There were surprise, good and bad both, in Auburn football's win over Baylor. Here's out report of the Tigers' efforts.
WACO, Texas — The surprises were aplenty for Auburn football in its season-opening contest against Baylor. For some, that may have been the fact the Tigers actually won, pulling out a 38-24 road victory Friday, but by the night's end, the amount unexpected happenings felt equally good and bad.
Auburn's offense produced, but not through the air. Instead, former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold led a potent rushing attack to 307 yards and four rushing scores. His team's defense, which came into 2025 as the Tigers' expectant strength, had a slew of struggles.
The Tigers couldn't contain Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who had a 419-yard and three-touchdown passing performance.
There was good, there was bad, but above all else, there was room for improvement. Here's the Montgomery Advertiser's report card for Auburn's victory against the Bears.
Auburn football offense: B
With 307 rush yards and an average of 5.9 yards per carry, Auburn found something it hasn't had the past two years under Hugh Freeze: an identity. It's hard to negate anything about such a dominant effort, but there's clearly room for improvement through the air.
Auburn football defense: D+
It's easy to look at the box score and think Auburn contained Baylor's rushing attack. In one sense, it did. But it was also something Baylor didn't need. Robertson's 419-yard day made it as clear as ever the Tigers have some defensive miscues to clean up in Week Two.
Auburn football special teams: A-
Alex McPherson's return was one of the best Auburn storylines of the night, and he delivered with a perfect night on point=after attempts and a 21-yard field goal. Rayshawn Pleasant's kickoff return for a 98-yard touchdown as the highlight. However, the unit still had some penalty blunders that had an impact.
Auburn football coaching: B
There was clearly much to be desired on the defensive side of the ball, but this may have been one of Freeze's best coaching efforts yet. He leaned into his offense's strength and he ran with it.
Auburn football's final grade in Baylor win: B
There's much to clean up on the defense. The special teams did their job largely, but it was Auburn's offense that lifted the Tigers, and that was in spite of the unit dominating in one-dimensional fashion.
Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @colereporter.To support Adam's work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Grading Auburn football's season-opening victory against Baylor
Category: General Sports
