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Today’s edition · Wed., Nov. 4

Auburn's defense faces Arkansas after ranking last in SEC total yards

Plus, Auburn's offensive line shuffles again and basketball opens tonight at Neville Arena

The Auburn Morning News team2 stories12 sources5 min read

Auburn FootballTop story

Auburn's defense has given up more yards than any SEC team heading into Arkansas

Auburn's defense has dropped in four national rankings since last season

National rank, lower is better

Last season2026
Rush defense 63rd-down D 36Sacks per game 31Red zone D 105
55 +817%100 +178%63 +103%133 +27%

Source: The Auburn Observer

View as table
Last season2026Change
Rush defense655+817%
3rd-down D36100+178%
Sacks per game3163+103%
Red zone D105133+27%

If you're headed to Jordan-Hare on Saturday, you'll see a defense with something to prove. Heading into the final month, no SEC defense has given up as many yards as Auburn, and the Tigers haven't finished last in the conference in total defense since 1996. Kickoff against Arkansas is 11:45 a.m. on SEC Network.

Total yards aren't the best measure, since pace of play skews them. Per play and per game, the Tigers land in the middle of the SEC, but both are slips from a defense that ranked sixth and seventh there last season.

“Biggest thing is finishing, that's our biggest thing.”

Cody Sigler, Auburn defensive tackle
  • defense: No. 16 last season, No. 42 for 2026
  • Six of the last nine Power 4 games: more than 435 yards allowed
  • Previous 18 Power 4 games: that happened three times

Auburn's defense sits mid-pack per play and per game

10th
in yards allowed per play among 16 SEC defenses
12th
in points allowed per game among SEC defenses
1996
the last time Auburn finished last in SEC total defense

Source: The Auburn Observer

Opelika-Auburn News says inconsistency was the theme of Monday's press conferences, and AL.com reports a senior leader called Alex Golesh "the right man for the job".

Auburn Football

Auburn has started four different offensive lines this season, and Golesh says more shuffling is coming

If you've wondered why Auburn's offense keeps stalling, start up front. At Ole Miss, the Tigers started their fourth different offensive line this season, and the unit allowed 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in the 45-15 loss.

Auburn's line at Ole Miss had two first-time starters

SpotStarter at Ole Miss
Left tackleStanton Ramil
Left guardKenneth McManus Jr.
CenterCole Best
Right guardJacobe' Ward (first career start)
Right tackleWilson Zierer (freshman, first start)

Sources: Fly War Eagle, The Auburn Plainsman, AL.com

Golesh says they'll keep moving linemen around in the final four games. He also pointed to depth as a factor when the team got worn down in the fourth quarter.

“Yeah, you know, when we were in rhythm, I thought that group did a solid job.”

Alex Golesh, Auburn head coach
  • Ramil and Best: the only two linemen to start every game
  • Ward: no sacks allowed this season, two quarterback hurries
  • Sacks allowed: 6 more than any other SEC team

33times Byrum Brown has been sacked this season

The line allowed four sacks in the 45-15 loss to Ole Miss.

Source: AL.com

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Auburn answered.

Asked

How will you take in Auburn vs. Arkansas on Saturday at 11:45 a.m.?

Be the first to answer.

News Notes

Basketball

Auburn opens its season tonight against Southeastern Louisiana at 7 p.m. CT at (SECN+). Creighton transfer Owen Freeman is expected to make his debut after sitting out all three exhibitions while rehabbing a foot injury, and head coach Steven Pearl said he'd imagine Freeman playing on restricted minutes. Montgomery Advertiser

Opelika

The Opelika City Council failed to approve a rental licensing ordinance Tuesday, Nov. 3, following public opposition. It would have set new licensing and taxation requirements for owners of residential, commercial and short-term rentals, plus self-service storage facilities, starting Feb. 1, 2027. Opelika Observer

Pets

If you live in Chambers, Macon or Tallapoosa County, CARE Humane Society's low-cost spay and neuter program now reaches you. The program, , was originally available to Lee County residents, and qualifying households with a total annual income of $50,000 or less can apply. The LaFayette Sun

Thanksgiving

The Longest Table returns Wed., Nov. 25 with a free community Thanksgiving meal at Lee County Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika. Organizers expect to serve hundreds of people. Opelika Observer

The Longest Table serves a free meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lee County Courthouse Square, downtown Opelika

Midnight6 a.m.Noon6 p.m.11 a.m.to 1 p.m.
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Free community Thanksgiving meal
Date
Wed., Nov. 25

Source: Opelika Observer

View as table
WhenWhat
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Free community Thanksgiving meal
DateWed., Nov. 25

Home

Two home kitchen upgrades under $24 while sales last: super-absorbent dish towels that come in an eight-pack and include a hanging loop, and a water-absorbing stone sponge holder that’s minimalist, compact, and keeps counters and sponges dry with natural diatomite stone.

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Quoted

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Apparel

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  • Pleated cardigan | $28.99 | This open-front knit made from 100% soft viscose has extra flair with a pleated bottom hem.

More worth The Buy

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Auburn answered.

Asked

Which of these are you most likely to do this week?

Be the first to answer.

Today’s puzzles

A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.

All 13 games

Quoted

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

— Jack London

Things to Do

Things to Do

Auburn, AL

Wednesday, Nov. 4

See every Auburn eventFeature your event

Jobs

Jobs

Submit your Job listing

Do you know just the job for our readers? Share it on our Jobs board.

Around the Block

Around the Block

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Neighbors

Hey everyone.

“🐶 I’m a local dog groomer with 4 years of experience in dog grooming. I have left a certain business to venture off on my own. I am located in Auburn. I have a Facebook if you’d like to reach me there. Holiday seasons are the busiest times for groomers. I look forward to hearing from you. I would like to add that I…”

— A neighbor, Orchard Way

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The Wrap

Audubon's 19th-century bird prints are hanging in Auburn this week, and they're not alone. At the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Alabama artist Douglas Pierre Baulos brings new work into conversation with them in A Bird's Eye View, open today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Quite the flock.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Auburn falls 45-15 at Ole Miss; four hurt Tigers back at practice

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Every source in this edition12 links · 10 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. The Auburn Observerauburnobserver.com
  3. Opelika-Auburn Newsoanow.com
  4. AL.comal.com
  5. Fly War Eagleflywareagle.com
  6. The Auburn Plainsmantheplainsman.com
  7. AL.comal.com
  8. Montgomery Advertisermontgomeryadvertiser.com
  9. Opelika Observeropelikaobserver.com
  10. The LaFayette Sunthelafayettesun.com
  11. Opelika Observeropelikaobserver.com
  12. Auburn events calendarauburnmorningnews.com

Past issues

  1. Tues., Nov. 3Auburn falls 45-15 at Ole Miss; four hurt Tigers back at practice
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Auburn Morning Newsto me · Wed., Nov. 46:00 a.m.

Auburn's defense faces Arkansas after ranking last in SEC total yards

Plus, Auburn's offensive line shuffles again and basketball opens tonight at Neville Arena

The TLDR

  1. Auburn's defense has allowed the most yards in the SEC before Arkansas
  2. Auburn has used four different offensive line lineups this season
  3. Will you be in Jordan-Hare on Saturday? Tell us your plans
Read this edition

More stories this week

From Auburn Morning News’ other editions

All the news
Auburn FootballOle Miss scores 28 straight points to beat Auburn 45-15 in OxfordAuburn was right there Saturday. The Tigers trailed 17-15 midway through the third quarter, then Ole Miss scored 28 straight points and won 45-15. Trinidad Chambliss went 22 of 34 for 263 yards and two touchdowns, and he added 65 yards on the ground.Tuesday’s editionRead Auburn FootballFour hurt Tigers were back at Auburn's practice Monday, with Arkansas up SaturdayIf you're counting on certain Tigers Saturday, here's where things stand. Receiver Jeremiah Koger and defensive backs Andre Jordan Jr., Newboy Fegans and Sylvester Smith-Reed were all with the team at Monday's practice. Head coach Alex Golesh gave no guarantees, saying, "I think we'll have a way better feel on Wednesday".Tuesday’s editionRead

Around Auburn

From Gadsden Times, The Auburn Plainsman and 3 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. Gadsden Times19 minutes ago

    Who should you know on Auburn basketball's overhauled roster? Start with these 5

    Which players should you know on Auburn basketball's overhauled roster? We're following these five as the season gets underway.

  2. The Auburn Plainsman1 hour ago

    Auburn begins Year 2 under Steven Pearl, hosts Southeastern Louisiana

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  3. VestaviaVoice.com1 hour ago

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  4. The Auburn Plainsman2 hours ago

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  5. AL.com3 hours ago

    Auburn basketball has a new contender for best dressed player, and he’s set to make his debut

    Owen Freeman turned heads wearing Supreme track pants at a team event and says he might go with something special for Wednesday's game.

  6. Bama Hammer3 hours ago

    Alabama has Auburn to thank for generous initial College Football Playoff ranking

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