The Auburn Tigers were 6-4 heading into their Week 12 matchup at home, hosting the 8-3 New Mexico State Aggies, and got walloped 31-10 in what many are calling a shocking loss, and head coach Hugh Freeze had some choice words for his program after Saturday's game.
"This is something I hope sits in the craw of our stomach and makes us sick and gives us a reminder for the future that you have to earn your right to win a football game every single time you?re out.? - Hugh Freeze after Auburn's shocking 31-10 loss to New Mexico State. pic.twitter.com/3Dckw1p2Hp
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) November 19, 2023
Although the Aggies had a better record, some context is required. The Tigers play in the Southeastern Conference, and the Aggies play in Conference USA. Heading into the game, the Tigers were 25-point-plus home favorites. They were -2500 in some spots to win the game. So, despite the disparity in records, this was a massive loss for the Tigers.
"This is something I hope sits in the craw of our stomach and makes us sick and gives us a reminder for the future that you have to earn your right to win a football game every single time you're out," Freeze said after the game.
The Tigers mustered just 10 points. Quarterback Payton Thorne completed 15 of 19 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. He added 38 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Aggies quarterback Diego Pavia completed 19 of 28 passes for 201 yards and three scores. His leading receiver was Kordell Davis, who caught four passes for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Look at these team stats from the Tigers:
- 213 total yards of offense
- 148 passing yards
- 65 rushing yards
- 4.7 yards per play
- 12 first downs
- 2 of 10 on third down
- 1 of 2 on fourth down
- 4 punts
- 9 penalties for 75 yards
- 21:10 time of possession
They were beaten in every possible metric except for penalties; each team had nine for 75 yards. They were also dominated, scoring in just the second and fourth quarters.
Now, in Week 13, Auburn will host top 10-ranked Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the 6-5 Tigers are 14.5-point home underdogs and are +500 to win the game outright.
