Auburn playoff projections 2024: 3 reasons why Hugh Freeze will struggle in SEC this season

Any gifted salesmen looking for a challenge might start pushing Auburn playoff projections 2024. Hugh Freeze's Tigers are one of the just three SEC teams without a winning season in the past three years.

To make a jump to the playoff would truly be an astonishing climb. Here's three reasons why Auburn - positive mojo aside - is going to come up short on those Auburn playoff projections 2024.

Auburn playoff projections 2024: 3 reasons the Tigers will struggle this season

Any Auburn playoff projections 2024 are incumbent on a big season from QB Payton Thorne. (Photo credit: IMAGN)

#1 The improved SEC does not come at a great time for Auburn

Again, recent SEC play has not been kind to the Tigers. They have lost four league games in a row each of the last three years. And now add Texas and Oklahoma to the list and it seems daunting. Even with an expanded playoff field, it probably takes a top 3 finish in the SEC to reach the playoff.

How realistic is that for Auburn? For one thing, they play Oklahoma, Georgia and Alabama next year, with the last two on the road. Unless there's a miracle, the Tigers basically have to win out to have a shot.

Road games at Missouri and Kentucky and home games against Cal and Texas A&M aren't gimmes. The road to those Auburn playoff projections 2024 goes through a brutal league.

#2 The QB situation is not great

Great teams are generally led by great QBs, and Auburn incumbent starter Payton Thorne hasn't shown much evidence of being a great quarterback.

Since a nice 2021 season at Michigan State, Thorne's QB rating has dropped in each successive season. Last year, he managed a meager 6.6 yards per pass attempt and had his third straight season with double-digit interception totals.

Thorne is in a league with Carson Beck, Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers and many other talented passers. It's hard to objectively consider the SEC QB field and think that Auburn is even in the top half at that position.

For Hugh Freeze's offense, the trigger man matters and Auburn hasn't found their elite guy at that spot yet.

#3 The offensive line is a question mark

Championship football is usually established on the front lines of attack. So, anyone considering Auburn playoff projections 2024 better hope for some massive improvement on the offensive line. A year ago, Auburn's line allowed 34 sacks, including 22 in conference games.

While Auburn does return two regular starters and two more part-time starters, their hopes are pinned on an offensive line that failed to establish their offense a season ago.

Only once in league play did the Tigers pass for 200 yards. While the ground game was respectable, it'll take more than respectable to keep the optimism coming at Auburn.

What do you make of Auburn playoff projections 2024 - Are they legitimate or hopeless? Weigh in below in our comments section.