Auburn University’s football team prepares for a critical match against the No. 16 Missouri Tigers on October 19, 2024, as they seek to avoid an 0-4 start in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Following a tough 20-10 loss to Georgia, the Tigers are looking to rebound in this primetime showdown.
Auburn’s head coach, Hugh Freeze, has expressed concern over Missouri’s defensive capabilities and offensive strength. Missouri enters the game with a record of 5-1 overall, despite suffering a setback in their first SEC game last week against Alabama. The matchup marks Auburn’s fourth consecutive game against a ranked opponent, a challenging stretch for the team.
Both Freeze and Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz share a close friendship, having connected through former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, now at Florida State. Freeze praised Drinkwitz, stating, “Eli’s a good friend. I think he’s one of the best football coaches in the country, and what he’s done there is remarkable.”
Auburn’s previous encounter with Missouri was a disappointment, as the Tigers squandered a 17-6 lead in last year’s game, resulting in a fourth conference loss. With a current record of 3-3 overall and 0-3 in SEC play, Freeze emphasized the importance of understanding Missouri’s roster to avoid repeating past mistakes.
“Missouri ranks fourth in the league in total defense,” Freeze noted. “Teams are struggling to run the ball against them, and they are scoring points effectively.” He highlighted the talent of Missouri’s quarterback, running backs, and receivers, noting their ability to perform at a high level. Freeze added, “Their quarterback understands the system Eli wants and plays within it, using his legs effectively when needed. It’s a really good football team that we get an opportunity to test ourselves against.”
As the game approaches, the anticipation builds for this critical SEC matchup, which will kick off at 18:45 local time on the SEC Network. Both teams are eager to establish their footing in the conference and demonstrate their resilience under pressure.
With the stakes high, Auburn will look to turn the tide in their favor while Missouri aims to bounce back from their recent defeat and solidify their position in the SEC standings.