Previewing Oklahoma and Auburn with the Voice of the Tigers

Andy Burcham has been part of Auburn radio broadcasts for nearly four decades. He is currently in his sixth season as the football Voice of the Tigers.

It was great to catch up with Andy before this Saturday's game.

Craig: Give our readers an idea of how Auburn is rebuilding their program.

Andy: When Hugh Freeze arrived in November, 2022, he really had to rebuild the roster and had to use the transfer portal for that first class. Now, he's still using the portal, but he went to work on recruiting in high school ranks. Many of those freshmen that Auburn signed are getting significant minutes this year, certainly the four freshmen at wide receiver and even guys like Demarcus Riddick and Amaris Williams on defense. These guys are playing important minutes, and the approach has been to build up the program through the high school ranks. Hugh has said it's going to take three good recruiting classes to get Auburn back to where they should be. That's his philosophy. He sticks with the plan he has.

Craig: Would you agree that the program would have more wins if they reduced the volume of mistakes and turnovers?

Andy: Absolutely. In Auburn's two losses this year, the Tigers have a total of 10 giveaways. If they cut down on their turnovers, it's a different ballclub. The challenge now is that they're facing an Oklahoma team on Saturday who's one of the best ball-hawking defenses not only in the SEC, but in the entire country. Oklahoma is as good as anyone at forcing turnovers.

Craig: Who do you think Auburn will ultimately start at QB this Saturday?

Andy: I spoke to Coach Freeze about that. He's not ready to name a starter just yet. He wants to wait the week. Keep in mind when he named Hank Brown the starter against New Mexico, that wasn't done until Friday morning. I won't be surprised if that happens again. Now, in examining last week, Payton Thorne had a better half of football than Hank Brown. Take that for what it's worth. If you're going with the hot hand, it would be Payton Thorne. However, they haven't reached that decision yet.

Craig: Whoever is under center, they'll have a huge target and playmaker in receiver KeAndrea Lambert-Smith. What makes him so special?

Andy: He may have been Auburn's best "get" out of the transfer portal since last season. He has 12 catches for 338 yards and 5 touchdowns so far, including a pair of touchdowns last week against Arkansas. KeAndre leads the Tigers in every receiving category and has been a presence for Auburn ever since he arrived on campus. He's the go-to receiver of the group.

Craig: What are you expecting Saturday?

Andy: Well, the strength for each team are their defenses. Both teams also have some decisions to make at quarterback. In order to win, Auburn has to cut down on turnovers and find a way to get its running game going with Jarquez Hunter.

Craig: It will be a unique venue for the Sooners. Anything you can share with our readers about Jordan-Hare Stadium?

Andy: Get there early! (laughs) Be there when the eagle flight takes place. It's one of the most thrilling parts of any pregame pageantry you'll see anywhere in the country. I hope folks have a great trip and enjoy the game on Saturday.