Pink’s Perspective: Most pivotal game, thoughts on Julian Lewis, roster buzz, and more

A mix of Pink’s Perspective and a few things I have obtained from sources close to the program–and close to the Julian Lewis recruitment.

What does ‘Leave Freeze alone’ mean?

We get this question a heck of a lot: “What will it take for Auburn to turn things around?” If you watch the Auburn Live show or read Pink’s Perspective, you have heard me say “Leave Hugh Freeze alone.” That is my answer to the question.

With good recruiting comes big expectations. That can be very dangerous for coaches with an impatient fanbase. Auburn’s fanbase is highly impatient, and in some ways, rightfully so. The standard for Auburn’s football program has not been met since 2019–and even that one ended on a sour note.

There is blame to be placed… but where? On Hugh Freeze? Not for me–not at this time, surely.

In covering recruiting, I can see a monster being built. Auburn, under Freeze, has beaten teams that are on its schedule in head to head recruiting battles. That will translate to the field, period. Even if Auburn does not have an ideal season in 2024, I believe the program is trending up significantly.

If Freeze is not left alone by the fan base, and whoever else may become frustrated during the rebuild, Auburn will lose some serious momentum. This is what I mean when saying, “Leave Freeze alone.”

Most pivotal game

The mob will be ready to pounce if Auburn (and Freeze) allows Cal to keep it close again. I feel pretty strongly in saying the Auburn roster is a lot better than Cal’s this season. I wouldn’t have said this a year ago. The rosters were much closer to each other and it showed on the field. I don’t believe in flukes.

Auburn, on paper, should win this game by 2-3 scores, maybe more. If you remember, Auburn’s offensive identity was a total mystery in the Cal game. It took a while for the offense to find a niche. It took a while for Auburn to find a game plan that made sense. The Tigers cannot afford to do that this season. Things are better than they were a year ago, make no mistake.

This is a game Auburn cannot afford to look bad in. The Tigers need to win and need to do so with some style. It’s a tone-setter for the season. No game is more pivotal for Auburn than this one in my opinion.

Buzz on the football side

— Demarcus Riddick has made strides since joining the team in the spring. There was a learning curve, but he came on strong toward the end of the spring. Coaches are thrilled with his potential and will certainly get him on the field this season.

— Champ Anthony is a key piece in the secondary. If we’re being honest (and that is the goal in this write-up), the Tigers’ secondary is a worry for the team right now. Anthony is playing nickel/slot corner, but can help in almost any spot. He has been a bright spot.

— Tyler “TJ” Johnson has come on strong. I don’t think there is a battle at left tackle… yet. Percy Lewis has that spot for now. I would not be surprised if Johnson makes a push for playing time, and potentially a starting job at some point this season. Johnson continues to garner rave reviews.

— Laquan Robinson is playing more in the box than at safety right now, or at least that is the plan, it seems. Robinson has been praised for his ability to make big hits. His skillset might be better served in the box and run support.

— Sylvester Smith will have a significant role at the safety set next to Jerrin Thompson.

— He gets very little recognition, but Dillon Wade continues to show strides at guard and is ready to step in at either tackle spot if needed. He has the potential to be a draft pick as a guard.

— A player told Auburn Live that Gage Keys was one of the most improved players on the team from the beginning of spring to the end. He started to make big plays and shake free from blocks–especially as a pass rusher we are told.

Thoughts on Julian Lewis

I have never had a great feeling about Auburn’s chances with Julian Lewis. As always, I have to attempt to explain that further. For starters, there has never been a source that had full confidence in this recruitment.

For what it’s worth, sources have been very confident about some of the tougher recruiting wins from start to finish (Joseph Phillips, Demarcus Riddick, Perry Thompson, Eric Winters, etc.). So, when they don’t give me full confidence, I think there is a reason.

At different times, sources have had some confidence.. but usually trailed off with a “but, I don’t know,” or “we will see.” Those aren’t phrases that give me confidence, for sure. For whatever reason, the vibes obtained from the Lewis party have not been that he was going all in with Auburn.

As of right now, I feel more confident predicting Colorado than Auburn. I don’t feel confident in predicting any school, however. From what I can tell, there isn’t one school that feels great confidence.

Having said all of this, Auburn could still land Lewis and certainly has done enough in every category it sounds like. I just have been given no reason to believe the Tigers will be the pick.

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