Towns McGough: ‘Best decision I ever made’
Auburn and Ole Miss battled for McGough, with the Tigers coming out on top.
ORLANDO, Florida Planning to commit and sign on signing day, the recruiting process lasted an extra day for kicker Towns McGough as he grappled between Auburn and Ole Miss. The Auburn High (Ala.) kicker had a preferred walk-on with the NIL opportunity to stay home at Auburn, while Ole Miss had extended a full scholarship.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the two sides went back and forth trying to land the nation’s No. 3 kicker, according to Kohl’s kicking camp rankings. Finally, on Thursday, McGough committed and signed with Auburn.
Phillip’s Tuesday Morning Reflections…
Contemplations on Auburn football, the playoff, and more.
Thorne Faces Unwarranted Criticism
Auburn’s quarterback, Payton Thorne, experienced a challenging day in the recent 31-13 loss to Maryland at the Music City Bowl. Despite his struggles, Thorne has faced unnecessary insults, some of them personal, which is regrettable in the current landscape of sports discourse. Thorne, who battled the flu and had minimal practice due to Maryland’s defensive strategy, endured a tough game. Auburn’s coach, Hugh Freeze, acknowledged a quarterback competition in the upcoming spring, indicating room for improvement. Thorne’s performance in the second half of the season showed progress, and his future will be shaped by further development and potential changes in coaching strategies.
Reality of Freeze’s Debut Season
Freeze’s first season with Auburn showcased moments of competitiveness against formidable opponents like Georgia and Alabama. However, inconsistency and losses to teams like New Mexico State and Maryland revealed a talent and depth shortage within the team. Successful teams can secure victories even when not performing at their best, a quality Auburn lacked this season. Expectations are high for improvement in the upcoming season, with potential upgrades in talent and depth.
Dramatic, Yet Imperfect, Clash
Alabama’s 27-20 overtime loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinal was a gripping spectacle. Despite a series of mistakes, including a botched extra point and muffed punts, Michigan rallied for a dramatic win. Alabama, too, contributed to its challenges, with quarterback Jalen Milroe facing significant pressure and struggling with deep passes. Michigan showcased unexpected strengths, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy outplaying Milroe, leading to a well-deserved victory. Alabama appeared more vulnerable than its 11-game winning streak suggested.
Uncertain Futures for Harbaugh and Saban
Following their respective playoff performances, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh and Alabama’s Nick Saban faced questions about their coaching futures. Harbaugh’s response suggested a focus on the immediate joy of the win, while Saban remained tight-lipped about retirement rumors. The coming weeks will likely bring clarity to their decisions, adding an intriguing element to the post-season narrative.
Penix Shines in Washington’s Narrow Victory
Washington’s quarterback, Michael Penix, delivered a stellar performance in a 37-31 win over Texas in the other semifinal. Despite a close call with Texas driving to the 12-yard line in the final moments, Washington secured the win. Penix’s impressive 430 passing yards set the stage for a showdown with Michigan for the national championship. The game promises a clash between Washington’s offense and Michigan’s defense.
Assessment of Playoff Teams
While the playoff games showcased exceptional plays and players, the absence of a standout team was apparent. None of the teams demonstrated greatness in the traditional sense seen in recent years. Alabama lacked its usual array of wide receiver weapons, Michigan struggled offensively, Washington’s defense faced scrutiny, and Texas excelled in certain areas but fell short in others. Despite these observations, both playoff games were decided on the final play, delivering the desired excitement for fans.
Anticipation for a New Era in College Football
With the impending 12-team playoff and significant conference realignments, a new era in college football awaits. Teams like Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Oregon, USC, and UCLA will undergo changes in conference affiliations, ushering in an era of unpredictability. The impact of these transformations on the sport’s landscape remains to be seen, sparking curiosity about whether the changes will enhance the college football experience.
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