However, Oklahoma linebacker Kip Lewis picked off Thorne with 4:06 to go in the game to take a 24-21 lead to put a stain on what was an otherwise solid day behind center. Freeze shared the details of his conversation with Thorne following the game.

This is an opinion column. Hugh Freeze is a genius. Credit must go to Auburn’s head football coach/master communicator because he’s a cook in the kitchen these days. Bravo. Digesting the last week or so of his word salads leads me to a simple conclusion: This is all the plan — a diversion straight out of a 90s-era kid adventure movie.

The Auburn Tigers have dropped three of their first five games, all of which took place at Jordan-Hare Stadium, to start the 2024 season. Now the Tigers have to leave the friendly confines of the Plains and play three straight road games including two contests against top-10 teams.