Paul Finebaum says Auburn 'wants to feel good about themselves' in game with Alabama A&M

Auburn football kicks off its 2024 season in a handful of days with hopes of turning things around after a disappointing last year. The Tigers recorded their third-straight losing season at 6-7, but seek a better performance in year two under head coach Hugh Freeze.

Auburn opens up its campaign meeting the Alabama A&M Bulldogs out of the SWAC. Ahead of the contest, SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum provided some comments on what to expect on Saturday.

The team’s woes in 2023 were punctuated by two equally devastating losses in the Iron Bowl and to New Mexico State the week prior. For many, this opening game is very unsettling considering those defeats, which Finebaum reflected in his statements.

“I just think, in Auburn’s case, they want to feel good about themselves as they handle the weakest part of the schedule,” Finebaum said.

While the Tigers are a large favorite to win the game on Saturday, there have been many occasions in the past where they have struggled to do the job they were supposed to do.

Finebaum believes that winning in a dominating fashion is going to be the most important expectation that Auburn has to live up to in week one.

“I think if Auburn looks terrible there might be a bigger reaction because there’s probably more question marks about Payton Thorne,” Finebaum said.

Tigers fans will have their first opportunity to witness what this new team is all about when they take the field at 6:30 p.m. CST in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Aug. 31.

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