the Tigers came home and handled an opponent they were supposed to beat. That's exactly what needed to happen. Auburn rushed for more than 300 yards against Southern Miss and showed significant improvement along the offensive line. Nearly every Auburn running back who received meaningful carries averaged more than six yards per attempt. Omar Mabson II had a big night, Bryson Washington got opportunities and Tae Meadows flashed when his number was called. This was the physical rushing attack Auburn talked about building all offseason. The performance also gave Auburn more answers along the offensive line. The interior looked better, the Tigers were more physical at the line of scrimmage and Auburn left the game with more confidence about its ability to run the football than it had after Baylor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football wanted to establish a physical identity under Alex Golesh, and against Southern Miss, the Tigers finally started looking like the rushing offense everyone expected to see. Auburn rolled up 343 rushing yards in the 43 to 8 victory, with production coming from all over the backfield. Omar Mabson II broke the 100 yard mark, Jeremiah Cobb averaged better than seven yards per carry and Byrum Brown continued showing why his legs are such an important part of this offense. So did Auburn finally run the piss out of the football? This performance certainly qualifies. Cobb finished with 12 carries for 85 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt. Mabson provided another physical option in the backfield and became Auburn's first 100 yard rusher of the night. Nearly every running back who got involved was consistently producing more than six yards per carry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s show is brought to you in part by KALSHI! America’s #1 prediction market. Visit http://kalshi.com/r/Rapport to get your signup bonus today! Auburn football is heading into SEC play, and the biggest question surrounding this offense might finally be getting an answer. Has Alex Golesh found his starting five on the offensive line, and if so, what could that mean for Byrum Brown against Florida? Wilson Zierer got an extended opportunity against Southern Miss and made a strong case to remain in the lineup. Auburn rushed for 343 yards, consistently moved defenders up front, and kept Byrum Brown clean on 77.8% of his dropbacks. That is a major improvement from what Auburn dealt with against Baylor and could be exactly what this offense needs as the competition gets tougher. The Auburn Express TV (formerly The War Rapport) is the premier independent digital media network covering Auburn Athletics. Reaching thousands of dedicated Tigers fans weekly through deep-dive analysis, exclusive interviews, and daily podcasts. For advertising, sponsorship inquiries, and media kits, contact: [email protected] Head over to www.thewarrapport.com for all the best Auburn Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football walked away with a dominant 43 to 8 victory over Southern Miss, but Alex Golesh made it clear after the game that the final score isn't the standard he's looking for. Auburn piled up more than 600 yards of total offense and 343 yards on the ground, but Golesh repeatedly described the offensive performance as sloppy. Auburn left points on the field, committed costly penalties and continued searching for the right combination along the offensive line. Against Southern Miss, Auburn could survive those mistakes. With Florida coming to Jordan Hare Stadium, the margin for error is about to get much smaller. There were still plenty of positives. Byrum Brown delivered a much better performance and showed exactly why his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs can make this Auburn offense dangerous. Brown finished 18 of 29 for 226 yards with two touchdown passes and no interceptions. He also continued showing chemistry with the receivers who followed him from USF. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football took care of business against Southern Miss with a 43 to 8 win, but the final score only tells part of the story. The Tigers piled up more than 600 yards of total offense, rushed for 343 yards and showed significant improvement from what Auburn put on the field against Baylor in Week 1. The biggest difference was on the ground. Omar Mabson II led Auburn with 108 rushing yards, while Byrum Brown added 88 yards and Jeremiah Cobb finished with 85. Bryson Washington also got involved with 44 rushing yards as Auburn consistently created explosive opportunities on the ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn Head Coach, Alex Golesh talks about the win against Southern Miss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The SEC has to draw the line somewhere, and this college eligibility fight might be exactly where it needs to happen. College sports have changed dramatically, but having new rules surrounding player compensation doesn't mean programs should be allowed to ignore every existing eligibility standard and simply wait to see whether somebody can stop them. That's where this conversation gets interesting. Some programs appear increasingly willing to test the limits because the NCAA hasn't always demonstrated an ability to consistently enforce its own rules. The mentality becomes simple: why follow a rule if nobody has proven there will be consequences for breaking it? The SEC can't allow that mentality to become the standard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College football fandom isn't always logical. Sometimes there are teams that haven't necessarily done anything wrong, but for whatever reason, they're just difficult to like. That's where the conversation goes with Oregon and Boise State. There isn't necessarily hatred for the Boise State fan base, but that doesn't mean there's any desire to start rooting for the Broncos either. Sometimes a program just lands on the wrong side of personal college football preferences, and figuring out exactly why isn't always easy. Then there's Oregon. Maybe it's the Nike money. Maybe it's the national attention. Maybe it's the branding and everything that has surrounded Oregon football as the Ducks have grown into one of the biggest programs in the sport. Or maybe this one goes much deeper. Auburn fans certainly have their own history with Oregon after the Tigers defeated the Ducks for the national championship. Games like that don't disappear from the memory of a fan base. National championship matchups create connections between programs that can stick around long after the players and coaches involved have moved on. And sometimes the explanation is even simpler than football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football expectations shouldn't change just because fans have watched the program underperform. The standard is still the standard, and Southern Miss gives Auburn another opportunity to show that this program is moving back toward it. This isn't about predicting Auburn will win every game. It's about understanding what should be expected from Auburn football. Southern Miss is a team Auburn should beat, and this shouldn't become another four quarter struggle. After escaping Baylor with a win, the Tigers have to show week to week improvement, especially offensively. Auburn is where it is right now, but it can't stay there. That starts with Byrum Brown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football has a simple assignment against Southern Miss: impose its will. After escaping Baylor with a win, Auburn now gets an opportunity to show what this offense is supposed to look like when the Tigers have the advantage in talent. The number to watch could be 250 rushing yards. If Auburn gets there while producing another 250 yards through the air, that's roughly 500 yards of total offense and the type of performance that would answer some important questions from Week 1. Against Baylor, there weren't many moments when Auburn's offense physically imposed its will. The final touchdown drive was different. Byrum Brown was efficient, Auburn moved down the field and the offense finally looked like the unit many expected to see throughout the game. Now do it consistently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football escaped Week 1 with a 17 to 16 win over Baylor, but now the real question begins: how much better can the Tigers get? Auburn got the result it needed in the season opener, but the performance also exposed several areas that Alex Golesh and his staff have to clean up before SEC play arrives. Byrum Brown completed 74 percent of his passes against Baylor, but three interceptions put Auburn in difficult situations throughout the afternoon. The Tigers also struggled to consistently establish the running game and protect Brown up front. Now Southern Miss comes to Jordan Hare Stadium, and this is an opportunity for Auburn to show immediate improvement. In this edition of Auburn Express, the conversation breaks down what Auburn learned from the Baylor win, what needs to change offensively and why Brown’s development could determine just how high the ceiling is for this Auburn team. Can the offensive line take a significant step forward? Can Auburn create more explosive plays? And can Brown protect the football while becoming the dual threat quarterback Auburn expected? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ike Jones previews Auburn's upcoming home matchup against Southern Miss with guest Andy Borelli from Sports Illustrated. The two break down the Golden Eagles' performance in their season opener, evaluate key position battles, and analyze potential defensive strategy against Auburn's offense. In a bold closing prediction, Borelli explains why he believes Southern Miss is primed to snap a 35-year drought against the Tigers and pull off a 28–24 upset inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football beat Baylor, but the Tigers left Week 1 with one massive question that needs an answer against Southern Miss: what happened to the running game? Baylor deserves credit. Their defensive line was better than many Auburn fans expected, and Dave Aranda spent the offseason talking about how much that group had improved. Maybe Baylor really is that good up front. If that's the case, Auburn's offensive performance becomes a little easier to understand. But there's another possibility. Maybe Auburn's running game needs a lot more work than expected. Southern Miss gives Auburn a chance to start answering that question. Byrum Brown carried the football 21 times for just 27 yards against Baylor. Auburn cannot rely on Brown to do everything offensively. This roster has playmakers, including Jeremiah Cobb and Bryce Cain, who can help take pressure off the quarterback. The Tigers have to find ways to consistently get those weapons involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football isn't just supposed to beat Southern Miss. This is the kind of game where Auburn needs to show that it can handle an opponent the way an SEC program with superior talent is supposed to. After the Baylor game raised questions about Auburn's offense, the matchup with Southern Miss provides another opportunity to evaluate where this team really stands. The final score matters, but how Auburn gets there could matter even more. One of the biggest questions is the running game. Auburn talked all offseason about establishing the run, but that didn't happen the way many expected against Baylor. Southern Miss will likely load the box, challenge Auburn up front and try to force Byrum Brown to beat them through the air. Auburn should have enough talent on the offensive line and at the skill positions to run the football anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football is back at Jordan Hare Stadium, and this matchup against Southern Miss feels like the perfect opportunity for Byrum Brown and the Tigers offense to get rolling before SEC play begins. Auburn escaped the season opener against Baylor with a 17 to 16 victory, but the offense left plenty to clean up. Brown completed 26 of 35 passes for 259 yards, showing Auburn can move the football through the air, but three interceptions changed the way that performance looked. Now comes the response. Can Brown bounce back with another 250 plus yard passing performance while eliminating the turnovers? More importantly, how aggressive will Alex Golesh be with his starting quarterback if Auburn takes control against Southern Miss? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football got the win against Baylor, but nobody should confuse winning with playing a complete football game. Now Southern Miss gives Auburn an opportunity to clean up some of the issues that showed up in Week 1 before the schedule gets significantly tougher. The biggest question is how much improvement Auburn can make in one week. Southern Miss has some familiar names on defense for Auburn fans, including Laquan Robinson and Kobe Alberts. The Golden Eagles also showed an ability to create turnovers in their opener, and that makes ball security and decision making another important part of this matchup. Expect Southern Miss to be aggressive. Auburn should have the advantage when it comes to size, speed and overall talent, but that advantage only matters if the Tigers execute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football escaped Baylor with a win, but now the Tigers have to prove they can handle success. Southern Miss comes to Jordan Hare Stadium with an opportunity to test Auburn in a completely different way, and this matchup could tell Auburn fans plenty about where this offense stands heading into the Florida game. The biggest question is simple: how will Southern Miss defend Byrum Brown and the Auburn rushing attack? Baylor held Auburn to just 130 rushing yards, and that performance could give Southern Miss a blueprint. Expect the Golden Eagles to make stopping the run a priority and force Byrum Brown to prove he can consistently beat them through the air. Until Auburn demonstrates that defenses will pay for loading the box, opponents have every reason to keep testing the passing game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football escaped Atlanta with a 17 to 16 win over Baylor, but simply getting the win does not mean everything went according to plan. Now Alex Golesh and the Tigers return to Jordan Hare Stadium to face Southern Miss with some important questions that need answers before SEC play begins against Florida. The biggest question starts up front. Auburn’s offensive line struggled to consistently create running lanes against Baylor, especially on the interior. That affected nearly everything Auburn wanted to accomplish offensively. Byrum Brown completed a high percentage of his passes and delivered when Auburn needed a game winning drive, but three interceptions and a difficult day running the football showed there is still plenty to clean up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s show is brought to you in part by KALSHI! America’s #1 prediction market. Visit http://kalshi.com/r/Rapport to get your signup bonus today! Auburn football escaped Baylor with a 17 to 16 victory, and now the biggest question is what happens when this offense finally puts everything together? Byrum Brown showed both sides of what Auburn fans can expect from their new quarterback. There were mistakes, including three interceptions, but there were also throws that showed exactly why Alex Golesh trusts Brown to run this offense. Brown helped Auburn finish the game with a 10 play, 75 yard drive, completing all four of his passes on the possession while adding three carries for 18 yards and the game winning touchdown. The biggest concern coming out of the Baylor game may be Auburn’s offensive line. Alex Golesh pointed to the interior offensive line as an area that needs improvement, and that becomes a major storyline heading into the Southern Miss matchup. Auburn needs to create opportunities for Jeremiah Cobb while getting playmakers like Chas Nimrod involved in space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football got the win over Baylor, but there is one adjustment that could completely change what this offense looks like moving forward: let Byrum Brown be Byrum Brown. There were moments against Baylor where Brown appeared to be fighting his natural instincts. Auburn clearly wanted him to operate from the pocket, work through the passing game and avoid taking unnecessary hits. There is logic behind that approach, especially this early in the season. But there also comes a point where Auburn has to unleash what makes Brown dangerous. When Auburn absolutely needed a touchdown late, that is exactly what happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football did something against Baylor that this program simply has not done enough over the last few seasons: find a way to win when everything wasn’t going perfectly. Was it pretty? No. Was the Auburn offense as explosive or efficient as expected? Definitely not. But there is a major difference between getting lucky and making the plays necessary to win a football game. Auburn made those plays. That distinction matters after watching this program struggle repeatedly in one score games. Auburn entered this season needing to prove it could finish. Against Baylor, the Tigers were put in another situation where the game could have slipped away, and this time Auburn answered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football got the win over Baylor, but nobody should walk away thinking everything went according to plan. The Tigers found a way to finish the job when it mattered most, and after watching Auburn lose so many close games over the past few seasons, there is something to be said for simply finding a way to WIN. But there is plenty for Alex Golesh and this Auburn coaching staff to clean up. Byrum Brown had some difficult moments operating the Auburn offense, including three interceptions, but how much of what happened falls on the quarterback and how much falls on the offensive approach? Golesh made it clear after the game that he put more of the blame on the coaching staff than Brown. That matters because Auburn has to find an offensive formula that takes advantage of Brown’s ability without unnecessarily exposing the weaknesses around him. The offensive line also remains a major point of discussion. Auburn had some difficult moments up front, but when two offensive linemen went down during a critical red zone possession, the next men stepped in and Auburn still found a way to finish the drive. That was a huge moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football is 1 and 0. Somehow, that has not stopped some Auburn fans from already preparing for the worst. Yes, Auburn has things that need to improve after the Baylor game. The offense only scored 17 points. There were questionable decisions, missed opportunities and moments that probably reminded fans of frustrating Auburn teams from the past. But there is a massive difference between identifying problems that need to be corrected and deciding after one game that the entire season is doomed. Game one does not define a season. Auburn has seen that lesson play out before. Teams can look great in an opener and struggle later. They can also struggle early, make adjustments and become dramatically better as the season develops. The question is not whether Auburn was perfect against Baylor. It clearly wasn't. The question is whether Alex Golesh and this coaching staff can identify what went wrong and improve it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s show is brought to you in part by KALSHI! America’s #1 prediction market. Visit http://kalshi.com/r/Rapport to get your signup bonus today! The Auburn Express, powered by The War Rapport, brings you the latest news and analysis surrounding Auburn Football. Host Mike G. breaks down the biggest storylines coming out of Alex Golesh’s latest press conference as the Tigers move forward from their season opener. Golesh went back to the tape, and some important truths emerged. The Tigers have work to do along the interior offensive line after Golesh admitted he was disappointed with the unit’s physicality and execution. Meanwhile, explosive young playmaker Bryce Cain continues to force his way into a bigger role. On defense, Elijah Melendez is quickly becoming one of Auburn’s most important players after a monster performance that earned huge praise from Golesh. Mike G. breaks down what it all means for Auburn moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin addresses the media head of the Southern Miss game. He talks about the defensive performance against Balyor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn offensive coordinator Joel Gordon addressing the media ahead of the matchup against Souther Miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football walked away from Baylor 1 and 0, and there is a legitimate possibility that this was the worst version of Auburn fans will see all season. That does not mean everything was good. Far from it. The Tigers have plenty to clean up offensively, beginning with adjustments, quarterback decision making and finding better ways to get their playmakers involved. But Auburn won the football game despite those problems, and that gives Alex Golesh and his staff an opportunity to correct them without already having a loss hanging over the season. The biggest offensive question is adjustments. Baylor had a plan for slowing Auburn’s rushing attack and limiting Byrum Brown as a runner. Auburn has enough talent that the answer cannot simply be hoping the offensive line dominates every opponent. The coaching staff has to find ways to scheme opportunities when defenses take away what Auburn initially wants to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn Head Coach Alex Golsh addresses the media ahead of the Southern Miss game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football got the win against Baylor, but there are several things that absolutely have to improve if the Tigers expect to keep winning as the schedule gets tougher. The encouraging part is that many of Auburn’s problems appear fixable. There were elements of the offense that Auburn can build around in both the running and passing games. The production was not what many expected, but the body language, toughness and response to mistakes provided reasons for optimism. Alex Golesh also took responsibility for some of the offensive struggles after the game, acknowledging that the coaching staff put Byrum Brown in some difficult situations and tried to force the football downfield at times. That accountability is important. Now Auburn has to turn it into better execution. Some of the in game decisions against Baylor were concerning. The fake punt stands out immediately, especially after Auburn repeatedly ran toward the same side before attempting it. There was also an opportunity to take points late in the first half that Auburn failed to capitalize on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football found a way to win, but maybe the biggest story coming out of the Baylor game is HOW the Tigers got it done. This Auburn team got punched, responded, and showed the type of physicality and resilience that has been missing in too many close games. After losing six one score games a season ago, Auburn was finally able to make the plays necessary to finish a tight game. That alone makes this Week 1 performance worth examining closely. The defense provided plenty of reasons for optimism. Eric Winters delivered one of the biggest moments of the game with an incredible stop on Baylor’s late two point conversion attempt. That play required effort, discipline, technique and awareness with the game hanging in the balance. Winters also forced a fumble earlier in the game, while Auburn consistently found ways to create opportunities and make Baylor work for points. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s show is brought to you in part by KALSHI! America’s #1 prediction market. Visit http://kalshi.com/r/Rapport to get your signup bonus today! Auburn football is 1 and 0 after surviving Baylor, but there is plenty to clean up before the Tigers return home to face Southern Miss. The biggest conversation starts with Byrum Brown. Three interceptions will grab everybody’s attention, and there were absolutely throws Brown would like to have back. But there is another number Auburn fans should be paying attention to: his completion percentage. Brown completed a high percentage of his passes despite the turnovers, and that gives me reason to believe this Auburn offense could be much closer to breaking out than the final score against Baylor suggests. The question is whether Alex Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon can put Brown in better situations, help him identify what defenses are doing before the snap and eliminate the forced throws downfield. The Auburn Express TV (formerly The War Rapport) is the premier independent digital media network covering Auburn Athletics. Reaching thousands of dedicated Tigers fans weekly through deep-dive analysis, exclusive interviews, and daily podcasts. For advertising, sponsorship inquiries, and media kits, contact: [email protected] Head over to www.thewarrapport.com for all the best Auburn Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s show is brought to you in part by KALSHI! America’s #1 prediction market. Visit http://kalshi.com/r/Rapport to get your signup bonus today! Auburn football is finally back, and I think Baylor is walking into a much bigger problem than people realize. The Alex Golesh era officially begins Saturday when the Auburn Tigers face Baylor at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Auburn enters this matchup with a major talent advantage, an offense built around Byrum Brown, and a running game that could make this a very long afternoon for Baylor. My prediction? Auburn 49, Baylor 10. Yes, I’m that bullish. The biggest question is whether Baylor can stop Auburn from controlling this game on the ground. Byrum Brown gives Auburn an elite running threat at quarterback, while Jeremiah Cobb brings explosive playmaking ability out of the backfield. If Auburn gets anywhere close to 250 rushing yards, I don't see a realistic path for Baylor to win. But everybody focusing on the running game could create another problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s show is brought to you in part by KALSHI! America’s #1 prediction market. Visit http://kalshi.com/r/Rapport to get your signup bonus today! Byrum Brown is not getting the respect he deserves, and Auburn’s season opener against Baylor could be the game that changes the conversation. Auburn enters the 2026 season with Brown taking over at quarterback and Alex Golesh bringing his offense to the SEC. The big question is whether Auburn will simply look like another version of USF or whether the increased talent around Brown allows this offense to reach another level entirely. There are plenty of reasons to believe it can. Brown gives Auburn a legitimate dual threat quarterback who can stress a defense with his arm and his legs. At USF, he became the program’s first 3,000 yard passer and showed exactly how dangerous he can be when the entire offense is built around everything he does well. Now add Jeremiah Cobb and a deeper Auburn backfield, more talent at receiver, and an Auburn defense that should give the offense opportunities to take control of games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football is getting closer to kickoff against Baylor, and the more I look at this matchup, the harder it becomes for me to see how Baylor stops Byrum Brown and this Auburn rushing attack. Baylor had problems stopping Auburn's quarterback run game last season. Now the Bears have to deal with Brown in an offense that should actually be committed to using the quarterback as a legitimate weapon on the ground. That could be a major problem. Alex Golesh isn't going to have to fight himself to stay committed to the run. If Baylor gives Auburn opportunities to attack on the ground, I expect Auburn to take them. The biggest thing I want to see is Brown making good decisions with the football. Auburn doesn't need him trying to be Superman on every snap. Run the offense, make the correct reads, protect the football and punish Baylor when the defense gives him opportunities to use his legs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How high should expectations be for Auburn football in 2026? At this point, eight wins feels like the line. Anything below that would be a disappointment. There are plenty of questions around the SEC, and Auburn has questions of its own, but the Tigers finally have an experienced quarterback with the physical tools to change games. Byrum Brown does not need to put up ridiculous numbers to make this Auburn offense significantly better. He needs to make good decisions, protect the football and make plays when Auburn absolutely has to have them. That is what I want to see against Baylor. I am not obsessed with Auburn winning the opener by three touchdowns. Would I love to see Auburn run Baylor out of the stadium? Absolutely. But the most important thing is seeing Brown consistently make the correct decisions and Auburn walk away with the win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auburn football expectations are all over the place heading into the 2026 season, but I think some Auburn fans are setting the bar way too low. Eight wins should not sound outrageous for this team. Nine wins should not automatically be dismissed as fan optimism either. Auburn has improved its overall talent, DJ Durkin has already shown what he can do defensively, and now the biggest question is whether Byrum Brown can finally give Auburn the quarterback play needed to win close games. That matters because Auburn has spent too much time on the wrong side of those margins. When a game gets tight late, sometimes the quarterback simply has to make a play. Forget everything else for a moment. Can the quarterback make the throw? Can he get the offense down the field? Can he create a touchdown when Auburn absolutely has to have one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s show is brought to you in part by KALSHI! America’s #1 prediction market. Visit http://kalshi.com/r/Rapport to get your signup bonus today! Auburn football is getting ready for Baylor, and DJ Durkin’s defense may have something special waiting for quarterback DJ Lagway. After hearing from Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, there is plenty to like about where this defense stands heading into the matchup. The biggest question is simple: How does Auburn make DJ Lagway uncomfortable? Lagway brings size, athleticism and the ability to hurt a defense with his legs, but Auburn has several different ways to attack him. The Tigers can generate pressure from the defensive front, bring linebackers from different angles and force Lagway to make quick decisions. If Auburn can speed up his internal clock, opportunities for sacks, turnovers and bad throws could follow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Offensive Coordinator, Joel Gordon previews the Baylor game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defensive Coordinator, DJ Durkin addresses the media ahead of the season opener against Baylor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head Coach Alex Golesh talks with the media prior the season opener against Baylor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices