Dap's Dealings: Thoughts on Auburn's A-Day

There are plenty of things to take away after seeing the first public scrimmage for the 2024 Auburn Tigers.

Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze during A-Day. / Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Auburn football was back in Jordan Hare Stadium for fans to enjoy for one Saturday this Spring.

Auburn’s offense won the annual scrimmage 28-27 after a 59-yard walk-off FG from Towns McGough.

The game format was similar to last year with the defense being given a 27-0 lead over the offense. The only way the defense could add to its score was a scoop and score fumble recovery or a pick six. That didn't happen on Saturday.

Here are some thoughts and takeaways from the game and postgame presser:

A better look at Auburn's starters

The offensive skill position starters were as follows: Payton Thorne QB, Jarquez Hunter RB, Cam Coleman (OWR), Robert Lewis (OWR), Sam Jackson (Slot WR). Rivaldo Fairweather started at TE and the O-Line was the same starting 5 we saw all spring: Percy Lewis, Dillon Wade, Connor Lew, Jeremiah Wright, and Izavion Miller.

Hank Brown was the more effective QB in the first half

After a 49 yard pass from the second QB to play Hank Brown to Cam Coleman, McGough connected on a field goal for the offense's first points on the day. Brown finished the day 5-12 for 103 yards.

Cam Coleman is as advertised

Coleman has been the talk of spring camp and he didn’t disappoint. His over-the-shoulder, fully extended highlight reel catch for 49 yards on the offense’s first scoring drive, was NFL-like. He later made an electric one-handed grab from Payton Thorne for a 34-yard TD late in the game to give the offense their first TD.

He led Auburn's pass catchers with 92 yards through the air.

Coleman leads a wide receiver room that looks much better than a season ago. Lewis, Coleman, Cam Brown, and Jackson all played at a higher level than what we saw at Auburn a year ago.

Charles Kelly and DJ Durkin have this defense keyed in

The secondary tackled and covered well and the Bucks looked good going side to side. Run defense and the linebackers looked solid as well. Former Texas defensive back Jerrin Thompson highlighted the depth of the defense back room after the game. It's easy to see why. The top two groups were filled with defensive backs who were flying around the field and playing the ball while it was in the air.

Offensive struggled scoring touchdowns while in the red zone

Auburn’s offense moved the ball including some nice checkdowns and throws downfield from Payton Thorne and Hank Brown. They also were led by a nice rushing attack with Jeremiah Cobb and Damari Alston, but struggled scoring once in the red zone.

Penalty flags continue to plague the Auburn offense

There were numerous times during the game, the Auburn offense sputtered on drives due to holding calls and false start penalties.

There were three flags thrown on the offense Saturday. Offensive lineman Wade was called on a holding call on a first down play, the offense was called on a false start on a fourth and one, and offensive lineman Clay Wedin was called for a holding on a second and 10.

Special teams lived up to its name

Towns McGough connected on all of his field goal attempts and showed a powerful leg while filling in for the injured Alex McPherson. He made all seven field goal attempts including an incredible walk-off kick from 59 yards out to give the Auburn offense the win.

Hugh Freeze post game press conference notes

--Helmet communication devices and sideline iPads will be implemented in the fall. Coach Freeze says the impact is minimal for teams that go no-huddle, although it does help when communicating with the QB’s at the 15 second mark.

--Very pleased with the overall play of the DL, felt like they controlled the line of scrimmage. Specifically mentioned the young guys.

--Felt like special teams were the difference. Praised Oscar Chapman’s punting and Towns McGough FG kicking specifically.

--Felt like the QB’s made progress through the spring and got better.

Payton Thorne’s post game interview notes

--Felt a little different playing under different circumstances in Jordan Hare. Said it took some getting used to.

--Mentioned that Cam Coleman is a difference maker and he mentioned playing with Keon Coleman at Michigan State is similar.

--Said the terminology becoming familiar and simpler this spring has made him more comfortable along with a much improved WR room

--Excited for the fall and thinks this team has a chance to be much improved.