Hugh Freeze is no longer undefeated as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers.
Despite a strong defensive effort, Auburn (3-1) fell 27-10 at the hands of the Texas A&M Aggies (3-1) at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.
With the first game of conference play in the books, the Tigers learned a lot about themselves.
What were the five main takeaways from the game?
Is the quarterback battle back underway?
Payton Thorne reinforced his status as starting quarterback in Auburn's win over Samford, but that might not still be the case.
Thorne went 6-12 for 44 yards. The blame does not lie solely with him, however, as the offensive line certainly had its share of issues today.
Robby Ashford played most of the second half but was unable to find much success either.
With a big test lying ahead next week in the Georgia Bulldogs, regression at the quarterback position was not on the list of things Freeze and offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery wanted to see this week.
The ground attack still looks solid
Auburn's passing game was nonexistent, but it was able to move the ball on the ground.
Brian Battie was Auburn's leading rusher with 59 yards off of eight carries. Jarquez Hunter followed closely with 53 yards off of nine carries.
The offensive line was hit-and-miss, but when it was on, Auburn was able to make things happen.
Auburn has the potential to be special on defense
Auburn held Texas A&M to six points throughout the first half.
The one Auburn touchdown came from a fumble forced by cornerback Kayin Lee and returned 67 yards by linebacker Eugene Asante.
Despite dealing with multiple injuries, the defense kept Auburn in the game and did not receive much help from the offense. When the unit returns to full strength, the sky is the limit.
Auburn was able to limit Evan Stewart's impact on the game
Evan Stewart, a standout wide receiver from the Aggies, was a major talking point ahead of this game.
Many believed that he would tear apart the shorthanded Auburn secondary, but that was not the case.
Stewart did record 50 yards and a touchdown off of three catches, but the Tigers did a good job of limiting the number of balls thrown Stewart's way.
Stewart is not the only star wide receiver on Auburn's schedule this season, but he provided a great test that will help the defense be prepared for the next one.
Penalties are a concern
Auburn was penalized 10 times for a total of 64 yards; every one of them was called on the offense.
The offensive line was responsible for six of them, four holding calls and two false starts.
Penalties are drive killers, and if Auburn continues to let them pile up, they will not win many more football games.
Auburn takes on the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs next week at home inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT. CBS will carry the broadcast.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com
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